Fair points, but perhaps you're directing them at the wrong targets? I've not actually been that critical of TC; in fact, I felt he played well in the second half of the Blackpool game (when we were making forward movements as a team, which backs up your point). However, I do believe that for such a young and inexperienced player to be expected to make things happen for the team and somewhat dictate the pace of the game is asking a bit much. Again, I'd suggest that with a fit Ale, TC would not start every game - for instance, Barkley (sic?) at Everton is having an outstanding season, but he's rested too. Nevertheless, I would agree with the idea that the team go out not to take too many risks in the first half of matches; however, I would also suggest that this tactic is somewhat the brainchild of McClaren - after all, we've been playing the same style all season, it's just that we were winning earlier and now we're not.
Nice response, we definitely miss Ale, though I never had the impression that Harold was a big fan. Its tempo and intent we need. In fact a quality defensive midfielder/ holding player may be the key, as Nuts has been suggesting, to release the rest.
Thanks. Yes, a decent holding midfielder would be a good addition. Henry has played reasonably on occassion, Leeds being one (or perhaps the only?) instance, but he's clearly not up to it: awful against Burnley and Forest. For me, asking Barton to play in such a reserved fashion does him little favour; he was/is much more effective when he is allowed to go box to box. Still a long way to go, so hopefully things will pick up again.
I thought that we got more players into the box against Watford than we have in the previous 3-4 games. This is because we played with a higher back four, which allowed the fullbacks to push up more (without having to run 40 yards just to get into their half) and the midfielders could link up with Kranky with more ease. The same tactics with a quick and busy striker (with Charlie) is a nailed-on given. January on the morrow!
