My original point though had absolutely nothing to do with Cedric's performance in this match to date, nor how attacking he is. It was solely in relation to him being on a yellow card. Time and time again last season Ron would sub off a player on a yellow. That point (that's he's on a yellow) is a relevant point regardless of whether this is first game for us or his 100th; whether he's having a total mare, or is a man of the match contender.
Which is why I said if it was going to change, I would put Yoshida there. Martina we would have the same problem of him pushing forward then getting caught out.
Too many attacking players and not enough control in the middle of the park. Take off JRod and bring on Harry Reed
Stekelenburg wasn't at fault. Cisse shouldn't be standing all alone like that. Although maybe it would have gone in anyway.
We've got enough going forward. Every time we break we create a good chance. However, we're nervy at the back and our clearances are just haywire. I have no idea how this will finish!
We're also looking at a good 15-20 matches where, no matter how good Cedric is or isn't, Martina (and his noted defensive frailties) or Yoshida (and his noted not-being-a-right-back) or Mugabi (who might have scheduling conflicts with his role as a noted leader of a failed African state) are going to start by necessity, given that EL group play looms.
Good score line as we were second best for most of that. Their goal was lucky, but we need to improve in midfield and at the back.
Blimey, if we substituted a player every time he got a yellow, Vic would never finish a game. Not a great half on our part, but please calm down people!
But that's my point. I've not once said that Cedric pushing forward is a problem. If he didn't, we wouldn't have scored that goal. If I have any problem, it is that we only have two 'CMs'. Bring Reed on (he should have started in my view), either for Tadic or Jay, and hopefully that will make us a lot more secure - including better covering for when a full back is caught up field.
A positive side is that we have plenty of bodies going forward, but our attacking play still lack a certain cohesion. But we are just too open in defence, I dread to think will happen if we approach a match against some stronger opposition with the same formation.
Hopefully Clasie will work out as Wanyama's partner and we'll never have to worry about looking a bit weak at the back again!
But he hasn't just been booked. He's committed 3 fouls, all of which were worthy of a yellow card. He's on his last warning.
