We looked a lot more solid at the back than recent weeks tonight which was pleasing. The problem we have is scoring goals. Cisse is so isolated up front by himself! I don't think he had a clear chance all game. People who were slating Zamora should just look at how badly we miss he presence up front, holding the ball up and creating chances for Cisse. Obviously he's out for another two months now so what options do we have? Mackie - Just doesn't look like a striker to me. His work rate and pace is more beneficial in a wide right position in my opinion. Hoilett - He's too small to be playing as a support striker to Cisse. His best position as is Mackie's is in a wide position where he can beat a player with his pace, then get a cross in the box. Taarabt - For me Taarabt has to play the support role for Cisse. He played wide left tonight and the amount of times he tried coming inside and creating a chance for Cisse. Defenders are scared sh*tless when Taarabt runs at them. All game he's looking to beat a player through the middle, and then play that killer play to set Cisse free. We're in desperate need of a couple of strikers in January as at the moment, I really can't see us scoring enough goals to be able to get us out of this position.
Can't see Taarabt playing in the 'hole' whilst we're also in one: it would mean sacrificing one of the 3 centre-mids, which is perhaps why the defence looked a lot better from getting more protection. Zamora probably performed better last season playing alone, although he spends far too much time in positions where it's impossible to score, whether he's playing alone or in a pair.
Tippy Tappy,chances,no goals,but only one striker!. Draws dont really mean anything. Got to be wins now or we are fooked!
I think once we score they flood gates will open, yes we are only playing with one up top but we only have one fit striker at the moment and will have to just get on with it till Jan where I can see dj being given a chance. I can also see Adel still playing on the left even after Jan as he has a very good understanding with Traore and they link very well so why break up a good partnership. The problem under Hughes was that we would only have one in the box and then put ball in to a heavily marked striker, so now we need Mackie to start attacking the balls that are put in like we know he can do.
To be fair to Mackie, have we seen him up front recently to make a judgment on that? And, he's had better chances than Cissé. He's gotten through better than Cissé. Mackie isn't finishing like he has done in the past but I think he's done more than Cissé lately.
Just need a bit more patience around the area, need to just give a second, do a bit of a feint and make space before taking hard shots. We're almost there.
That was a good point won tonight. It was a step in the right direction and we will improve. Harry has already won 33% of our away points in his first game. We lost this one 3-1 last season, so we are a point better off. Little victories will win the bigger battle.
Harry has only had the team 2 days before this game....give him a chance to work it all out.....coach the side to his way of thinking. Defensively solid and the team working hard.....just need some confidence.
Elliott, you're right about Zamora. Target men do a lot of the crappy work that doesn't get noticed but are a crucial cog in the wheel. Its a pity Hughes was so silly and let Helgusson go. He scored his 8th NPC goal of the season tonight.
Business as usual, getting the job done for this fella? Now just picture that in blue & white hoops. please log in to view this image
