Late defensive changes

[Trafford]

That's twice now in recent games that we’ve brought Stearman on to ‘close the game out’ and we’ve conceded a late goal. That’s not a pop at Stearman, he wasn’t to blame for either goal, but the change seems to exacerbate the communication problems that the defence already have. Ignoring the fact that Bash should have called for the ball before Norwood’s lunge (I’d love to know how he thought directing the ball towards the middle of the box would help), we had an extra defender on the pitch and yet their centre forward was unmarked on the edge of the box. Ditto the first goal.

I’ve said it before but the defence continue to suffer from doing 2 basics badly - communicating and ball-watching. And whilst Jack is one of my favourite players, I’m afraid that he’s one of the worst culprits in both respects. Someone needs to be working with him on it in training and quickly.

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

4-4-2 seems to cause more problems than it solves.

 

[spongebobblade]

Personally I thought yesterday’s problems came from our midfield being well below par and therefore inviting pressure on ourselves. The 3 centrebacks made some crucial blocks as everyone else seemed to be all over the place (sorry but it’s time for Baldock to come back in) When you are seeing out a game you have to remain switched on and disciplined. Sadly we did neither yesterday and as in 5 of the last 6 games, have only ourselves to blame