Defence - still a problem?

[shurlock]

Another clean sheet on Saturday - conceded only 2 goals in the last 5 games and now have one of the better defensive records in the league. With all eulogies about our attacking play, these improvements have been overshadowed. In fact, in recent away games, our defense has IMO looked stronger than our attack.

 

Does it mean our problems have been cured? What accounts for the improvement -the addition of Jos? a flattering home record where attack is the best form of defense? a tighter midfield -partly a result of Lallana's injury? anything else?

 

Where are we still weak? against pace? Do we still lack of cover?

[Big_Bald_Si]

We still need another Centre back in my opinion. I don't think we'll see Raidi again this season, and no idea when Seabourne will be back in action.

 

And we absolutely MUST sign Jos in the window on a permanent deal. He's got better and better

[Tartarus112]

Think you're right about the tighter midfield. Having Chaplow, Cork and Hammond is tough for most teams to beat. However this has led to less creativity going forward. Jos and Fonte's improving partnership the main reason imo though. Still could improve at RB perhaps. Very picky to say all this though. Playing fabulously atm but it's about improving the small flaws in our team that'll get us over the line to the prem.

[doddisalegend]

Kelvin davies has upped his game? He his made a hell of a lot of good saves in the last few matches.

[CFSFC]

Think you're right about the tighter midfield. Having Chaplow, Cork and Hammond is tough for most teams to beat. However this has led to less creativity going forward. Jos and Fonte's improving partnership the main reason imo though. Still could improve at RB perhaps. Very picky to say all this though. Playing fabulously atm but it's about improving the small flaws in our team that'll get us over the line to the prem.

 

Improve at right back?????? Are you for real both butterfield and Richardson are easily good enough. And both playing really well.

[positivepete]

Improve at right back?????? Are you for real both butterfield and Richardson are easily good enough. And both playing really well.

 

They will both do well for us this season, and are good enough to get us out of this division, but if we want to start building for promotion and settle the team early for premiership football next season we will need a premiership quality Centre Half, Right Back, and Striker in January.

[ericofarabia]

They will both do well for us this season, and are good enough to get us out of this division, but if we want to start building for promotion and settle the team early for premiership football next season we will need a premiership quality Centre Half, Right Back, and Striker in January.

 

Hopefully a few targets have been identified - silly prices will be quoted in January with the Oxo 12 million burning a hole in NC's pocket, but if we get promoted then the prices will get beyond silly for even average players. January could be very important for this and next season.

[shurlock]

The away games in this league are too tough for there not to be many more dodgy defensive displays this season. It can definitely be improved on anyway, depends who is available.

 

Take away the Ipswich and Leicester games (as half of the defence has been replaced since then); we've looked better defensively on the road than going forward. Problem is we always end up conceding first.

[Toadhall Saint]

We still lack cover IMHO - its OK playing Cork as CB when its the Carling Cup but not for the Championship.