So 4 games in and we are in the midst of our worst start since 1966. After last years bad start essentially kept us out of the playoffs and possibly the automatic places their was a big emphasis on hitting the ground running this year. I don't think even the most sceptical fan would have forecast 0 points, 1 goal scored and 10 conceded in the first 4 games and after unfortunately being at all of these games, I will take a look into 5 reasons why I think we are struggling so badly.
1. Have Teams Sussed Us Out?
At the start of last season a lot of people thought that we might be a long ball team looking at some of our signings. As it turned out it was the complete opposite as we tried to play out from the back and pass the ball. At times last season it was a joy to watch whilst taking teams like Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers apart. Unfortunately our reputation started to proceed us and teams started to figure us out and we didn't really have a plan b.
This year this trend has continued. Apart from Walsall, in every game this year the other team has pushed up one of their forwards to essentially stand in between our two centre backs while the midfield also pushes up meaning when our midfield do get the ball they are instantly under pressure or the midfield. The ball then comes back and we are forced into passing a long ball up to the forwards meaning the midfield is bypassed.
THE SOLUTION?
It's a tough one because I'm sure all fans would love us to play a great passing game which we are definitely capable of. However, it doesn't matter what way you are playing, if a team figures you out or stifles your play there has to be a plan b and at the moment we don't seem to have one. If we are getting pressurized at the back we have to take advantage of the space created further up the pitch by playing the ball quicker. At the moment the speed of our play means that by time the ball does get played out the opposition have regrouped their shape. If we can pull players out of position with quick passing play from the back it changes the whole game and puts the other team on the back foot.
2. The Right Side.
An ever growing debate is about the right side of our midfield. We usually play in a lopsided 3 man midfield with Spring in the holding role, Smith and Dawson central and Cox on the left all be it a slightly free, roaming role. This leaves the right of midfield, for the most part, vacant. This lack of width often means Omozusi has no support going forward and often decides against trying to beat a player for fear that if he gets caught there is noone behind him to cover. More worryingly is the clear defensive issues we have faced this from being so narrow. I can think of at least 3 goals already this year that have come as a direct consequence of no right midfielder covering or closing down. Teams are now using this against us. Wycombe played a true winger down the left in Joel Grant who ripped us a apart and in the second half at Brentford it was clear that they had been told to double up on Cox and Daniels because they knew they could risk a hole down the right, thus stopping our only attacking threat which is from the left.
THE SOLUTION?
Let's not forget that the same formation as this got us to 7th last year so it goes back to the first point that teams have figured us out and are now playing to our weaknesses down the right. We may actually have a ready made answer in Leon McSweeney. McSweeney got injured in the first game of the season and his natural position is on the right. We also have Obadaju who is a quick right winger and Porter who can also play there. A formation that worked for us last season was a 4-5-1 away from home. If we play this we need to do it by not sticking Revell out on the right who looks like a headless chicken out their. If Slade continues with the same formation, whoever players on the 'right', usually Smith, needs to be told to cover the right side when defending.
3. Ineffective Strike Force.
A strike force that scored over 60 times last season has scored precisely 0 goals so far. In fact the whole team have scored 1 league goal this year and frankly haven't really looked like scoring. To be fair to them they haven't had a lot of service and even when playing well in small spells this year we haven't really looked a threat in front of goal. Revell looks a different player from last season who's touch seemed to have left him and The experienced has looked like he's not at the races.
THE SOLUTION?
It may just be a case of taking some time to gel and getting to know how each player likes to play. We haven't had the best luck up front, Mooney has been injured and just getting back some fitness, Cureton only had half an hour in pre season and still looks a yard off the pace which will come with fitness and Tehoue looked good in his 15 minutes as Walsall and hour at Southend before getting sent off. Another plus sign has been Porter who has looked promising when coming on and gives us a different outlet with his pace. I would like to see Revell get a rest and Tehoue come back into the side to help us hold the ball up. Mooney looked good on the ball on Saturday and I would like to see him paired up with Jonathan. It's not all the strikers fault though as Cox needs to get in more quality crosses and the general service needs to improve.
4. Goalkeeper
With news recently that number 1, Jamie Jones will be out til at least 2012 it has been up to Lee Butcher to fill in between the sticks. Unfortunately it hasn't gone so well for the former Spurs keeper who has let in 10 goals in 4 league games. He doesn't look confident at the moment and seems to be poor at commanding his area and his kicking has been off. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a decent keeper but perhaps needs a little time to find his feet. To his credit half the goals we have conceded no keeper in the land would have stopped.
THE SOLUTION?
It may well be time to bring in a loan keeper with a bit of experience. Butchers confidence must be shot but maybe if Slade sticks with Butcher it may give him the confidence he needs. He lacks experience but he will only get that from playing and if Jones is out for longer than expected we may well have to rely on Butcher.
Sometimes you just don't get the rub of the green and I don't think we have so far. Yes, its an easy excuse but if you look back to last season we had an awful start and could not get any sort of luck. This year we have let in 5 goals in 4 games from 25 or more yards. Now of course, this comes down to our defending but how many wonder goals do you see a season and how many times, at this level does a 30 yard shot end up in the top corner? Once every twenty shots from that distance? At the moment every ball seems to be bouncing for the other team and every free kick against us, every big decision (red card on Saturday anyone?
THE SOLUTION?
Well there isn't one really but luck seems to even itself out over the season and last year after luckless games at the start of last year we had our fair share of points when we didn't deserve them, a couple of dodgy penalties and a few wonder goals. It will get better!
So there we are, 5 reasons why I think this season is going wrong. Of course these are just my biased opinions so please comment and let me know your thoughtsAS
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