maybe it's the width?

[Jezleeds]

I'm trying to fathom what i've seen since the start of the season and wonder if it's this:

we started playing the ball on the ground, fast and slick, and our goals came from movement into the box in that way.

Have teams started to defend narrowly now - it definitely felt like that against Reading and SW - protecting the box so that our 'wide' players are pushed into crossing in to Lassogga instead of making the runs in.

So when we're running at defences with the ball, we're forced around the edges now - and as already noted by others, Roofe isn't a winger and neither are Saiz or Hernandez - all want the ball around the penalty area not out wide - so we're being squeezed creatively into just playing it long or down the middle and shooting from a distance.

I guess the answer is back to genuine width/wingers like Dallas from the start, and having them draw out the defence so we can pick out those short passes on the floor again to Saiz/Alioski/Roofe/Lassogga who can finish from inside the box.

That answer requires a midfield creator - as i said in another thread, i don't think O Kane is up to it, but who is?

[alfinyalcabo]

That's what Mrs O Senior reckons..

[MrsORichSenior]

What about dropping Saiz back a little deeper to create & weave some magic as midfield creator ?

[MrsORichSenior]

That's what Mrs O Senior reckons..

No problems with my defence Alf - Defo no loose balls around my box.
Middle always well shaped & kept tight.
Two up front pretty damn good too for yer record !!
MOT

[BenidormBlanco]

think we are playing too deep now that Lasogga is in the team, also cannot fathom what Alioski has done wrong.

[pilgrimwhite]

never mind the width wheres the quality

[Rev72]

No problems with my defence Alf - Defo no loose balls around my box.
Middle always well shaped & kept tight.
Two up front pretty damn good too for yer record !!
MOT

So your not missing a Wood upfront

[BelfastAndy]

At facial value, we should be doing better.

[Jezleeds]

At facial value, we should be doing better.

So many penetrative replies. I'm almost overcome.

[Tichi1]

I've decided not to come on this thread...