FAN ARTICLES

Fixes

A disappointing start to the season undoubtedly... and yet strangely one that has seen us actually play reasonably well for long periods. The main detriments to our success being a less-than-watertight defence, toothless finishing, and individual errors.

The bad news is that Stoke's late rally sees us now in 19th. The good news is that we're only 4 points and 3 goals of 5th. A good win against the inconsistent Geordies this weekend should see us shoot up the table.

So what to do?

1) Defense: Now there has been a lot of talk about Distin on these pages; although I don't think he is anywhere near as bad as his last game suggests, to me it is clear that him and Jags are not quite working as a CB partnership. Jags has also been below par in some games this season but for me his past, his performances for England and his showing on Saturday make him our first choice CB.

In Heitinga we have a player who for the most part was able to marshall the attacks of Brazil and Spain at the World Cup, a high class CB. Johnny and Jags should be able to form a partnership with pace, intelligence and the ability to distribute as well.Admittedly they lack physical presence and this is where Distin may be brought in against certain teams (possibly such as Newcastle?).

For me, Hibbert has been consistent if unspectacular this season but mostly his defending has been sound. The same cannot be said for Leighton, who whilst threatening in attack MUST be told to be more tenacious when closing down crosses from his side. Far too much time given to the opposition.

2) Counter attacks: Pienaar's goal on Saturday was the first I can remember in a long time that saw us move quickly form defense to attack and create a good chance from it. It is how Arsenal and Man U have beaten teams for a long time. Whilst I applaud our more controlled passing game, we must be prepared to occasionally break quickly and catch the opposition unaware ? not with speculative long balls necessarily but with pace and energy... which leads me to:

3) The Right-Hand Side: Clearly this is a longstanding problem. Ossie can't play there. Bily can't really play there. Arteta and Pienaar shouldn't play there. Which leaves us with... Seamus Ramos. I wasn't sure about putting him on the right but it can't be denied that, even in his brief cameos there, he has done more than anyone else in terms of creating threat. His pace, dribbling and ability to beat a man offer us something we don't have. We need to pose a danger on the right and Coleman looks like our best chance of doing that. Or maybe Gueye or Vic when he's back.

4) Up top: This is a tricky one; more than anything, I think Moyes must go with what he sees in training. Whichever of Beckford, Saha, or the Yak is sharpest and putting the ball in the net most in training needs to start. None of this Cahill and Fella rubbish. If both are fit, I would be tempted to start with Saha playing just off Beckford against Newcastle... admittedly that means dropping arguably our player of the season so far in Cahill, but at home against average opposition, I feel two strikers is a better bet. And what a great sub to be able to bring on.

5) Individual Errors: Not much you can do here apart from require complete concentration from your players and drop anyone who makes them consistently. Which may be why Distin is set for a stint on the bench.

6) Energy: I feel a little that the fire and passion that has always been a trademark of Moyes's sides has diminished a little. It was there in the first 30 mins against Man U but apart from that we have looked a little lethargic at times. I'm not sure whether it's complacency, fear or lack of fitness but the high pressing and tempo side of our game hasn't been there.

Cahill being an exception, the players need to re-find that hunger that see's them set about the opposition like terriers and then when in possession pass the ball about with speed, purpose and ambition. We know we can do this because we did it for most of the second half of last season. So wake up boys and bring it back!

My team for the toon would be:

      Howard
Hibbert Jags Heitinga Baines
   Fella Arteta
Coleman   Pienaar
         Saha
       Beckford 

With Distin (to cope with Carroll) and Timmy other starting possibilities.

Three points is a must or else this season is going to start to drift away into the land of 'what might have been...'

COYB.

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