26 Aug 2018 11:10:05
While I love all the positivity at the moment their is still a big issue with our defence.
Conceding five goals in three games is not good, and is something we have to deal with quickly. We could and should be sitting on nine points now.
We are never going to win the league with this team. But if we sort out the defence then a cup is well within our grasp.
Hopefully the new players we have bought will sort this out. Would love another trip to Wembley.
26 Aug 2018 11:49:48
We are back at the level of a couple of seasons ago. When we used to draw too many games that we should have won. Mina and Zouma are yet to play any time so that is one obvious area. Also we have the left back cover sorted now and in fact Baines might not be number one now? So the start we have had is encouraging. The league is a marathon not a sprint and cup games are a bit away (if we can overcome Rotheram) . so on the positive side of things the club has certainly made progress but is suffering a bit from injuries and suspensions now. Luck has not been good so far. but we sis just behind the top few after 3 games. That is progress on last season.
{Ed002's Note - It is a surprise that Zouma has yet to be used - Mina there are clear reasons.}
26 Aug 2018 13:17:11
You have to put in perspective that we've had two of those three games with 10 men.
Additionally, they will still be getting used to Silvas system, zonal marking and new players yet to come in.
The new players have only been at the club for two weeks and will be even further behind.
I'd judge us more in two to three months time, maybe even more so in January.
26 Aug 2018 13:36:16
3 of the 5 goals were conceded whilst down to 10 men.
Bournemouth always claw their way back, regardless who they play.
We will improve at the back with the addition of Zouma and Mina so nothing to panic about yet.
Zonal marking should be the norm for the players once we're a couple of months in.
All in all we have made progress.
26 Aug 2018 14:12:48
It certainly is a surprise about Zouma. I would bow to their greater knowledge but why bring in a lad on loan and not play him. Smit666 again I bow to greater knowledge but prefer man marking, maybe not in tune with the 'modern' thinking but nevertheless works for me. It is refreshing after last season but there are an awful lot of similarities with the Martinez era. The mistakes were there for all to see from Bainsie yesterday but in reality they have always been there its just that his attacking prowess, free kicks and penalties always masked his frailties as a defender, hence why others were always in front of him at International level. Coleman likewise on the other flank, both are wingbacks more than fullbacks, Coleman is ahead because of his relative pace and gnashing of teeth.
26 Aug 2018 14:47:54
Zonal or man marking, I don't mind as long as we have the players playing who can play the style Silva wants.
It's Silvas plan, get the attacking right then work on defence.
Allardyce, get the defending right and then defend some more.
26 Aug 2018 19:25:31
I don't have any issues with the back 4 that started the last 3 matches I actually think Silva looked at who performed in preseason and selected the players he thought where the best. Holgate came in for Jags and played okay with Keane so deserved another chance to show what he can do Zouma replaced Keane (hope he has a speedy recovery) so I expect Holgate and Zouma to be the next CB paring Mina will get his change when he is ready. Drawing games while down to 10 men surely must be a seen as a bonus even if we were in a leading position at the time. Far too many positives at the moment to worry about what may or may not happen. The future looks very bright indeed.