Outmuscled

[Varndean VI Form College]

Just as in the Palarse match, think we were made to look lightweight today. We were lucky to escape with a point. How good would be be to have Andrew Crofts still, making big tackles in midfield?

Hopefully Poyet recognises this and has players in mind; I was really impressed with Livermore in the Spurs pre-season friendly - wonder if we could get him on loan?

We need a hardman or two. Soon.

 

[terryberry1]

Agree, Livermore would be ideal. Get on the phone to Arry

 

[trueblue]

Livermore's so close to the Spurs' first team that I can't see that happening

 

[DarrenFreemansPerm]

Gus has already said he needs someone with strength to help Bridcutt, mention it on here though and you'll get a few clowns going crazy about it!!!

 

[Varndean VI Form College]

Man for man, Hull's team looked about a stone heavier yesterday (Mclean reminded me of Mr Men favourite 'Mr Strong' - the guy is square!).

 

[moggy]

It's clear we're being outmuscled, happened last night, and before to palace and Leeds

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

I think this has been the most noticeable thing this season. That is probably why Southampton are doing well as they are a big physical team, that play a direct style - we do seem to struggle against that style of foootball/player.

I think when Gus recruited during the summer he was looking primarily at pace (Buckley, Hoskins, CMS), I think what is becoming clear is you need a combination of this with physical presence.

 

[Jesus Gul]

return of the Kish?

 

[crasher]

I think this has been the most noticeable thing this season. That is probably why Southampton are doing well as they are a big physical team, that play a direct style - we do seem to struggle against that style of foootball/player.

I think when Gus recruited during the summer he was looking primarily at pace (Buckley, Hoskins, CMS), I think what is becoming clear is you need a combination of this with physical presence.

I don't think Southampton play direct .Watch them today on the FL show and they're passing the ball just like we do - the difference is they've got strength AS WELL. Which is what we need a bit more of.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

I think they are as every time they work it wide they hit it at Lambert, who is a typical target man. I am not saying they are a long ball team, but just that they have a more direct approach whereas we will work it into areas through intricate passing which is distinctly different.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

I think this has been the most noticeable thing this season.

It was pretty noticeable on occasion last season also. Stoke Cup game being the most obvious example. But also League games like, say, Carlisle at Withdean. Basically any team that refused to be cowed by the tippy-tappy and put us on the back foot showed us up to be lightweight in that department. Should have been a wake-up call to add a bit of backbone to the side. Need that to be put right in January as a priority. The injury to El-Abd hasn't helped.

 

[DarrenFreemansPerm]

Hmmm, interesting to see people are acknowledging the need for a bit of power! No need to go silly and build a squad of wrestlers like Stoke, but 1 or 2 who can put themselves about will make a huge difference!

 

[JJB]

I think they are as every time they work it wide they hit it at Lambert, who is a typical target man. I am not saying they are a long ball team, but just that they have a more direct approach whereas we will work it into areas through intricate passing which is distinctly different.

We mix it up. If we need to, we can knock it up to Lambert and he will hold it up. But we also have some of the best passing midfielders in the division so we can ping it around. The fact we had 60% of the possession away at Derby tells you this. Also working it wide and then 'hitting it at Lambert', isn't that known as a cross?

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Interestingly build wise Buckley looks fairly robust. Personally, I'd like a centre midfielder with a bit more presence (a Paul Clark/Dean Hammond/Andrew Crofts type), a centre half similar to Bamba at Leicester, also can't help wondering whether Joel Lynch would be better at left back than Paints. Ideally a forward like the lad Huddersfield had last year from Arseal.

 

[sydney]

from what iv'e seen on the box , we are pretty light all over the pitch........we need a couple of bruisers, well at lest one in midfield, and one up front to knock down these crosses for cms , barnsey still strugling..when is adam el-abd fit again..?

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

We mix it up. If we need to, we can knock it up to Lambert and he will hold it up. But we also have some of the best passing midfielders in the division so we can ping it around. The fact we had 60% of the possession away at Derby tells you this. Also working it wide and then 'hitting it at Lambert', isn't that known as a cross?

Of course but if your left back is doing it from the half way line I would say it's fairly direct. It's not a criticism, as your style and physique of your team is working for you. I think that if you can mix it up, it gives you an alternative option.

 

[e77]

Some better technique in getting the ball and shielding it under pressure would go a long way.