Inability from any of our midfield to beat their man is a problem

Emi can do it, but the others never seem to.

Cantwell doesn't often give it away, but all too often the ball goes back to the CMs or back to the CBs

Placheta doesn't beat his man, granted its hard without space. It also doesn't help that he almost always receives the ball with his back to goal.

Skipp and Rupp, don't beat their man. They are good at retaining the ball, but it's passing in front of the opposition defence

Vrancic, occasionally beats his man. Usually then runs out of space and gets dispossessed. However this did give us our best opportunity against Boro

Dowell, remains to be seen.

Onel - used to do it, didn't he?

Stiepi - was very good at this 2 years ago. Remember his goal v Hull?

Emi - does it with ease.

I don't really understand why we struggle with this, a lack of space is certainly a factor. The ball being played into all these players with their backs to goal makes it hard as they are immediately pressed.

I watched Watford v QPR and the QPR winger, Kane, seemed to manage it with relative ease.

I think it's a tactical thing, Farke values possession and control so highly, particularly as it's seen as the best form of defence, the players are too safe with the ball. Trying to work the perfect position for a through ball which never comes.

Actually, I think at this level, and we see it in our own play, often the best opportunities comes from an error when your opponent has the ball. Players are caught out of position and then there is the space we need.

Posted By: SimonOTBC, Feb 3, 11:17:47