What I don’t understand is.....

how after last season, the conclusion was we were too lightweight, too technical and not athletic enough, particularly in the middle of the park. Hard to argue with any of that, seemed like a sensible lesson to learn. Leitner is very good on the ball but he doesn’t measure up if that’s what’s required of him. Fair enough that he’s been moved on.

And yet here we are, even more technical than ever, and lightweight too. Rupp is neat and tidy and nothing more. Cantwell has a habit to do the same, neat tidy, very safe, doesn’t really add anything other than ball retention. Placheta was a good go by Webber, he is fast, no doubt, but it’s not working and yet we’re persisting with him even though he’s added nothing of value for ages.

Without goals from Stieperman and Vrancic, we’re overly reliant on Pukki and the pressure seems to weigh on him like we saw last season.

Skipp is a great addition, no idea why he was subbed. I think Gibson and Hanley are a good combination too. But the balance of the front 4 needs sorting out. Personally, I’d drop Rupp, Cantwell and Placheta for next week - onel and Emi in, plus one of Vrancic or Dowell. I’ve not been impressed by Dowell really so far, but he needs minutes. I’d give him a crack.

The good thing is that it seems like there is plenty of scope for improvement, momentum isn’t with us right now, but we’re more than capable of going on a run of wins. Now is the time to do it and I believe we will.

Posted By: SimonOTBC, Feb 5, 22:29:56