“At first sign of crisis, the ignorant don’t panic because they don’t know what’s going on, and then later they panic precisely because they don’t know what’s going on. ”
So we’ve had the bumpy start none of us wanted to talk about.
We’ve had some excellent analysis of the two games from Matt and lots of talk about transfers, which now seem inevitable—as I type news of bids for Stevens, N’Zonzi, and Benteke are coming through the wires and I have a sneaky suspicion there will be a couple of more.
I would like for us to consider what is missing from the playing staff to enable Lambert to play how he wants us to. There are two types of manager: the type that can utilise a squad and play to the strengths of the players within it, and the type that has his systems and tactics laid out before him and everyone must fit in within them.
Lambert is very much the second type; he is quite clear as to how he wants football to be played, he knows it is very effective when played well, and is trying to find a team within a squad built by three very different managers, with three very different football ethics. Let’s not forget this squad has also been cherry picked and is down on quality and experience.
Saying that, it would appear the model we’re working to has become far more flexible regarding the wage budget, and Lerner will be more obliging in allowing Lambert to stretch it whilst a way of removing Warnock and Hutton from the wage bill becomes apparent and legal. Although the idea of making them in to bronze statues as a warning to future managers…Perhaps they could be positioned outside a large public urinal?
So Lambert is the fourth man to have influence in bringing in players to this squad.
I am not trying to pigeon hole Lambert as a one-system man. It’s quite apparent he will change formation, but the “style” will remain the same: it’s clear he wants to build attacks, keep the ball, and and play attractive football. It’s also clear he wants a team ethic, wants the team to work hard back to front, and have an all-for-one, one-for-all attitude.
Considering the “events” of recent seasons this is going to take some time to build, not only because of the quality of players, but due to the egos of some of the players.
After the first two games one thing has become glaringly obvious: Darren Bent once again cuts a lonely figure. But whose fault is that? There is no doubt Darren Knows where the goal is—normally about six yards from where he’s standing (so it would be bloody hard to lose).
I don’t mind the fact that Bent is a “poacher”…absolutely no problem.
I’ve no problem in Bent being in and around the box when we are attacking.
What I do have a problem with is Bent’s lack of work rate when we’re looking for a pass out of midfield, Bent’s inability to hold on to the ball and reliably give it back, and Bent’s complete lack of desire to rough up a few defenders and get in the mixer. He ain’t a small lad so why doesn’t he use all his attributes?
That is a problem that needs fixing, and Lambert will have to resolve it quickly.
The other issue is this “lack of creativity” that keeps being mooted. Now I don’t know how people are looking at this or what their definition of “creativity” is. But it’s incredibly difficult to be creative when there is so little movement in and around you from your teammates. I honestly think creativity is the least of our problems. It’s not work rate thoug—it’s movement off the ball when in possession that needs to be worked on.
Zoggy constantly running himself in to dead ends; Bannan or Ireland standing still waiting for the ball; Bent not being interested in getting involved; supposed wing backs that are actually young CB’s and thus aren’t really built for ploughing on up and down the channels all game. Watch the two games again—watch Dutch taking the ball, looking up expectantly for a pass and having to wait until someone decides to move for him. Several times I’ve seen him usher players into areas: Dutch has the quality, technique, and composure in the midfield that Petrov has. This was never more apparent that when he was allowed to play higher up the pitch against Everton (after it was too late).
Dutch is going to be a pivot for our team—if he sits deep we’ll see the team follow him back. If he pushes up the pitch he will take the team with him. But where is that platform and movement to allow him to build and get up the pitch on a regular basis going to come from?
Our defence well, there are good signs, but the unit are on a steep learning curve and are still light on infantry. Baker is not a LB, Lowton is a capable RB but will grow in to CB. Clark? Well, I am confused as to what has happened there. And Vlaar is now starting to warm to it. Five more games and he’ll be getting some press. Man is he strong and determined.
In goal, Given has been shown the faith. He’s now put in a poor performance and given the perfect excuse for Lambert to put Guzan in. We will never look back, and our defensive woes on set pieces will suddenly start to clear themselves up (like they did last time Guzan played) because we will have a keeper dominating his box.
Things are not all negative. The signs of understanding are coming, the pass AND move will come, but it isn’t imbedded into the players yet—they still have to think about it. I liken what we’re doing to moving from Rugby League to Rugby Union. It’s basically the same game, but the nuances are massively different. Whilst initially the transition will go smoothly, there are then technical and tactical differences that will take some time to bed in and become second nature. We’re not playing percentage hoof ball and hope football; we’re trying to break teams down.
I’m sure Lambert will have seen the shortcomings. We need a LB, a CM with boundless energy, and a striker that actively wants to be involved in the build up as well as a goal threat. So to take from our past—Alan Wright, Ian Taylor, and Dion Dublin. Anyone got a time machine?
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