NYSpur
Andy Gray
It has been a while, but we have been this way before. Those of us that have been supporting for a while will remember the 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool early in the Ardiles/Villa era. Unlike a narrow loss, it focuses the mind and is impossible to ignore. We all know that there is something missing based on the lack of goals. Now the powers that be have to confront the big issues instead of saying that we are fine and will come good, give us time. My feeling is that there is a problem with the system we are playing with the players that we have. I fear that AVB is insufficiently flexible in his approach and that the high line vulnerability to a fast counterattacking team is a fundamental problem that is always likely to get exploited once we have to chase a game. Indeed, I saw this first hand 2 years ago on the pre-season games here in the US. Back then, one could say it was players adjusting to the system. But the back four today were all at the club then. Going forward, I felt we had better balance at times today. However, the Paulinho/Soldado/Holtby triumvirate did not gel and Paulinho's absence from more defensive midfield meant that it was Sandro against Emirates Marketing Project's quality attack. Sandro was great, imho, given his situation but he cannot do it all on his own. Other positives--- Lennon looked a little brighter and Lamela was positive if not always successful. Verts at left back--not so good. Assou-Ekotto's loan out still looks like a blunder. Ade looked positive too. I hope that we can change this around soonish but no goals in the last three games does not bode well. Anyhow, Man U next! :lol:
