14th December 2003: Defensive
frailties appeared for the third time this season against Crewe and
cost us two points. We saw them at Walsall and West Ham but I didn't
expect them yesterday. Whether the change to bring Volmer in had an
effect on the communication or overall comfort level, I'm not sure,
but I can't really say that he was at fault for either goal.
But we managed to remain unbeaten thanks to a fluke from Gregan -
how the official website can describe it as a "deft flick" I don't
know, it clearly came off his knee. But our home form could start
to put pressure on our away form. We saw an indifferent display at
Bradford, although we managed to sneak a win, which may be a sign
of that. All good promotion pushes are built on solid home form.
We'll probably beat Arsenal in mid-week as that's the only competition
in which we can win at home at the moment, but we need to get that
win against Derby on Boxing Day, obviously having dispatched Coventry
in the meantime. The longer this run goes on, the more difficult it
will become to break.
But there were positives from yesterday as we looked a much more potent
force going forward and managed to score two goals at home in the
league for the first time since September. I also thought Sakiri made
a great impact and certainly looks more comfortable in a 4-4-2, although
I thought it was strange to put Koumas along side him in the left
side of the centre of midfield.
I'm also concerned about Rob Hulse's form at the Hawthorns. He's scored
a couple of braces away, but he hasn't scored at the Hawthorns since
13th September and that must be playing on his mind. Yesterday, he
seemed to be off the pace and when in possession in dangerous positions,
his decision-making was often poor. He looked more dangerous in the
air, and that's not what I see as the strongest part of his game.
If we can bring another striker in, and maybe drop him for a game
or two to fire him up, it should be to his long term benefit.
Still, shouldn't complain too much yet as we remain clear at the top.
I'd be surprised if Norwich can keep up their current form without
Huckerby who, by the way, I would be very happy to see at the Hawthorns.
If Norwich can't afford him, can we?
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