A thought provoking post Andy, followed by good replies from PJ, Clive and Eboro.
. It almost feels like we’re in an inflated position and sooner or later it will catch up with us.
I and a number of the fans around us in the Riverside feel the same way about the current situation. I just do not think we have particually played at all well since the kick off day against Swansea. We have had a few moments, Millwall, Norwich and parts of the Ipswich game.
However it has to be said, and I think we all agree, that the defence including Sol Brynn have generally carried the team along at the top end of the league. Brynn coming back from injury, the purchase/loan of solid players in Jones, Brittain and Targett have had an imense impact on our defensive reliabilty compared to the last two seasons.
The midfield has also been a little hit and miss. Morris started well, when HH was off the pace somewhat. Then we had games when both could have done better until Browne came along and has solidified that area when he has played and after the last three games should be a first pick for the midfield.
Then we have the big issue, UP FRONT, including the midfield because they are normally expected to chip in with a few assists and goals, HH, Morris, Browne, Kante, Whittaker, Sene, Nypan, Hansen, Strelec, and add Conway, Burzorg and Hamilton as we paid decent money for him.
At least we can now see that Edwards is not totally wedded to the three at the back system and did change to a back four when initially forced to, by injuries. He has continued with that, possibly hoping that the extra forward player will mean more goals, but that just has not happened.
Infact I would say that yesteday when we reverted to a 3 with Ayling, we looked more capable than we had done for a while against the low block teams.
It really looks at this moment, that Edwards is just not sure what to do, to try and solve this major issue, if indeed it is solvable with this current set of players. He got it totally wrong yesterday, but at least did try to rectify the problem. You do not have to be a Coach with Badges to see where the problem lays.
Conway and Strelec are "box players" best served with crosses in from wide or possibly someone as has been said, the enigma McGree. As I post previously, Targett and Brittain are not "a Giles". I would say Probably going forward Ayling is a better source for crosses.
Nypan for all the trumpeting, has not produced any consistancy to date. As Andy said, Hansen is stuck to the bench, Sene, I am not sure where he fits in, Strelec, hopefully he is still finding his feet and more will come from him. Then we have the constantly inconsistant Burgzorg and finally Conway, who some have complained about, but without him we look nothing at the top.
It could be that the gamble of cheaper foriegn players being the answer may prove to be wrong. Should have bought less quantity and more proven quality from the EFL or loaned form the EPL?
Some very good post-match posts and a good debate.
To be honest I'm not surprised that the new players are not yet living up to their billing - both Strelec and Nypan both have the equivalent of just 4 games under their belt this season and Sene even less - with Hansen barely featuring.
All these players are new to the Championship and need to get used to the change in pace and physicality - let alone build up understanding with their teammates - plus Nypan is only 18! We should also take into account they are also off on international duty during the breaks and are missing out on extended training with the team after also missing preseason given they were late signings.
So my problem is that these players look like they have good ability but without regular pitch time they start each game under pressure to deliver or face more time on the bench - they also start each game in different roles with different players around them. Can we really expect them to be fully match fit and adjusted to playing Championship football? Obviously the answer is no.
However, there's no other solution than playing them if Boro want them to be at the top of their game - look at Whittaker, he arrived with a great reputation but has only just started to look anything like the player advertised after 9 months - though even that is not quite the full deal as he lacks physical presence and loses the ball easily.
That's why I'm in favour of Nypan and Strelec getting more pitch time as they have the awareness on the pitch to keep hold of the ball but just are lacking that connectedness to their fellow players and are maybe trying too hard with their passes to make something happen.
Boro have plenty of pace in this squad but for some reason are unable to utilise it in a meaningful manner. We're also still waiting for both McGree and Bangura to be allowed off the bench as Edwards opts for Silvera (who didn't once try to beat his man when he came on) and hoping Burgzorg is in the mood or Whittakers does more and doesn't lose the ball too many times.
Sadly this is the Championship and there's little time once the season has started it's all learning on the job - maybe we won't see things improve in an attacking point of view until the next international break has been and gone and the new players are focused on their clubs and playing how they do!
@werdermouth A good post.
Please remember that it took some matches EVERY season when we bough (too) many players in one tranfer season. Remember the difficult starts that Carrick had after every summer.
So I think we have seen the same problems as Carrich had in his two full seasons after every summer transfer window. It takes time to bed in a big number of players. And especially in attack.
So in all, our start of the season has been very good, indeed. We - fans - must just be patient. Please re-read the story above written by Wreder.
So I am very happy with the start so far. So well done, Boro. A bit over two points per a match after 12 games. Happy days and up the Boro!
Yes and despite all that Boro are second in the table so all credit to the management team.
btw I suspect the stop start disruption of the international breaks is probably also affecting Morris’s game too - especially after late flights back.
Talking of Michael Carrick, it was a pleasure to see him on Match of the Day yesterday as a pundit looking refreshed an rejuvenated. In fact it was probably one of the best performances as a pundit I've ever seen - he was articulate, intelligent and very knowledgeable as he explained the tactical nuances and plans of each game and explained it all very clearly and enthusiastically. He left his fellow pundit completely in the shade with an exemplary 10 out 10 display. Probably has caught the attention of many clubs too!
Let's hope the full week on the training ground can prove productive in sharpening things up, the first full week with the whole squad in a long time.
But I will say that our next two games away from home are really tough.
By all accounts Watford were excellent going forward against Coventry yesterday and could/should have had four goals in the first half.