The case for the defence

[sufcintheprem]

A cynic might suggest that it's due to a combination of poor opposition and convenient bad form but it looks as though our defence has finally tightened up somewhat at a crucial time in the season.

Overall goals against (last 8) - 7

driven by

Home goals against (last 5) - 3

For various reasons I've not been to many games lately but that also gives a lot more neutrality to the stats. The Leeds game, especially, seems like one we'd have drawn earlier in the season based on the numbers.

Oddly enough, the improvement in defensive fortunes, I believe, coincides more or less with the introduction of Charlie Mulgrew but certainly with Barnard's introduction.

 

[C C Csiders]

Be interesting to know how many corners we have conceded in those eight games, compared to other games this season.

 

[Jam_Man]

Oddly enough, the improvement in defensive fortunes, I believe, coincides more or less with the introduction of Charlie Mulgrew but certainly with Barnard's introduction.

Nothing to do with Mulgrew (who has been at fault for goals) and everything to do with us having strikers who can look dangerous and playing with a bit more confidence.

Additionally our home defensive record isnt actually that bad its our away record thats let us down.

 

[sufcintheprem]

Nothing to do with Mulgrew (who has been at fault for goals) and everything to do with us having strikers who can look dangerous and playing with a bit more confidence.

Additionally our home defensive record isnt actually that bad its our away record thats let us down.

Agreed on the second point although no-one else in the top 8 has conceded more goals than us. That's ok but having only 4 teams in the division concede more away from home is shambolic.

On the first point, can you really give credit for defence to attackers? We've been scoring bagfuls of goals all season - it's the second best in the league and has been most of the season. However, we've not been able to win games with only one goal and this suggests that the reason for our goals against wasn't a lack of confidence between our defenders that the strikers would win us games.

 

[Jam_Man]

On the first point, can you really give credit for defence to attackers? We've been scoring bagfuls of goals all season .

Yes I think you can, theres been games (Yeovil/Bristol/Oldham) where our lack of any threat meant the opposition always knew they could get a result, if we had scored in and killed those games off they wouldnt have got anything. How often do you see the opposition crumble when you get the second goal (or even the first).

As our defensive record at home isnt actually that bad and poor from home , yet we score loads away (one of the highest scorers away) Id suggest our problem is less poor defence and more going to gung ho when the home team are keener to attack us.

Ive said all season I think our defensive frailties are more to do with confidence and self belief than indiduals and I still think thats the case.

 

[Irate Ian]

Two of [50%] our defence are new custodians of their positions and well they have done too. Hamil was I thought one of our most irreplaceable and valued team members, so was always going to be a hard act to follow, yet Mulgrew has settled in quickly and nicely.

Francis is sensational. Struts around the park as if he owns the place, dare I say Beckenbauresk. Young enough to continue improvement and does not lack confidence.. We will do well to retain his services long term.

It can take a little time to play as a unit.

Imagine two midfielders from 4 changing and how long it might take to gel.

Centre back pairing are striking up a good understanding and I think our defence is as good as any in this division, regardless of the stats.

Too many goals conceded from set pieces though and that needs working on with the keeper. Now there is a dilemnia

 

[Cliff Pavilion]

Whilst I think Jam Man has made some valid points here's the cynical viewpoint: Since Donny away in December we have had a run of fourteen games against average to poor opposition - with the possible exception of Orient (although it's a game we should have won). Yes I know we beat Leeds and played well but for a variety of reasons they were dire that night. We have conceded at least one goal in ten of those games.

The thought of Tyson and Agogo up against our defence fills me with dread. I can see us needing to score twice in order to get a point. But, as has been reported, they are low on confidence so it's fingers crossed we can nick something - but I think it's a shame that we have to rely on the opposition underperforming in order to be confident of winning a home game.

 

[Blueshrimper]

Our defence are alot better when we come across footballing teams its just the high balls which have let us down. AB and Clarke are good when the ball is being played along the ground. (Just forget Cheltenham last week)

 

[Cliff Pavilion]

Our defence are alot better when we come across footballing teams its just the high balls which have let us down. AB and Clarke are good when the ball is being played along the ground. (Just forget Cheltenham last week)

They're good against teams that don't offer much of a threat. They're not good against set-pieces or well drilled direct teams. Or against pace - other than Francis our back 4 is very slow - hence the worry tomorrow night with Agogo and Tyson in opposition.