Why did our defence work?

We've all thrown in our tuppenceworth about the manager's selections this season and until last night it seemed as though nobody was listening to any of it. Aside from the welcome return of the rusty-looking Holden there was a world of difference compared to what we've got use to and I'm struggling to understand what the hell happened. For example, our defence looked solid even though the personnel were the usual suspects - is this because the players in front of them gave them more security (Pratley shielding) or was it because Ricketts is a steadying influence at the back? Or was it even because Vela and Spearing did so well in midfield and discouraged Sunderland from pushing on?

Whatever it was, we should stick with it. If we change the back four or put that carthorse Andrews into the middle I suspect our run of clean sheets will come to an end.

Hard to narrow it down to one thing. I think having a solid goalkeeper behind them helps, I will be gobsmacked it DF keeps faith with Bogdan another week. Lonergan just looks in control, Bogdan is a bit of a flapper.

Spearing was outstanding last night, the first time I've seen him play so well. I also think having a bit of pace on the pitch in Afobe & Sordell makes it harder for the opposition to press quite so much.

IMO Pratley was helped out due to him having a Spea and Vela behind him to break up their attacks and spread the ball around nicely, thus allowing Pratley to have a kind of free roaming role.

As for our back 4, who knows but Alonso seems to have stepped it up since Warnock has left for sure. The goalkeeping situation probably helps aswell, Lonergan is an experienced goalkeeper at this level unlike Bogdan which must take some pressure off the back 4 if they know they can rely on a steady pair of hands incase the opposition gets a shot away.

i've always been impressed when Ricketts has played centre half, think this could be his long term position.

Is Spearing on a seasons loan? he does a good job in front of the back four, it would be nice to see him with Holden when he is match fit.

Spearing is a loan and imagine will return to Liverpool but be offered to us at an inflated price which I can't see us paying. Probably end up with Vela and Holden in front of Pratley with the occasional appearance from Gregus when he settles in - as long as it's not Andrews I'm comfortable with it. Love Ricketts at CB - that Ricketts/Knight combo worked really well when Cahill was injured. Think Ricketts is a great organiser at the back, but he is getting on a bit, still I hope he stays and that DF actually uses him at CB.

wanderlust wrote:Probably end up with Vela and Holden in front of Pratley with the occasional appearance from Gregus when he settles in - as long as it's not Andrews I'm comfortable with it.

You're right, there shouldn't be a place for our most prolific goalscorer.

Natasha Whittam wrote:

wanderlust wrote:Probably end up with Vela and Holden in front of Pratley with the occasional appearance from Gregus when he settles in - as long as it's not Andrews I'm comfortable with it.

You're right, there shouldn't be a place for our most prolific goalscorer.

Spearing? What are you on about? We're talking central midfield when Spearing goes, not wide men or strikers - unless you feel Eagles should play central midfield.

We've just had a winning performance with a core of Pratley, Vela and Spearing holding the middle ground - not having a soft centre was probably the major factor in us getting our first clean sheet since Adam was a lad. All I'm saying is that we need 3 competitive midfielders who are quick and relatively skilful so that the defence is protected and the fancy dans get service.

wanderlust wrote:

Spearing? What are you on about? We're talking central midfield when Spearing goes, not wide men or strikers - unless you feel Eagles should play central midfield.

We've just had a winning performance with a core of Pratley, Vela and Spearing holding the middle ground - not having a soft centre was probably the major factor in us getting our first clean sheet since Adam was a lad. All I'm saying is that we need 3 competitive midfielders who are quick and relatively skilful so that the defence is protected and the fancy dans get service.

I meant Andrews, 4 goals in 5 games.

Natasha Whittam wrote:

I meant Andrews, 4 goals in 5 games.

Sordell can take penalties and score from open play.

All penalties.. Hardly prolific.

Natasha Whittam wrote:

wanderlust wrote:

Spearing? What are you on about? We're talking central midfield when Spearing goes, not wide men or strikers - unless you feel Eagles should play central midfield.

We've just had a winning performance with a core of Pratley, Vela and Spearing holding the middle ground - not having a soft centre was probably the major factor in us getting our first clean sheet since Adam was a lad. All I'm saying is that we need 3 competitive midfielders who are quick and relatively skilful so that the defence is protected and the fancy dans get service.

I meant Andrews, 4 goals in 5 games.

Unfortunately also he made a significant contribution to conceding as many at the other end by standing by helplessly as players who can run strolled past him. When was the last game involving Andrews where we had a clean sheet? Has there been one?

Do penalties not count the same as a 45 yard volley?

They count but you can't describe him as being a prolific goalscorer, that's just silly.

Natasha Whittam wrote:Do penalties not count the same as a 45 yard volley?

No. Teams are awarded 2 goals for a 45 yard volley, 1 goal for a penalty and half a goal for a penalty if Andrews takes it.

Boggersbelief wrote:They count but you can't describe him as being a prolific goalscorer, that's just silly.

Why not, someone else might have missed those penalties.