Two big weaknesses exposed today

[Milo]

I think we were exposed today by two weaknesses that have plagued us all season.

Firstly, Silva taking far too long to make obvious substitutions. He seems to make them 10 minutes after the entire stadium knows it needs to be made. Often, we've already conceded by this stage or the momentum has completely swing in the opposite direction (eg today).

The second is our defending from corners. The football brains among us eg Matt10 etc might be able to analyse this for me. However, from what I understand, we play a zonal marking system (?). Either way, we seem completely at sea and concede time and time again. Today was another example, that free kick against Man U.. etc etc.

These are two big weaknesses we need to improve.

[Twig]

Agreed. Silva's failure to be proactive with his bench has become a serious weakness for us.

[KentFulham]

TC and Leno are not good enough

[ron]

Passing accuracy when going forward and defending corners might be among items on the agenda at training next week ...

[Milo]

I do not pretend to be a football expert.. but these are common denominators for me.

[Jonny4]

The set piece defending is so, so frustrating. How have we not sorted any solutions? It was a problem when we played Everton in November & we're still just as susceptible.

Leno is not good when he's crowded out, but we do nothing to help him!

I feel a lot our issues come from Andersen. He's a liability. Superficially plays well most of the game, but seems to beaten at the crucial moment (today by Mykolenko, could list 5 or so goals this season he's culpable for). He's also the main organiser & leader at the back - he's not sorting us out on set pieces.

Look at Tarkowski and Everton in contrast. So solid, hard working & difficult to beat. If you put Garner & Tarkowski in our side we'd win today.

Really frustrating result today.

[hongkongfulham]

the problem is we don't have a captain. There is no natural born leader in our squad that is going demand more from people when things slip. It's very depressing but we don't have any winners in our team, just alot of talent

[ArcticOctopus]

The problem is Marco told the team at the half to kill 45 minutes on a one goal lead. We went from being dominant and dangerous at the end of the first to totally taking our foot off the gas.

[demeant0r]

the problem is we don't have a captain. There is no natural born leader in our squad that is going demand more from people when things slip. It's very depressing but we don't have any winners in our team, just alot of talent

THANK YOU! I've been saying this for years but I got poo on for saying it here because people just can't accept that while TC is an amazing leader, we need him to be starting most games or have a club captain that's going to be starting the majority of games.

[ArcticOctopus]

It's a losing mentality.

[BestOfBrede]

TC and Leno are not good enough

Blimey Kent,
TC not even in the squad today so why name him?

I think Leno is a good shot stopper but weak in the air.
I also think he was being fouled for their second today but why wasn't someone in front of their player to block him fouling Leno?

Anyway we blew a great chance today, with a very strong squad, and I think Marco should have a little look at himself!

[Chi_FFC]

TC and Leno are not good enough

Blimey Kent,
TC not even in the squad today so why name him?

I think Leno is a good shot stopper

Eh, the stats show he's actually one of the worst shot stoppers in the PL.

[Bill2]

TC and Leno are not good enough

Blimey Kent,
TC not even in the squad today so why name him?

I think Leno is a good shot stopper but weak in the air.
I also think he was being fouled for their second today but why wasn't someone in front of their player to block him fouling Leno?

Anyway we blew a great chance today, with a very strong squad, and I think Marco should have a little look at himself!

He was being fouled for every corner. Tarkowski's just backed into Leno every corner. He was never going for the ball and was always blocking off the keeper. It was more like American football. No protection from the ref who seemed to give a foul every time an Everton player fell over, although dived is a better word.

[Twig]

TC and Leno are not good enough

What on earth has TC got to do with this, he wasn't involved?

[hovewhite]

Leno is a weakness as are most keepers when no support from defenders.also think we should leave 2 players up .
There was a lack of  attacking drive also like they thought we had won the game.

[Twig]

Leno's stats aren't great for this year and I said earlier in the season that we should be planning to replace him in the summer. I stand by that opinion.

[Whitestone]

TC and Leno are not good enough

TC was exactly who we needed in the second half.

[SerbianLad]

I think he means Timothy Castagne in this context, for those who are asking.

[YankeeJim]

Another major issue is our inability to finish. That is the major thing that keeps us from being serious contenders for Europe. We should have been up 3 nil at the half. Had we been, the other two weaknesses would not have mattered.
It was good to see Kenny and Munz back in the mix.

[Fulham 1879]

The central midfield is a continual disaster zone. We were good in the first half because our quick attacks down the flanks forced their midfield back. In the second half, when they pressed, we couldn't challenge them in midfield. I'm desperate enough to try Bassey as a defensive DM. He's quick, hard tackling and physical. We need an enforcer.