It is all well and good having all the possession and looking neat and tidy in the build up, but come into the 18 yard box, then it all fizzles out, so whats wrong?
1) The build up is far to slow, and far to predictable and one paced
2) The man who can thread a ball through out of nowhere ( Sawyers ) is being used as play maker to start off the attacks from deep, to ensure we don't lose the ball in the early stages of an attack.
Thats fine and understable, but the trouble is the other midfielder ( Livermore ) is being asked to play further forward. He simply can't do that, he hasn't got the pace and the technical abilty to slot decisive balls through.
3) Krovinovic. I can't knock him for his willingness and desire to get on the ball, however like Livermore, hes got no pace, everything is infront of him, when Pereria comes on the pitch, that's when we see the best of him, because he uses Pereria pace, to slot balls through, as weve seen in the last 2 games.
4) I've watched all the games so far, and one thing is crystal clear, when balls are coming in the box, they lack quality, also we've not got enough bodies in the danger areas. Edwards for me wants to cut back on his favoured right foot to much and play the easy option, the balls in from his left foot, seem weak and short coming into the box. Seems he won't be tried on the right with Phillips over that side.
Both these wide men haven't done enough this season and there places are under threat.
5) When Pereira comes on, he seems to drift off into the centre. I like this for 2 reasons. One his fullback follows him inside, which in term leaves space for ourfullback to drive into the space. Next reason is, as i mentioned above, he links up so well with Krov, quick 1 2s inside the 18 yard box.
For some reason Phillips and Edwards seem to stay directly on the wing, and don't alter this, where its not enough game intelligence by those 2, or they are told not to, i'm not sure.
6) Neither Austin or Zohore are the ideal lone front man. Austin can hold it up better, where Zohore wants the ball in behind. But if teams defend deep all the time Zohore will be inaffective. I always think ideally if your a lone striker, you need pace and the height and strength to do the other side of the game. Both aren't fully fit either, which doesn't help