Without wishing to put a dampener on fans' current 'euphoria', which has been brought about by a string of superb results, it is hard to avoid the 'Elephant in the Room' in fact a couple of them! The injuries that Michail Antonio and Authur Masuaku have sustained have exposed just how dangerously wafer thin David Moyes' squad actually is, however that is not to pour scorn over how well the manager has adapted to the loss of two key players.
Masuaku has been replaced by new signing Said Benrahma, the ex-Brentford player did well for his first start, albeit a little selfish when it came to his final decisions, however Antonio's replacement Sebastien Haller has really struggled to fill the big man's boots. Previously it would be fair to say Haller's work rate was questionable to say the least, but against Leeds he did try, but his luck was truly out, and he looked like a player burdened by the massive price tag attached to his transfer.
Haller could never be another Antonio, but he can try and start 'bullying' the opposition, he falls over far too easily and needs to 'put himself about' more, especially during the opening exchanges of games when there is less likelyhood of picking up a booking. 'Big' strikers have adopted this 'leaving a mark' principle ever since the beginning of the Barclays Premier League, and way before that as well, if it is not done the opposition 'sense blood' and will walk all over the recipient.
Irrespective of whether Haller 'comes good, there is an obvious need for an additional striker, with Josh King being a nailed on cert, finances permitting. Masuaku is in one way irreplaceable, his unique skill at bringing the ball out of defence is sometimes beguilling, he is a big miss for Moyes.
The point is, both injured players were vital parts of a well oiled machine, a machine that has just about managed to keep going despite their absence, the problem is if another 'key' member of the first team gets injured, there could be major repurcussions. Heaven forbid if Declan Rice or Tomas Soucek were ruled out for any length of time, the club would be up the creek without a paddle, and it is for this very reason that Moyes has to squeeze the cash from the club's hierarchy in order to strengthen in the vital areas neccessary.
This season is being played out under unique circumstances, and represents the best chance the Irons have of reaching Europe since the Dimitri Payet inspired 2015 season, it is the prospect of European money that might help prise open the 'privy purse' located behind the sofa at Theydon Bois! - Ed
Comments
That's why I have always
That's why I have always championed the whole squad. Nobody should be allowed to leave in January. People say get rid of Yarmo, Snoddy, Noble. Not a chance!!
I say we need everyone available the game is not about 11 starting players. People are too fixated on the starting 11 everyone else is surplus to requirements. Not on your Auntie Nelly!!!!!!!!
Agree, that's why they should
Agree, that's why they should bring 'Winnie' back from the states as well, after all the club have been paying 85% of his wages!
Too right Nev,if hes fit and
Too right Nev,if hes fit and able to put a shift in,and as you say paying nearly all his wages,get him back sharpish.
I dont think a squad can ever
I dont think a squad can ever be Too big. The cynics will then say its difficult to keep all players happy and a rotation system is a must. I think all squads will have key irreplaceable players and suffer when they are missing. Soucek has been brilliant and we would really miss him if he was injured or sold to Bavarian Munchkins, with Rice, I think its different. He has matured from a center back playing in midfield to a truly world class holding midfielder. I dont say that lightly, there's not a club side in the world that he wouldnt be in a first choice 11 and when missing would be massive loss. He really is irreplaceable!
On that basis we have to rely on the managerial skills of Moyes to change the system based on the availability of the players qualities. I appreciate on Saturday that 3 at the back was not on with Arthur missing but the back four with a slow Cresswell looks fraught with danger. We got away with it at Leeds, and could do agaist Palace but Chavski will be a completely different cup of tea with pacey players that will exploit that side :o(
On the subject of Rice. I
On the subject of Rice. I think he has taken his game to another level. His marauding runs forward are pivotal to a lot of whats good about the fluidity of the side at present.
I actually think with England. Rice and Ward Prowse are a stand out combination and are without doubt, head and shoulders above anything else England has to offer, at present.
True
Ward Prowse is decent but a good bit older than our boy. I think for England you have to recognize Foden, Mount and ... hate to say it...Jack Grealish
centre backs
seem to back off rice when he surges forward knowing that he looks first to lay it off he is beginning to realize this and now beginning to have a shot at goal and this will make him an even bigger asset, also i like the way he respects Nobes when he comes on and hands him the captains arm band great gesture
Judging on their results
Judging on their results lately, including a 1-2 result next monday it wont be Dec leaving to join his mate at Chelsea ,it'll be his mate leaving them to join HIS mate here ,
Thats the way to look at it
Thats the way to look at it Burkie,positivity,we are on the up.