Our rubbish defence

[Mikhail Chigorin]

I hadn't even thought about this but in yesterday's Sunday Mirror and today's Daily Mirror, it's been pointed out that we haven't conceded a goal in 2013.

Since the New Year, I don't supposed we've played any team that can be considered 'top notch' by any stretch of the imagination, so there's nothing in that statistic to get too excited about, but keeping clean sheets can become a (good) habit and, given the concerns we had earlier in the season, perhaps this side of our game is on an upturn.

Mind you, another dozen, or so, in the League wouldn't go amiss, so long may this run continue.

[Slim]

Arsenal away?

Stoke away?

Not easy games.

[Ted Hughes]

We didn't concede a single chance v Stoke let alone a goal.

The nearest were a few positional fuck ups when we went to 3 at the back.

Hell of a lot of talking going on when lining up positions too.

[Dameerto]

Personally I still think it's come from an improvement in our midfield play, we're shielding the defence better and supporting them when needed. We appear to be half decent at defending setpieces once again too, after a wobble earlier in the season.

[Wonderwall]

This is when we will come under intense pressure with 3 of our 4 centre backs unavailable

[City64]

I think it is because we are the champions ;)

It is this time of year when squads get stretched to the limit , the next two league games will be a real test for us imho.

[Slim]

This is when we will come under intense pressure with 3 of our 4 centre backs unavailable

If we sell Mario, then Nasri is the only injury listed player we have who isn't a defender. And if you include Micah(who won't be lining up as a right back any time soon) then we have 4 injured or away. Time for Rekik/Lescott partnership to shine. However I believe Bobby doesn't like playing two left footed centrehalves.

[Moonchesteri]

This is when we will come under intense pressure with 3 of our 4 centre backs unavailable

If we sell Mario, then Nasri is the only injury listed player we have who isn't a defender. And if you include Micah(who won't be lining up as a right back any time soon) then we have 4 injured or away. Time for Rekik/Lescott partnership to shine. However I believe Bobby doesn't like playing two left footed centrehalves.

what's up with him? If he's injured I must have missed/forgot that

[Moonchesteri]

I think Javi Garcia will start at the heart of defence tomorrow with LEscott.

My prediction for whole starting XI is:
[center]Hart
Zabba - Garcia - Lescott - Clichy
Milner - Barry - Rodwell - Silva
Tevez - Aguero[/center]

[Ted Hughes]

This is when we will come under intense pressure with 3 of our 4 centre backs unavailable

If we sell Mario, then Nasri is the only injury listed player we have who isn't a defender. And if you include Micah(who won't be lining up as a right back any time soon) then we have 4 injured or away. Time for Rekik/Lescott partnership to shine. However I believe Bobby doesn't like playing two left footed centrehalves.

what's up with him? If he's injured I must have missed/forgot that

Virus.

(Whether that means he's on a plane to Italy I don't know).

[Moonchesteri]

what's up with Nasri? If he's injured I must have missed/forgot that

Virus.

(Whether that means he's on a plane to Italy I don't know).

cheers.

[Mase]

Personally I still think it's come from an improvement in our midfield play, we're shielding the defence better and supporting them when needed. We appear to be half decent at defending setpieces once again too, after a wobble earlier in the season.

Basically you're saying Garcia has made the difference.

I agree.

[Slim]

Personally I still think it's come from an improvement in our midfield play, we're shielding the defence better and supporting them when needed. We appear to be half decent at defending setpieces once again too, after a wobble earlier in the season.

Basically you're saying Garcia has made the difference.

I agree.

He's getting to grips with the league finally, I think he'll be a huge asset in a couple of seasons. NDJ with the ability to score from set pieces and defend tall players at corners. His passing still needs work, but so did NDJ's when he arrived.

[Dameerto]

Personally I still think it's come from an improvement in our midfield play, we're shielding the defence better and supporting them when needed. We appear to be half decent at defending setpieces once again too, after a wobble earlier in the season.

Basically you're saying Garcia has made the difference.

I agree.

Mainly Barry, with useful contributions from Garcia, plus Milner doing what he does. (and silva/Tevez doing what they do)

[avoidconfusion]

How long is Nasty out for ??

[Slim]

How long is Nasty out for ??

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_ ... _table.php