- Jun 28, 2006
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The midfield space for Southampton was everywhere first half. They played between the lines, constantly switching between playing diagonal balls and straight ones so that Winks and PEH were nowehere. One covered the space the other moved all over the place, breaking nothing down.Fatigue? Not sure about that it was the same positions making the same errors we've seen time and again under numerous managers. There is a real lack of quality at RWB, and CM and the drop off between Dier and Sanchez is substantial with what they are currently being asked to do imo. Davies had an off night but to be fair that's been a rarity since Conte came in. PEH just ran all over the place and I feel it's always the same in a two man midfield when Winks is in there. Winks was back to type last night for me. He just occupies positions, doesn't press and doesn't pick up runners. He's always in space even when we are out of possession, and to compensate(which he shouldn't) PEH just goes all headless chicken trying to cover too much ground.
They are not a good two. We countered it second half by a defender stepping slightly more forward.
As you say PEH is all over the place, but rarely does anything constructive, though it was his ball in for the own goal. His passing at present is limited, often misplaced or merely giving it back where it came from. It's why Bentancur coming off the bench was such a breath of fresh air. Sherwood can say what he likes, but the change-up there did not lose us the game.
WRT to Dier - we currently miss his presence in the air and his organisational ability. Will be interesting to see how he finally fits with Romero because I don't think we will have the funds for 2 defenders in Summer, when so may other positions still need attention.