Dump The Full-Backs

What became patently obvious against Liverpool and the consequences to the team overall, is the inescapable fact that we cannot afford to carry passengers against the better teams.

Aside from the display of complete stupidity from Simpson for their 2^nd goal (Bellamy was never going to threaten from that distance, just not him) the negativity which our lack of half decent full-backs brought to our play, was instrumental in us having only two decent attacks in the entire game.

Clearly the instructions to Jonas and Obertan were to cover the full-backs at all time and only lend support up front as a secondary role – the result being that both our wingers achieved absolutely nothing going forward. This has been the case in so many games this season (not just against the better teams either) and although I accept neither are dynamic at attacking, they are, or should be, more than adequate.

If in any doubt look to the Liverpool flanks and how much further forward Bellamy and the woeful Downing were (and therefore threatening) – the direct consequence of having a decent pair of full-backs.

Part of the solution is Santon (left or right?) who looks canny from what we have seen but the other full back position still lies vacant.

Am I the only one who hopes Simpson does not sign his contract and forces Ashley to buy a proper player.

Finally, I hope Pardew’s misplaced loyalty to R Taylor is not a sign of things to come.

In his other life, Jonnie runs a walking and guiding company in the north of England. Visit his excellent website at Where2walk to find out more