ORINOCO thinks we need to learn and learn quickly if we are to stay in the Premier League
My last article was written following the MK Dons fiasco on Tuesday night, stating that there were positives to be taken from the game despite the score line.
The performance against Chelsea at the weekend showed we can compete at this level, and were unlucky not to take the lead in the first part of the second half.
We were undoubtedly on top against a side whom generally it is expected will be going into the Champions League at the end of the season, possible even going in as champions. And then it happened – the penalty and red card.
Now I admit that I was not at the game and have not even seen it on the TV but from what I have heard the general consensus is that this was the correct decision. Ruddy brought down Ramires in the box when he had a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Lambert and the team have tried to argue that the player was going down before the contact with Ruddy but 99% of the time the officials would give the penalty and red card. This meant 10 men vs. 11 and we were always under it from then on.
Now whether or not the penalty is as clear cut as most believe or whether Lambert and co are correct is largely immaterial as regards the point of this article. We are in the big league now and players are clever, be it technically or in ‘earning’ free kicks and penalties for innocuous challenges.
In fairness there were plenty of times last season that the opposition claimed the same of Grant Holt. We have stepped up a level and are raw, and thus we are getting the decisions going against us. THIS is the issue that we need to possibly consider.
Lambert has recruited a team of young players who are hungry to succeed. This is an admirable tactic and it worked for Fergusson with United. However after three games we have had three penalties against us and two men sent off. We simply cannot keep playing like this: we need to learn quickly or try an alternative tactic.
In my mind it does raise the question of whether Lambert should have brought in a more seasoned Premier League player for the back line or even in goal. Someone who knows the league and how to play it. We do still have time for such a player but my mind is blank when I think about who could fit the bill. We don’t want someone around collecting their wages for a season or two to see out their career I admit, but someone who wants a swan song and is prepared to put the effort in surely would benefit the team.
It is not an easy conundrum and I don’t envy Lambert in his consideration of what must now be done, but we do need to do something. We are great going forward – we all know that and Chelsea found out that on Saturday too – but at the back we are naive and we are getting exploited for this.
Of course, adding to this dilemma at the back is the news that another centre back may now be injured to add to our already frail options there. For goal, we have the option potentially of recalling Jed Steer to warm the bench whilst Ruddy is suspended, but I would like to think that the long term benefit of a season-long loan will be considered more important than a bench warmer for a couple of games.
This said, Lambert may be happy with how things are – he may be using the youth to stay up if we can but ultimately we will then have a seasoned team for the return to the league in two years’ time, players who by then will generally be in their prime and know what the league is about.
But this is not guaranteed. The league this year IS guaranteed and we need to make the most of it. If we can get some experience for the back then that would be great. If not then we are going to have to learn fast or the only league we will be winning will be the one for the most cards.
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