The January transfer window, not unexpectedly, turned into something of a damp squib.
Just two additions were made to the squad, Jonas Gutierrez and Joseph Yobo. Both men are getting on a bit (Jonas is 30 and Yobo is 33) and this has been a source of much discontent among the City faithful, particularly regarding Yobo.
The Nigerian spent eight seasons at Everton, making 248 appearances for The Toffees before moving to Turkey. It seems that the lad wants to play for a place in his country’s World Cup squad, most likely as Captain and media reports suggest that he is in decent shape to quickly get up to speed.
If that is the case then there seems little risk to the deal. IF, he is in shape and contributes, then we’re all happy. Remember that January is a tough month to buy anybody, with prices being inflated for the most average of players and spending money is not always the answer – as Harry Redknapp found out last season when he spent big on the likes of Chris Samba.
It’s true that some of our relegation rivals have recruited heavily. Indeed, Cardiff City have brought in Wilfried Zaha, Kenwyne Jones and Fabio da Silva as well as some unknown Norwegians.
I’ll be surprised if that can save them though. Since Vincent Tan’s infamous email to Malky, Cardiff have lost five and drawn just one of their last six. By contrast, City’s two draws and a win is the sort of form to drag a club clear and the visit to Wales today is a big game for both clubs. It’s arguably must win for them but less so for us – a draw wouldn’t be a disaster.
Zaha hasn’t played all season and David Moyes doesn’t fancy him. Kenwyne Jones has been more miss than hit for several years and Fabio is the lesser force of the two Da Silva brothers, which is why he doesn’t play for United and has ultimately been sold.
Like everyone else, I know nothing about the Norway contingent.
Jonas Gutierrez looks like a player and I think will ease pressure on our wingers. Pilkington is back fit but is injury prone and Nathan Redmond, whilst a terrific prospect can’t play every game to the same high levels as if he comes in and out of the team. He is a good option to have either starting or to come on as an impact player. Robert Snodgrass has been struggling for form and while I expect him to play against Cardiff, Jonas will ease pressure on the passionate Scotsman if he does need a break.
To my mind though, the return to fitness of Alex Tettey could be the most welcome addition to the squad during January. Tettey is strong and athletic and formed a good partnership with Fer before getting injured against Cardiff in October.
His destructive ability as well as his energy will be key and after recent games have been played at 4-4-2 I think it’s time for a return to 4-2-3-1 when away from home or depending on the opponent.
Against Newcastle, Hughton played 4-4-2 and was outnumbered in centre midfield – we almost paid for it during a first half that saw City overrun in the centre of the pitch with Newcastle making the most of the extra man.
Loic Remy was the lone striker and showed that a single forward, if supported well, can be very effective. As I say, against the top teams or away from home, this is something to consider as most other teams will play similar formations.
The key to playing this type of formation is supporting the front man and that requires plenty of energy from the three men that will play behind either Hooper or RvW, because Becchio is not good enough, in my opinion.
Jonas will help on that score and with Tettey coming back into the side, we will hopefully see Leroy Fer released from sitting in the centre which will hopefully allow him to be a goal threat, once more.
I’m not sure if Tettey will immediately start in the side as that would be unfair on Johnson but I think he will shortly be a fixture on the team sheet again, as he was at the start of the season – unless CH opts to play him alongside Johnson with Fer behind a striker as previously seen.
A lot of people moaned about this formation, although I was not one of them, and as we saw against The Magpies, 4-4-2 can leave you badly exposed against decent sides.
Next Saturday will see us play Manchester City, the Champions elect and they do play 4-4-2 but if we try and match that, we will be murdered in our own backyard.
I would play 4-2-3-1 today and then definitely against Man City. The energy of Jonas and the steel of Alex Tettey look like they will be key for the battles ahead.
OTBC
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