Some thoughts on the Dons:
1. For all the lovely football we played earlier in the season, we never really played many inventive forward passes. Most chances we have created have come from crosses. So, pretty much the same as last season.
1. For all the lovely football we played earlier in the season, we never really played many inventive forward passes. Most chances we have created have come from crosses. So, pretty much the same as last season.
2. Recruitment. GK already dropped. Defence looks weaker. Midfield still flat despite the change of formation. Forwards relying on scraps. Same as last season.
3. Formation change. Having reverted back to 4-4-2 from 4-3-3, we lost the additional CM which could help us get a bit of control and stability in the middle of the park. Soares and Trotter (despite starting the season relatively well) do not have the energy levels to cover fully
4. No leaders. I understood Ard's reasons for allowing someone like Fuller to leave (a more attacking RB wanted), but we never signed the leader I hoped we would. Instead we got 5-6 loanees in.
5. Scoring goals. We're struggling. Again. Because we are too flat and too predictable. We tend to start well and have a decent 1st half. Then teams get to grips with us, suss us out and we're left hoping a ball into the box will drop.
Is this Barcham's fault? Pinnock? Wagstaff? Soares or Trotter? Maybe it's Pigott's fault? Or Hanson? Or Appiah/Jervis?
Was it the fault of Cody last season? Or Barnett the year before?
When do we stop moaning about individual players and look at the way we play?
Was it the fault of Cody last season? Or Barnett the year before?
When do we stop moaning about individual players and look at the way we play?
Back in the day, Wimbledon used to have one style of play. Lump it long into the channel, hold the ball up, cross in and, not only fill the box with targets, but attack the ball aggressively.
Currently, we get the ball, pass sideways, maybe cross it in and hope that one of our 2 forwards gets on the end of it (presuming they haven't been involved in the build-up.
We do not fix the box well. We do not gamble. Very rarely do you see any CM add an extra body in the box, unless from a set-piece. Which brings me onto...
6. Set pieces. A few years back, we scored plenty from inventive set plays. Add invention to the physical & aerial prowess of Elliot, Robinson & Charles, you always felt we'd create from corners/FKs. Our deliveries over the last 2 years have been horrendous.
What frustrates me most about all of this is that Ardley played in a team with one, effective way of playing the game, yet cannot spot these obvious issues. And if he can, nothing is being done to rectify them.
The whole situation is weak. The clock is ticking.
And if someone wishes to point out the budget we have compared to others, do me a quick favour; Google the current League One table and let me know how Accrington are doing.
And if someone wishes to point out the budget we have compared to others, do me a quick favour; Google the current League One table and let me know how Accrington are doing.
