After last night, I'm beginning to think that Lambert's approach may have changed somewhat. Last season we played more attractive passing football in the centre of the park and it was our woeful defending that did for us. The defence has improved, I think Vlaar's performances this year have been a big difference, hopefully he's not out for too long.
For large parts of last night our football was abysmal, (pass completion was below 50% I believe?) but three classic breakaway goals and we get a very good 3 points. The team spirit that LAmbert has created is obviously excellent, Delph last night said they are like "brothers" and I think this is visible that they really do keep going. That has really been evident this season. We are progressing, slowly.
Agree with this. Vlaar is a different player from last season and from what we've seen, Joes Okore looked to be a great signing that would have seen us with a more solid central pairing. Questions still need to be asked about the full backs, it's so disappointing that Lowton couldn't carry through his form from last season. Hopefully it will come. On the left we still look weak which is not helped by Lambert playing us very narrow which enables teams to run at us from the flanks.
The midfield haven't come close to the level of performance we saw from February onwards last season.
Delph is growing as an important player and at times is a joy to watch.
Westwood is still learning but overall does his job though still not up to the level of last season. He really needs to show more mobility and make himself available to receive a pass, too often he puts himself in a dead zone, limiting the options for the player with the ball.
KEA and Sylla haven't shown enough to warrant an automatic first team place.
KEA shows glimpses of the player he was in Holland but overall I'm not convinced. The number of short passes he makes that immediately put one of our players under pressure is criminal. Often it's not him that gives the ball away but he's often the cause of it.
Sylla never started the season and has struggled to find any rhythm to his game. I'm still not convinced he's playing in his best position, often as our most advanced midfielder when we bought him as a defensive midfielder. Love his workrate but again the rest is no where near his level of last season.
Gabby showed last night what he's capable of achieving. Complete and utter belief in his ability when there was an easier option. He's struggled with injury this season but still remains an essential part of our team. Due to the lack of anything constructive from our midfield, Gabby is often seen dropping deeper and cutting inside. Whilst understandable, it does mean we lose a lot of shape and attacking threat.
It's not helped that on the other side, Andi Weimann despite his workrate looks nothing like the same player as last season. He appears to look very heavy and rarely a threat on goal. Right now he does very little for defenders to worry about and is easily taken care of. He really needs to get himself more in the box when the ball is coming in from the left. Stuck out on the wing he generally only manages to pass the ball back to Bacuna.
Benteke like Gabby has had his fair share of injuries but it's the lack of service and support that has made him look nothing like the player from last season. Too often he's isolated which allows teams to double up on him. It must be extremely frustrating, especially when we revert to hoofing it up to him. Saying that, there's no excuse for a poor attitude but then only way to solve that is to get him more involved in games.. and more importantly, get him scoring. Right now, judging by his reaction to our goal celebrations, I'm not convinced his heart is in it. I don't believe for one milisecond he's a one season wonder but the team need to give him better service and he needs to show more desire. I think it will come and he'll be back to the player we all know and love.
As for the rest..
Clark has shown some improvement but still needs to learn how to be a dominating defender, I'm just not sure he has the physical strength.
Baker is still only 22 and still leaning his trade. Ideally he'd be doing it out on loan but can't fault his effort and commitment.
Luna, after gaining overnight worship, mainly because of the Tony Moon tag, started the season well but looks anything but solid in defence. Another to suffer from Lambert's narrow formation. Not sure he'll be the player we all want him to be but needs more time to adapt. Despite his aging features it's worth remembering he's also only 22.
Bacuna blows hot and cold. Great free kicks, a couple of MOTM performances and a few shockers. Jury is still out.
Tonev reminds me of the young Tony Morley when we signed him from Burnley; great with the ball at his feet but no end product. Right now coming off the bench should be his only option.
Kozak really has been thrown in the deep end and is just about treading water. He's adapting as best he can given the poor service but thankfully he has some experience which will help him, though not as much as the goals. He never had a decent run at Lazio so he's not going to be full of confidence but I do see him playing his part this season.
Lambert. I'm really not sure where to start. Is he another MON, tactically naive that will take results and build nothing, another disciple of Charles Hughes or is he just dealing with an ongoing injury crisis that doesn't allow him to set up his team and get them playing the way he wants? Right now I'm guessing it's a combination of the two. His biggest challenge once we're safe is to get us performing at Villa Park. Fail to do that and I don't think there will be many renewing their season tickets, nevermind the walk ups turning up. Like so many of our youngsters he's still learning his trade but there's a very thin line between success and failure and Lambert right now can thank his luck he's walking on the right side.
