Jores Okore

[Pat McMahon]

Thought Okore was one of the few bright spots of the final. Him and Clark could be a genuine solution at centre back with a couple of full backs that can actually defend.

I thought he was very poor - from that early mis-control on his thigh which set the tone for the game to positional play and awareness. He was obviously not alone.

[Matt Collins]

I like okore but he does get a bit of an easy ride. He can be excellent but he makes a lot of small mistakes though his pace enables him to recover

I still see him as a challenger for a starting place and would want someone in alongside Clark. I'm losing a bit of faith in vlaar

But more than anything I worry about the coaching. Spurs were awful at the back under sherwood and so have we been. These players have all done ok defensively in the past, albeit in a less expansive side

[ozzjim]

Was Phil Brown missing from the Southampton game and build up due to the death of his son? I am sure I read that somewhere - and up until then he had been orchestrating the work with the keeper and the back 4 organisation. The weekend showed how easy we were to be doubled in wide areas that allowed us to be stretched and create space for runners through the middle. I have no idea how we fix it, but with Cleverley likely to go to Everton and Benteke possibly off too, there will be a possible re-structure to the whole shape of the side, which could help us be a bit more compact without the ball.

[supertom]

I think we'll see a better Okore next season. I think because of circumstance he's played more than he might have this season.
I like him. He'll get better. He just needs a stable, reliable partner. I still think a new first choice is absolutely imperative. But I'm more than happy to keep Okore as 3rd choice.

[pauliewalnuts]

Was Phil Brown missing from the Southampton game and build up due to the death of his son? I am sure I read that somewhere - and up until then he had been orchestrating the work with the keeper and the back 4 organisation. The weekend showed how easy we were to be doubled in wide areas that allowed us to be stretched and create space for runners through the middle. I have no idea how we fix it, but with Cleverley likely to go to Everton and Benteke possibly off too, there will be a possible re-structure to the whole shape of the side, which could help us be a bit more compact without the ball.

Phil Brown?
Tony Parks, you mean?

[aev]

Okore looks a bit like the little fella from Different Strokes.

[Richard E]

Okore looks a bit like the little fella from Different Strokes.

Whatcha talking about, aev?

[Toronto Villa]

Was Phil Brown missing from the Southampton game and build up due to the death of his son? I am sure I read that somewhere - and up until then he had been orchestrating the work with the keeper and the back 4 organisation. The weekend showed how easy we were to be doubled in wide areas that allowed us to be stretched and create space for runners through the middle. I have no idea how we fix it, but with Cleverley likely to go to Everton and Benteke possibly off too, there will be a possible re-structure to the whole shape of the side, which could help us be a bit more compact without the ball.

Phil Brown?
Tony Parks, you mean?

That's twice now Ozz has mentioned Phil Brown. Strange auto correct setting on his iPhone that changes Tony Parks to Phil Brown, or simply that he has a subconscious affection for the orange man.

[ozzjim]

Thank TV! Kids been sleeping really badly and work been hectic so my brain is fully addled!  Why am I thinking of that knob!! I meant Parkes, as thankfully you have deduced!

[old man villa fan]

But more than anything I worry about the coaching. Spurs were awful at the back under sherwood and so have we been. These players have all done ok defensively in the past, albeit in a less expansive side

I am sorry but we have been terrible defensively for the past 3 seasons at least.  It has not been just since Sherwood arrived.

Packing the defence is not the answer to make up for poor individual performances and, to some extent, an unsettled line up.

[supertom]

I think Sherwood has had a horrid task as far as the defence goes. When have we actually had 4 fit players, all playing in their correct positions for him? Probably never. Even Okore played through the pain barrier for the last month and Vlaar is never really fit. The full back areas have been ridiculous. I'm surprised we didn't ship more to be honest.

[silhillvilla]

Clark Baker

[ozzjim]

I think in defence of Timmy, the back 4 changed every week due to injury.

[Matt Collins]

Clark Baker

Two left footed centre backs? No thanks

[ClaretAndBlueBlood]

Clark Baker

good god NOOOOOOOOOO. Both have looked much improved this season, but they haven't played much together - they are terrible as a partnership