On the flip side we lacked accuracy on the break (in general) which is absolutely essential when you're playing a fast counter style, too many times we broke but then misplaced a pass or tried to do too much (nzog in particular) or didn't work the keeper with the odd shot we got.
We've been missing that creative player who can link up play in the final third for a number of seasons now. When Vlaar's back, I think the defence and midfield are pretty much as good as we could hope for sseing as the position the club is in. What we are really lacking is that player who can transition play from the middle to the final third. Ireland showed it in all too fleeting glimpses, but we haven't had that kind of player since we had Robbie Keane on loan.
I would've liked Zarate who's been in and out of West Ham team but is a decent creative player.
The frustration with all that is Lambert never makes it the absolute target of any transfer window, to get in a creative player above all other positions.
You'd like to think now we're well stocked in all positions in the squad we could maybe look at getting one in January. Not holding my breath though.
