Our defence

[PaulWinch again]

We've played 5 of the current bottom 7 in the opening 6 games and haven't looked at all like we're capable of keeping a clean sheet. If you have score 2 or 3 every game to have a chance of winning you're going to drop a lot of points.

Yep exactly - our points total is par, or slightly below par. If we don’t address our defensive issues once we start playing better sides we’ll drop like a stone.

[Mister E]

There's not much issue in regards to defence as far as I'm concerned apart from the actual goals going in.
It's only 5 games played and we're 10th for goals conceded or match 1.40 a game 7 in total.

I think the goals and defence issue is a case of mistakes, sloppy play and other teams fortune as our defence is actually showing up as high level statistically. The clean sheets are coming the stars prove it..

I'm afraid that you're talking absolute rubbish. As others have said, we are conceding far too many goals far too easily, against indifferent opposition. When we play some of the better sides, we will get killed - particularly down the right - unless there is a slight shift in our line-up and approach.
And, yes, Kamara will make a big difference; but that isn't the point.

[rougegorge]

We've played 5 of the current bottom 7 in the opening 6 games and haven't looked at all like we're capable of keeping a clean sheet. If you have score 2 or 3 every game to have a chance of winning you're going to drop a lot of points.

Yep exactly - our points total is par, or slightly below par. If we don’t address our defensive issues once we start playing better sides we’ll drop like a stone.

Yes, we haven't played anyone really strong apart from Arsenal. If you were to equate the relegated clubs with those who were promoted, we are 3 points worse off so far.

We gave been decent going forwards but we can't keep conceding every game, let alone conceding first and hoping to come back against better teams.

[VillaTim]

Nothing has changed from last season. We conceded far too many goals last season and we are doing same again.

Yet the season before last it was very tight. Mings is the difference

[PaulWinch again]

Not as straightforward as that, which I assume/hope you know.

[VillaTim]

Not as straightforward as that, which I assume/hope you know.

It isn't but what is clear is Mings/Konsa is the best CB pairing at the club, hope you know that.

[PaulWinch again]

Not sure anything is clear about where Mings is after a year out. It’s also worth noting Pau is essential to the positive parts of our play. Mings is hopefully a really good option to add into the defence, but he’s not a guaranteed starter for me.

[PaulWinch again]

I’d argue Kamara is more important to our defence than Mings.

[VillaTim]

I’d argue Kamara is more important to our defence than Mings.

Argue it but you're wrong. The stats are there in black & white. A fully fit Mings is crucial for us .

[PaulWinch again]

Well the best 6 months we’ve had in decades came without Mings, but included Kamara and Pau. If you straight swap Mings for Torres you will gain some defensive strength, but you’ll lose a key component of our build up. Over a season I suspect the net result is worse in that scenario, Kamara protects the defence and is critical.

[VillaTim]

Well the best 6 months we’ve had in decades came without Mings, but included Kamara and Pau. If you straight swap Mings for Torres you will gain some defensive strength, but you’ll lose a key component of our build up. Over a season I suspect the net result is worse in that scenario, Kamara protects the defence and is critical.

Mings had become very good at bringing the ball out as Torres does , Kamara is the missing cog and when we get back to Konsa/Mings and Kamara in front we will be solid again

[PaulWinch again]

There’s a difference between being quite good at bringing the ball out and what Pau does. He is elite level in terms of his distribution, it brings loads to our game. It also makes the opposition hesitant about pressing us. As demonstrated from the first half of last season Pau can be part of a team that competes at the very top. Mings is a brilliant option for the squad, but the idea he’s just a nailed on starter even if he suffers no challenges from a year out seems odd.

[PeterWithesShin]

5 at the back once Mings is back is the simple solution.

[TonyD]

When is Kamara coming back?

[PaulWinch again]

5 at the back once Mings is back is the simple solution.

Yep could be an option.