Still Defensive Problems

Agreed Revie, defence is still not right.

The forwards can bang'em in but it's no good if the defence are still letting in as many as we score, or more.

Was a good game, bit slack in 1st half, lifted for 2nd half. Clayton played well, as did White and Lees, but Lees will better for the experience.

Not getting carried away at moment, we lifted in 2nd half but West Ham seemed to become a bit complacent, and we have a few other big teams to come yet.

Ipswich may have started badly, but they'll pick it up I'm sure, it could be any game from ours to who ever.

Clayton took his goal well, come at right time too. If he continues getting better chances are we'll lose him to a prem club, or higher paying CCC club.........after all, papa likes his money.

All up it was a good game to watch, not brilliant but a good game. Still need to win 3 more games than top spot team still, long way to go yet.

There you are RSL I agree with you, we were second best at the back post most times. We need a big solid defender.

We got 26 players, 10 of them are defenders. And you want to sign even more defenders?

I hope we sign Eric Lichaj from Villa and play him right back, then play Lees at centre back, if we do this and also get Lansbury from Arsenal as rumours have it we are after him. Think these 2 would get us up!

norway,yes cos the 10 aint good enough.
Quality rather than quantity.
Get rid of players like obrien,bessone etc

Norway - I do genuinely believe somehow thew chequebook WILL have to come out to solve this problem at the back. Why?

Because, it's clear, the whole reason the players we keep bringing in as CENTRE BACKS ARE available, is because they are not considered good enough at their parent club, rather than like Lichaj, because they want a talent to gain experience. O'Dea is a mystery, as he's young, but so far looked faitly ordinary.

I just believe we will have to BUY a talent away from another club with money; the expensive 'Michalik and O'Brien approach' to our defensive problems have been proven poor experiments so far, and point to perhaps the one area in need of financial outlay - not like a Rio Ferninand in the years gone, although that is a case in point - but buying a 'talent' in an area definitely in need of a remedy seems to be the most sensible approach.

All that said, it is perhaps true that some of my concerns have been allayed; Howson, Clayton, White and Lees are clearly now maturing fast from last season, something I didn't account for, and something which will bring strength to our challenge. I had concerns about Grayson's approach - vindicated first game of the season; but on my teamsheet from the start have been Lees and White (I'm of that 'brigade), and I feel from that perspective, 'we' too have been proved correct.

Lansbury would be a great addition, but can't see it with Fabregas and Nasri on their way out, and not until Wenger has replacements lined up. All that said - only useful to play in Brown's role.

Either way - impressed with yesterday's performance....