There has been a 'freshness' and obvious enthusiasm about the team in the last two games that he been a joy to watch - reminded me somewhat of the team of kids that Ossie Ardiles played, sadly unsuccessfully.

In the Strawberry post-game we were debating why this spirit has surfaced at the very time we lose AS/RL - our two most experienced players? Coincidence, or indicative of something more meaningful?

It may be that the players have simply rallied to the cause in the absence of the two important and respected players. If so, it seems unlikely that it will be sustainable, and we will simply experience another false dawn. However, if - as some sages like Buff have suggested - this has freed the others from the 'shackles' of the old guard, and facilitated a new style of play, that could indeed signal a new dawn.

I'm afraid we didn't come up with the answers in 't pub, but would appreciate the views of others. What do you reckon?

-- Anonymous, December 31, 2000

Answers

I'm glad you brought that up and not not Clarky.

I feel that upfront most teams benefit from a big target man and a little nippy player. Shearer falls between these two catergories. He tries to be the big man but rarely wins the high balls, wear as yesterday Ameobi was winning them and flicking them onto his suporting players, one of whom was Acuna. He was my MOTM, and I am sorry to say I would pck him ahead of Rob Lee.

-- Anonymous, December 31, 2000

There's certainly an argument that the absence of Shearer has created more fluidity up front. It's strange though, that since Shearer tended to be the only player opposition defences tended to bother marking, other players ought to have been able to make hay while he was in the side - eg, Dyer, who in Shearer's absence is the focus of the team's attacking play and yet paradoxically seems to have more freedom with Shearer absent. Probably only a matter of time before he starts getting marked out of games.
Lee is perhaps the more interesting one. I've meant to post for a while about what I see as the key element missing from the team, that being an all-round central midfielder, ie a ball-winner with a genuine attacking threat. Speed? Well, kind of, but compare his 'threat' to Scholes, Poyet, Izzet etc. If the staff can work on Acuna's finishing, he could be the man, he's certainly keen to get forward. One thing's for sure, Rob Lee can't hack that side of the game anymore. For all his workrate and influence, he's a negative element in the midfield in that he never scores and rarely threatens to. This would be fine if his partner was more attacking, but I don't believe Speed and Lee get anywhere enough goal attempts (let alone goals) between them.
The other thing about Shearer's absence is that the defence looks better. The connection? We now have a captain in defence. Big difference I think.

-- Anonymous, December 31, 2000

I think you've probably hit on something there, Dan.

Speed and Lee are now very similar players, and one outcome of this period will perhaps be a realisation that we can't play effectively going forward with both of them in the same team. Speed's ability in the box is likely to give him preference.

-- Anonymous, December 31, 2000

interesting Dan. I said on another thread that i think Warren Barton's come into his own since being awarded the captaincy. Perhaps he's felt the need to inspire and cajole all the players a little more with the absence of Rob and Alan. Warren being more vocal means the players know that he'll shout re: positioning, passing etc. Perhaps he's got a mean little temper on him and don't want to be in the dressing room with him if they lose! ; )

-- Anonymous, January 01, 2001

Or maybe it's just the simple fact that we have a captain at the back of the side who can communicate with the team.

Tonight's game against an under pressure Spurs side, who have an excellent home record, will be a better indication of improvement than the performance against NH.

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2001

Whatever it is it seems to be working!(:o)

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2001

I fear that there may be a bit of a false dawn about it. In a way, the youngsters are bound to raise their game for visits by Leeds and Man Utd and probably felt like they had little to lose (as no one would blame them if they lost against such opposition). I think the strength of people like Lee is psychological in that he is good when the shit hits the fan etc. I think Speed scores a fair share of goals from midfield. I don't know the figures but he is probably on a par witht he likes of Scholes and Poyet. Its Solano, Dyer, Bassedas etc who seldom score that is the problem. Lee just doesn't go foreward anymore. The comments about Shearer worry me more. Its like when he played for England. We all want him to do well, but are we all afraid of implying that the king is naked...

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2001

F*****G hell has Shearer been playing without his kit on?

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2001