Stepping Up

It was a case of not 'stepping up' in Saturday's defeat at home to Liverpool.

Though we looked up for it for the first couple of minutes, this wasn't followed up and we lost the midfield battle which crucially lost us the game. It was a game which showed us why we can't rely on two players in the middle, especially if one of them is Milijas. When you are up against Lucas, Meireles and Poulson, you can't afford to be caught up field and we were punished.

Meireles caused us problems throughout the game

I do feel it could work, if Henry just sits and hold and lets Nenad get on with the attacking business but the second goal, despite being a fantastic strike, was preventable. When the ball is headered back up in the air, you need a midfielder (or defender) to be alert to the second header.

Another case of not stepping up was the defence. It keeps on happening, three get in a line, while the other is five yards behind. For the team I coach, I'm constantly shouting at them to push forward in a line. How have Zubar and Berra not noticed everyone is five yards ahead? That's something that needs sorting out, it cost us against West Ham and it will cost us again if they don't get their act together.

One of the few positives to come out of the game was our only substitution. Adam Hammill came on for his first appearance, and showed early signs that he could be a very good player for us. He put in two wonderful crosses, showed trickery and the work rate required to play in a Mick McCarthy team.

Hennessey - 7

Zubar - 6
Stearman - 7
Berra - 6
Ward - 8

Hunt - 7
Henry  - 6
Milijas - 7
Jarvis - 6

Fletcher - 6
Doyle - 7


Sub: Hammill - 7

There are places up for grabs now, the Stoke game provides a good chance to see who could come in and make a difference.