I saw a statistic that the number of late goals we have conceded this season is only a couple more than the last few seasons. However this kinda goes to your point about the state of play t the time:

I seem to recall quite a few games under Roy where we losing 1-0 and pushing for an equaliser only to concede again and sometimes twice.

The difference this season is that we have either been winning or drawing when it happens.

One more point

Both full backs certainly play their part in our general frailty, but it would be interesting to see how many goals (or goal chances) we have conceded from which side of the six yard box - my instinct is that we are noticeably weaker in the air on our left side.

Mitchell has come on leaps and bounds in his 1v1 defending in wide areas, but he ain't getting any taller. Guehi is not only pretty short for a centre back, but seems hopeless at reading a cross. It would be bad enough if he was getting out-jumped at the back post, but the ball seems to sail over his head to an unmarked opponent every other week.

The solution is one of three things I suppose:

1. Ditch one or both centre backs in favour of either Tompkins or a new, old-school style bruiser. Unlikely given the outlay on the current two.

2. Redouble our efforts to press relentlessly, and generally play higher up the pitch so that we defend more on the half way line and less in the box. Possible, but does a front line involving three from Wilf, Olise, Eze, Edouard, Benteke or Mateta have it in them to press fiercely?

3. Work with the players we have, and accept that at their age and stage, both Guehi and Mitchell have some more developing to do. This is especially true of Geuhi, who is only halfway through his first season at this level, and looks a fine player in other respects.

Edited by TheBigToePunt (23 Feb 2022 4.41pm)