1. Why, when Mellis has only half the workload that Dawson etc have, can he only last 60 minutes. 2. Why, when Digby came on did he play as a fourth central defender, thereby allowing Charlton to dominate ball possession in the midfield area.
Can he only last 60 minutes though? Didn't look to be tired and personally think he was getting more and more into the game.
Have to disagree. His work rate, which is poor at the best of times, had reduced even further. To my eyes, he looked tired and I was not at all surprised when he was subbed. He has talent, but his endurance has always been suspect. My question is an honest one. Why can we not improve his endurance, and therefore his work rate. It seems to be getting worse.
Usually, Mellis is blowing out of his arse at around sixty minutes, but I didn't think he looked to be struggling today. I'd guess it's just down to natural fitness/stamina, or maybe Dawson's determination. Digby played in a similar role, in front of the back four, against Blackpool. It didn't really happen for him today.
I thought back end of last season his work rate had improved, so it is possible to improve it, but its a question for the coachs how to keep him up to it. Wigan game he weren`t on his own coming up short on the work rate.
He was far too deep. So deep that he was not fighting the battle in the middle of the park, where most of the action was taking place. In the end first Wiseman told him to get further forward and then Flicker did the same. I asked the question because I am not sure who's idea it was. If it was Flicker's idea, I had thought better of him. If it is Digby's idea, he needs to be straightened out pronto.
Sometimes players like Dawson get really tired but are able to battle through it and give everything. It's not down to fitness for me it's determination and will power to get through it. It's all in the players head. If he allows himself to think he's tired he will naturally slow down
He didnt look tired to me at all. Don't know where h being tired is coming from? Has flicker ever said his fitness is a issue? He just wanted to change the shape
I don't think Mellis was subbed today because of a lack of fitness - rightly or wrongly it was a tactical change.
Mellis was subbed because Flitcroft wanted to go more defensive, he certainly wasn't knackered. What cost us today was poor tactical performance and incorrect subs. If only we had an experienced, quality player who has played the defensive midfield role many times and is also experienced in the art of defending.
even after the equalised digby still stood with our defenders. dawson, wiseman and etuhu all told him to get forwards but he didn't.
