Pens conceeded in a season? I don't know the answer one for the statto's, but we are currently the highest in all 4 leagues with 6, in 17 games, can't honestly remember as many clumsy challenges in the box. Thought the Orient one was harsh but hard to argue with the rest.
Are we actually that bad defensively? We've only conceded 4 more goals than Derby and Portsmouth who are the best defensive sides in the league. We obviously have an issue with giving away penalties, which I'd say is more down to clumsiness rather than bad defending in general. In comparison to our defending the season we got relegated, or the start of the season under Gerhard Struber, where we had no ability to defend crosses into the box at all, I don't think we've necessarily been that bad at the back. There's been a few individual performances which have left a lot to be desired here and there. Is some of it down to who has played in midfield? We rely on that DM role, and whilst Connell has been missing, we've relied on the inconsistent Russell, or Kane who for me has never suited that role. I honestly think, if we can cut that out of our game, we'll become much more difficult to beat.
The goals against column is lower than it might have been were it not for Roberts’ brilliant keeping before his injury. We’ve barely kept a clean sheet since.
Roberts certainly helped in the early stages of the season, and I'd say we've missed Lopata too. I do think it's more down to individual errors though rather than collectively being poor defensively.
I think you're playing with words. If every individual makes errors doesn't that mean we are collectively poor defensively?
I'm talking more specifically about the penalties being given away. Collectively, I think it's being exaggerated how bad we are defensively because we have given so many penalties away.
I think it's about more than the penalties @Archey - for me, defence provides a foundation from which midfield and forwards build. If the defensive unit is strong and commanding, it enables those further up the pitch to attack with conviction and take more risks, confident that it won't cost a goal if it breaks down. As a team game midfield and forwards of course contribute to a strong defence but defenders individually and as a unit, can set the tone. This season our defence isn't inspiring confidence. We're not as strong in the challenge, particularly in the air, we half win headers rather than big, booming headers and we nick the ball in tackles rather than dominating forwards. I criticised Andersen a few times last season when his desire to dominate meant he got wrong side notably against Bolton when he was sent off but there were other occasions too. However, for every one of such occasions there were another 10 when he won the ball and set us going forward again. Unfortunately we lack stature and strength this season - Lopata is probably the strongest but lacks a yard of pace, I'm undecided atm about whether De Gevigny will develop those traits as he matures, at 26 I don't think McCart ever will. Others have said elsewhere that the signings we've made are inadequate and I agree, particularly with McCart. Sorry to single him out but his was the one that was critical and we didn't get the stature and strength we needed. Apologies - long reply but imo we are weak defensively and it's affecting us all over the pitch.
I'd tend to agree. If we've conceded 6 penalties and only 4 more goals than Derby/Portsmouth - who've both conceded 1 goal through penalties (Derby saved 1) - then our defence is *better* in open play than theirs. If we can cut out the fouls, we'd be alright.
