13 October, 2004
The 2004-2005 season really couldn't have started much better for Santini, Arnesen, and Jol. The club sits a lofty fifth in the table with a +2 goal difference and Liverpool, Newcastle, and United out of the way. Only the dirty cheating of O'Shea stopped us from claiming points against three of the 'Big Four'. There can be few complaints as the undeserved wins against Newcastle and Everton surely cancel out the points dropped against Norwich and WBA.
Unfortunately, the defensive tactics that have seen us start so well have left some still doubting whether we are heading in the right direction. But for a club that has produced relegation-level goal differences sides season after season - we should look at it is a case of priorities. Long-term success for any side must be built from the back. Man United have never had a problem scoring goals but their defensive frailties cost them the title last season, and may have already done so again this year. So Santini must be commended for getting his priorities straight and quickly turning almost an entirely new side into one of the most defensively organized and difficult to break down teams in the league.
Of course, there is no doubting that the emphasis on defense has resulted in us being somewhat less than stellar in attack - especially when it comes to build up play. But cutting teams apart with one touch football takes skilled players, confidence, and time. We began this summer sorely lacking in all 3 areas but have made huge strides thus far. Arnesen lived up to his reputation and his great work this summer saw us welcome 17 new signings, 7 of which have been brought immediately into the first team. But as any fan will tell you, there is still something or someone clearly missing in the link between the midfield and our strikers. Davies remains out of form, Atouba is a wingback being asked to play as a left-sided target man, Mendes has a good range of passing and a vicious shot but is currently shackled by having to cover for Redknapp's defensive duties in addition to his own, as our captains dodgy knees render him immobile in the center of the park.
Acquiring the right players is only the start. Confidence and a settled team that knows and trusts each other are arguably even more important if a club wants to win anything. Newcastle is a good example of a club who boast some of the most talented players in the Premiership, but in-fighting and a distinct lack of team harmony has seen them disappoint for years. Frank Arnesen's reputation includes not only finding and attracting quality players, but managing their affairs off the pitch and keeping players happy - Ronaldo's much publicized admiration, affection, and all-round man love for him being a fine example. It's still early but the squad is already looking much more unified and focused than before with a number of interviews emerging in recent weeks praising the level of team spirit and atmosphere; a far cry from the constant loss-of-dressing-room talk that came up daily in previous regimes.
We are also set to receive an immeasurable boost when Sean Davis and Michael Carrick return to fitness. Carrick should provide a midfield playmaking presence that is currently sorely lacking and his eye for a defense-splitting pass will be most welcome in our industrious midfield. Davis' return will add much more to the team than just his individual contributions. His work rate and bite will make us even harder to break down but crucially it will free other players like Mendes, Davies and, more importantly, our fullbacks to push forward more without worrying about leaving us exposed to counter attacks. Davis himself can provide some goals from midfield with his good finishing and ability to make late runs into the box. Having 3 central midfielders available, all of whom can run, tackle, shoot, and pass will be staggering - although it will be interesting to see how Santini chooses to incorporate them all.
Speaking of which, with everyone fit I wouldn't be surprised to see us line up in the 4-5-1-to-4-3-3 formation we showed briefly against United. The fact that Davis, Carrick, and Mendes are all capable in defense or attack would provide the versatility that is so key to making the formation effective. Although Kanoute and Keane are not really the kind of players ideally suited to have as wing-strikers in the 4-5-1-to-4-3-3 formation, both have shown a tendency to either drift deep or to the wings anyway so it shouldn't be too much of a stretch. It's going to be very exciting to see what we do when we have our full team available as we definitely have the players to put together an extremely solid and effective side. Pats on the back all round for the new management team, and our new best friend Daniel Levy.
