I think it's more a case of some of the ones that are playing are actually proving they're not up to it and yet they keep playing. We're not seeing our new signings so no-one can really make a fair assessment either way. Roy may well be right to be protecting them, but with the team looking so creatively devoid and with the injuries people are going to keep asking the question as to why £30m worth of talent is sitting unused on the bench.

Having said that, I think a point was very respectable and as Roy said it stops the rot, but we really have to thank West Ham for the early Christmas present with the mistake as other than that we created nothing.

..and your final paragraph is the crux of the matter.
Without West Ham’s mistake we’re unlikely to have scored.
When I saw the lineup I thought our only chance of scoring would be a set piece.
Then the tactics; Johnstone couldn’t kick it long as the ball would come straight back as Edouard is not a target man or hold up player.
At the same time we could not pass through the midfield (or through the lines) as our passing wasn’t good enough.
We don’t have the pace in the team to counter attack or outsprint defenders.
The way we are currently playing bears the hallmarks of the end of Roy’s last tenure when we created zilch. Eze may be out , but as a coach it’s Roy’s responsibility to find a way to maximise our ability to create and score.
Try 442, be more innovative with set pieces, seek to surprise opposition.
Be more ambitious and aggressive in our approach , in particular at home.

(quote=taylors lovechild;3839491]

I think it's more a case of some of the ones that are playing are actually proving they're not up to it and yet they keep playing. We're not seeing our new signings so no-one can really make a fair assessment either way. Roy may well be right to be protecting them, but with the team looking so creatively devoid and with the injuries people are going to keep asking the question as to why £30m worth of talent is sitting unused on the bench.

Having said that, I think a point was very respectable and as Roy said it stops the rot, but we really have to thank West Ham for the early Christmas present with the mistake as other than that we created nothing.

That's the third game running he's failed to track his man and the opposition have scored. His lack of pace and awareness is starting to become an issue. I like his aggressiveness, but he is not performing well enough at the moment.

West Ham carved out a few more chances than us and Bowen missed a free header towards the end, heading the ball straight at Johnstone from a few yards out.
I don't recall their keeper being troubled at all.
We're not creating much which is why we're one of the lowest scoring teams in the division and have only won one home game this season.
It's quite possibly also why some think a point at home to.Boirnrmouth would be a good result.

Hopefully next season we will have a younger manager someone like Conte, splash the cash on a decent right back and another forward but give youth a chance, Mathurin,Ademola could defo step up.

Credit to Ward on Sunday though, thought he played well after a few iffy games. Not his fault that there’s no competition for his position :-)