I wrote a post a little while ago where I suggested that Benteke's acquisition has held us back; a large sum was invested in his transfer fee and salary so much so that there was nothing left in the kitty for back up. Indeed, Roy was pushed at one point to experiment with Zaha and Townsend up front! Ironically we lucked out on a cheapo signing, Ayew, who when given the opportunity scored more in one season than Benteke in three, this in a Hodgson team not at that point renowned for creating bucketloads of chances.
To the present, we make a clear statement with the acquistion of Edouard, who one presumes is to be our centre forward moving on. Except that PV is making the same mistake as Hodgson, putting square pegs in round holes to accomodate Benteke.
To cut a long story short, Benteke isn't good enough to be the main man, too many appalling misses that are well catalogued by his statistical return over the seasons.

Correct

Edited by southnorwoodhill (24 Oct 2021 8.51am)

I wrote a post a little while ago where I suggested that Benteke's acquisition has held us back; a large sum was invested in his transfer fee and salary so much so that there was nothing left in the kitty for back up. Indeed, Roy was pushed at one point to experiment with Zaha and Townsend up front! Ironically we lucked out on a cheapo signing, Ayew, who when given the opportunity scored more in one season than Benteke in three, this in a Hodgson team not at that point renowned for creating bucketloads of chances.
To the present, we make a clear statement with the acquistion of Edouard, who one presumes is to be our centre forward moving on. Except that PV is making the same mistake as Hodgson, putting square pegs in round holes to accomodate Benteke.
To cut a long story short, Benteke isn't good enough to be the main man, too many appalling misses that are well catalogued by his statistical return over the seasons.

It’s a conundrum for sure as no one attacks the ball in the air like Tekkers and he is playing better now. One thing from yesterday, Olise was sending some decent balls into the box for Tekkers to attack, something that has been missing for 3 seasons now. Really impressed with Micheal Olise and Tyrick Mitchell yesterday. A draw was the least we deserved and Tekkers was inches away from scoring a second and third. He hit the post and the bar and on any other day they would have gone in.

Edited by southnorwoodhill (24 Oct 2021 8.51am)

I’m having to change view of Andersen and Guehi who, as a pair, lack strength in the air and leadership defending the penalty area.

We’ve looked weak defending the first ball and non-existent on the second too many times now for it to be bad luck which leaves a number of question marks and may force us to play Benteke for the wrong reasons.

The first thing a central defender needs to be is strong in the air and a good organiser. As good as the new players are with the ball at their feet I think our inability to defend the area is killing us and is serious worry for the remainder of the season.

I wrote a post a little while ago where I suggested that Benteke's acquisition has held us back; a large sum was invested in his transfer fee and salary so much so that there was nothing left in the kitty for back up. Indeed, Roy was pushed at one point to experiment with Zaha and Townsend up front! Ironically we lucked out on a cheapo signing, Ayew, who when given the opportunity scored more in one season than Benteke in three, this in a Hodgson team not at that point renowned for creating bucketloads of chances.
To the present, we make a clear statement with the acquistion of Edouard, who one presumes is to be our centre forward moving on. Except that PV is making the same mistake as Hodgson, putting square pegs in round holes to accomodate Benteke.
To cut a long story short, Benteke isn't good enough to be the main man, too many appalling misses that are well catalogued by his statistical return over the seasons.

Edited by southnorwoodhill (24 Oct 2021 8.51am)

Benteke and Edouard play as a pair, Benteke is now getting the service and is getting back to his best. Every striker misses chances, but what appears to be missed by most, he is getting in position to get chances.