1. The loss of Bridcutt and now Walsh to injury until, it seems, end of March or early April, is a big blow. We have players capable of covering, but it subjects them to a high workload and a risk of fatigue or injury - then we would be stretched thin. This is compounded by several players clearly not fully back to full fitness post covid. As we enter a key part of the season (is any part not?) with a run of games against mid and lower table sides which need to be won to sustain the title challenge, effective management of fitness and squad becomes even more of a challenge for MA, the coaches and physios.
2. Integrating new players mid season is difficult. A defence with 2 new signings unsettled the whole team performance on Sunday. Tonight, with a back 4 of season-long campaigners we looked much more solid - until Bramall came on, when the left flank became vulnerable (cleverly targeted by Sunderland?) and after a couple of near misses conceded from that side.
3. However - Bramall looked much better tonight than on Sunday, partiularly getting forward and was key in creating the goal. Think back to Edun's vulnerability earlier in the season to realise that the defensive role in this side's set up requires a degree of experience and hopefully that will develop for Cohen. The other new signing playing tonight, Sanders, looks highly promising. He looks capable as either a box-to-box '8' as part of a rotating midfield 3 as tonight, or growing into the defensive Bridcutt role which would enable Grant to be further forward where he can cause maximum damage.
