How many of those games we scored first in did we also get a second? Because that’s been the issue in a lot of our games this season. If we’d have got the second, from one of the many chances we’ve had, then a makeshift defence leaking the odd late goal wouldn’t matter.
You have to look at the psychological effect though Craig. Scoring becomes easier when you are confident that the team can see games out. The forwards are more relaxed and do things naturally.
When you go on the pitch thinking we have to outscore these and have little confidence in the defence sustaining any sort of pressure then players tighten up. That is what is happening for me the forwards are trying too hard.
Look at the goal v Newcastle. Mo had no time to think he just spun and smashed it.
It also has the reverse effect on the opposition. Last season teams were beaten before they went on the pitch. We had no weaknesses. There was no real way of getting at us and that for me is why we went 27,1,1 in the League. This season teams go on to the pitch knowing that they have very simple ways of getting at us. Pretty much every side has done the same thing targetted the right hand side of our defence on the counter.
You also have to look at how many crucial goals we scored from set pieces last season. We have zero threat from set pieces at the moment.