Make attack a priority to boost morale
EVERYONE is pointing to the January transfer window to provide Huddersfield Town with a timely tonic.
Someone who can put the ball in the net seems to be top priority for most fans; another creative midfielder a priority for others.
But even with key playmaker Aaron Mooy sidelined until February and the energetic Danny Williams for even longer, there is a selfhelp programme which Town could undertake.
Head coach David Wagner has got the team more confident on the ball, seemingly settled in their system and they are certainly dominating possession for long spells of matches – whoever the opposition.
The problem is mostly in the final attacking third, and this is where a change of emphasis within the camp can pay dividends.
It is not the first time I’ve said it, but it seems more pertinent now with Town on a losing run of four matches and up against a relegation rival next in Southampton – a side who will be buoyant after their 3-2 home win against Arsenal.
Town have to commit more players into the box on attack to support the striker, whether that’s Laurent Depoitre or Steve Mounie, who will be free from suspension when the Saints visit the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.
This is not about set pieces, from which Town have done reasonably well this season.
We are talking about in open play, because
Town are finding room on both flanks to swing the ball into the box.
When one man is confronted by three or more defenders, however, it makes life very difficult – and that’s exactly what Town experienced against Newcastle United last Saturday.
Flooding the box with more players would surely pay off with better chances and, subsequently, more goals.
I am not having a go at Depoitre or Alex Pritchard, because they worked hard for the team, made some good runs and caused Newcastle problems at times – but they are doing it without enough support.
The midfield and wing-backs have to take more responsibility on attack.
Cardiff City, who were three down at Watford, almost hauled themselves level by getting men forward.
Crystal Palace, winning without Wilfried Zaha for the first time in over two years at Premier League level, weren’t shy putting men in the box against Leicester, while Fulham and West Ham both got plenty forward. The top sides are masters of the art, but Town could certainly make life a lot easier by following suit.
It would help lift confidence both on the pitch and in the stands at a time when morale is getting low.
Scoring goals and winning matches, of course, is the best way to breed confidence, so maybe there needs to be a change in emphasis to Town’s approach.
That last sentence is one I wrote back in August, but it’s not too late for Town to act.
Anything that comes in January will then be a bonus.