It is also interesting to look at the difference in the left hand side from first to second half. The intention of playing Bale at left back was most likely as he can offer a threat running from deep rather than for his defensive prowess. He was unable to get forward in the first half as his dashboard shows. If we compare this to his 2nd half dashboard as well as Vertonghan’s attacking dashboard for the same half, we can see how much more attacking threat we possessed down the left hand side.
Left Hand Side Performance
The question for AVB now is how to line up against Manchester United at the weekend. Does AVB stick with the side that started the second half against QPR? I would say yes. Caulker has been an accomplished centre back and Vertonghen excelled at left back – the trouble is he has also been our best performing centre back. He was won all of the tackles that he has made this season, none more so important that a last-ditch tackle at the weekend when it looked like an unmarked Hoilett was poised to score.
Vertonghen Tackling Stats
AVB has taken a considerable amount of stick from the media after replacing their darling Harry Redknapp. Despite this, we are only 1 point behind Arsenal who is being tipped as title contenders. Admittedly we have had an easier start (on paper) but people tend to forget that Arsenal struggled to find the net in their opening two games resulting in goalless draws.
We have a number of key players to come back into the squad with the likes of Kaboul, Parker and Adebayor all currently out. With the players we lost in the summer it was always going to be a test to replace them and this season can be seen as a period of transition.
One thing is vitally important though, the crowd has to get behind the team and support them through thick and thin – this booing is helping no one…
