The trouble with only needing a draw is that like it or not, there was no urgency in our play. We played a low tempo possession game, with the odd scare at the back, until Dempsey played a ball of pure class for Ade to finish with similar style.
Much the same in the second half really, until our shortcomings at left back were yet again exposed. Their goal seemed to kick start us, and after a few wobbles Dempsey put another great ball through to Defoe, who was unlucky with the post. A great free kick from Walker, great header from Dempsey, game over.
Lastly another great ball through from Lennon, and a superb finish yet again from Defoe.
It was the kind of night that in the past, we might well have stumbled and ended up losing.
The plusses for me were Walker Verthonghen Caulker Dempsey Defoe and Adebayor. The left side still causes concern, as Naughton is pretty hopeless in this position. I think we really do need to strengthen that. Bale is a huge loss. Also we cry out for a creative midfielder, one who can score some goals too. Maybe Dembelee will step up to the mark ?
To summarise our urgent needs in January, I would say a good left back, and creative midfielder. Another striker would be the icing on the cake. Get these 3 and a top 3 spot could be a real possibility, I think our squad is that close to Chelsea, MU and MC.
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