You're answering your own question though. If Noble's the only viable short option (which he basically is) then it's fairly easy for the opposition to shut it down, hence hoof.happydaystoytown wrote:A lot of the time it's more about the midfield not making themselves available to the centre backs, leaving them no option but to lump it upfield.
A CB doesn't have to be good on the ball if he can pick out a simple pass.
Admittedly, Collins does tend get his head and look for the long one, maybe Noble needs to demand it more and really be our Pirlo.
There's got to be movement, giving the player in possession plenty of options to distribute.
That's what looks good about Morrison he's always on the move, wanting the ball.
As you say Morrison could be the difference as he is so comfortable picking up the ball anywhere on the pitch and will give us a second passing option.
It's important to realise that he will at times give the ball away in dangerous areas though, I saw it last night just from those brief highlights where he tried a trick on the edge of our box and Espanyol nearly scored. We have to make allowances for that and not slate the kid if we want him to become the player we all hope he can be.
Joe Cole used to get slaughtered for doing **** like that and it ultimately stifled his development....