Despite our catastrophic slide over the last month, I have complete faith in Eddie Howe. However, fan support will only go so far in alleviating our difficulties.
Since last night’s 4-2 loss at Anfield, it’s been underlined that our owners continue to back Howe – as they should – but it’s clearly time for them to back him in the transfer market, with our injury-hit squad looking down, depleted, and in desperate need of a New Year’s boost.
The last several games have revealed what we’re lacking:
- An athletic defensive midfielder able to cover ground at pace and protect our back four.
- A right-winger able to compete with an out of sorts Miguel Almiron or versatile forward
- A centre-back who can add pace and presence to our defence
There’s a case to be made for a new goalkeeper, as we haven’t looked the same since Nick Pope’s injury, and our options up forward are dwindling, with Callum Wilson suffering yet another injury that will keep him out of the Tyne and Wear derby.
Some publications indicate that unless we bring some of our summer budget ahead, FFP may not allow us to sign all of the above this month. However, if we are to rescue our season, we must address at least two of these critical positions this month.
Yes, Willock, Anderson, and Barnes could return in the coming month, giving Howe a major lift, but that doesn’t provide pace to our defense or a devastating CDM capable of protecting a back four that appears to be there for the taking. Liverpool could have scored seven or eight goals yesterday night, and Nottingham Forest sliced through us like butter, easily bypassing our midfield and blasting past our back line.
It’s always perplexed me that we didn’t address the right wing during the offseason. FFP is undeniably a problem, but I was surprised to see another left-winger sign in Barnes when the opposite flank was in desperate need of a facelift.
For what it’s worth, Barnes is a proven Premier League player, and I expect him to perform well when he returns. It just seemed like an odd decision when Gordon has been at his best in the position he plays, all while our right side is lacking, with Miggy and Murphy (currently injured) our only options in a Champions League season where a top-four finish was surely the goal.
I believe big-money bids for a quick centre-back and a top right winger will have to wait until the summer, when more money will be available and our top targets will be more attainable, but a holding midfielder and flexible forward capable of rejuvenating our tired attack are vitally necessary this month.
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