Considering his lack of pace and aerial dominance, it’s fair to say Andy Carroll relies on good balls into the box.
The problem is, he just isn’t getting into good positions.
I don’t know if it’s the system, his total lack of mobility or both, but I’ve watched him closely in his last two starts against Brighton and Newport, and it’s alarming just how little he actually gets himself into the box.
Not only is it alarming how slow, stiff and immobile he looks, it’s a real worry that the man we’ll be relying on to score goals should Wilson get injured is never getting close to the area he needs to be in to get on the scoresheet.
At one point in Wednesday night’s win at Newport, I remember seeing Almiron burst down the left and put a wicked ball into the box. When he crossed it in I was looking out for Andy Carroll, knowing he’d thrive on balls across the six-yard box, yet where was he? He was on the half-way line, I kid you not.
Not only that, I noticed he was nowhere to be seen when Jacob Murphy saw two first-half shots rebound back off their goalkeeper. That’s not his forte, but he needs to be getting much closer to the goal and us much further up the pitch as a team if he’s to start scoring goals again.
OK, he’ll win a header or bring the ball down from a long hoof up with pitch, but he doesn’t look fit enough or fast enough to then burst into the box and keep up with our pacey attackers after he’s done that.
He hasn’t scored a Premier League goal for THIRTY months now. I know injury issues have played a big part in that horrific stat, but his lack of movement and even poorer mobility makes me believe that won’t change anytime soon the way he’s going.
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He’s running around like a headless chicken and jumping into players rather than trying to play and SCORE
I’d bet he runs around after the match getting towels for the players and filling up Bruce’s ‘water’ bottle
The guy has turned into a clown – back up like a conquering hero – trouble is he’s done very little since leaving the Northeast and now has forgotten what to do on the pitch..
..and now makes headlines parking his flash cars and popping out sproggs!
KK(Quote)
Pencil jump Carroll and Shelvey guaranteed to be booked every game both being carried and out of their depth in Premiership.
One wonder goal against a side tiers bellow us and people screaming he’s England standard again.
Tactics are wrong, manager has no idea what areas need improving. Plays a team to keep scoreline against us low, is it one shot on target in 3 games. If you want to ruin your career at 22 years of age sign for us. It seems we need to send players out on loan so they get proper training and coaching. Murphy one example.
This club is a joke.
Ed(Quote)
When you have players like Almiron, ASM, Fraser, Murphy, Joelinton playing as attacking midfielders to create chances and Shelvey, Hendrick and Longstaff(s) holding up the midfield There’s no reason why Carroll should be anywhere near the halfway line or fouling outside the 18 yard box.
Unless Bruce is telling him to..
mactoon(Quote)
Can’t believe this guy is just noticing this to be honest …. he’s been jogging back and forwards behind the play since he came back. Still remember the cheers in SJP when he started warming up …. laughable really when you consider even Joe Linton has scored more and they boo him.
Cladderjack(Quote)
Ok Andy isn’t what he used to be, but at least he didn’t cost us £40m+.
Dave Ford(Quote)