I think our set piece vulnerability is attributable to the loss of Hyppia, Riise, Crouch, Sissoko and Alonso over recent seasons. All of these players were significantly taller than their replacements and this has undoubtedly contributed to our problems.
Our team this season regularly includes Mascherano (5’7’’), Lucas (5’8’’), Insua (5’8’’), Carragher (5’10’’), Benayoun (5’8’’) and Aurelio (5’8’’). When the team contains only four outfield players over 6 foot we are going to have trouble defending corners and free kicks irrespective of whether we employ zonal or man to man marking.
This is constantly overlooked by the media but we will continue to struggle until we address the lack of height within the team. The introduction of Riera (6’1’’) and Aquilani (6’1’’) should help alleviate the problem to some degree but height should definitely be taken into consideration when contemplating any future signings.
Ultimately Rafa must shoulder the blame for our persistent shortcomings at set pieces as his transfer dealings and team selections have drastically reduced the aerial ability within the team. Having said all that, I think we can easily rectify the problem and hopefully Rafa will in the near future.
This management lark is a piece of piss... :whistle:
