We do it too often to call it bad luck and there are a number of factors that contribute to our inconsistency and inability to close out games. It would take too long to list the problems we have but, off the top of my head, I will identify some of the problems that I see - not in any particular order.
I'll start with our keeper. Nordfeldt is a weak link. Sure he's a good shot stopper but that's a pre-requisite for any goalkeeper, a basic skill that ANY keeper should possess. The better keepers command their boxes, routinely take/deal with crosses, distribute the ball safely and ensure that their positioning is right. Nordfeldt all too often is found lacking in these areas and costs us goals and points. He's not good enough.
On to the other end of the pitch. We need a CLINICAL striker, one who puts the ball away with minimum fuss and effort. Michu (not a dedicated striker) and Bony were examples of this but Oli just doesn't have the composure or technique of either player. You knew that Michu would net after a one on one and Bony would fashion a quick strike/goal often out of nothing. Oli does neither of these things. I know he's young with time to learn but I just don't see him improving. I love his work rate and enthusiasm and he is getting his share of goals but the chances that he's missing are costing us big time. Today was a case in point. His lack of technique and composure when he was put through saw him miss abysmally and was a big factor in costing us points.
Then we have midfield, long a bone of contention of mine. Look, football is a physical game, a contact sport but we have a dreadfully soft underbelly that other teams take advantage of. We lack that commanding presence stalking midfield that would make other teams think twice about roughing up our 'pretty boys'. Example: in the 1988 FA Cup Final highly fancied and successful Liverpool were playing little Wimbledon, who were given no chance. But, along with others in his team, Vinnie Jones had other ideas. It is well documented that Jones figured that if he could assert dominance in midfield over Liverpool's own hardman, Steve McMahon, Wimbledon were in with a chance.
Early in the game Jones flattened McMahon with a two-footed tackle that caused him to lose interest after that. Wimbledon (granted they had a few tough players in their lineup) held their own and went on to nick the final with a set piece goal from a corner. There are just so many similar instances in football but we insist on taking the field with not one player capable of dishing out the dirty stuff to keep the other lot honest. I'll repeat what I said before on other threads. Ivor Allchurch was the epitome of a fine footballer and he loved to play the game that way but even he demanded that any team he managed had to have at least two players who could handle themselves out there. We discussed this subject for hours on end; in the car, in the bar, on the phone, in training and elsewhere including the dressing room if he thought we were being roughed up.
Look, I'm a football man myself and I detest the thought that a team of mean cloggers got away with a win today. Their approach disgusts me because I don't like dirty play in itself. The type of midfielders I like are tough but can play football as well. I think of the likes of Ferre Bodde, Roy Keane, Graeme Souness, Bryan Robson and many others like them. Okay, I get we can't afford their like but I mean that TYPE of player who can do a job in the Championship. Our young lads need protection and the quicker we provide it the better. The rest will follow.