In 38 matches last season we only lost 2 but drew 11. The winners lost 4 but drew 6.
Defensively we were strong, to have only been beaten twice, but the area of improvement needs to be scoring the critical goal required to turn the draws into wins. Much was made last season of Uniteds fortunate fate in how they were lucky in racking up a bucket full of 1-0 wins.
This season United wont have the Ronaldo factor, perhaps the main factor in how they were able to pinch those vital 1-0 wins. I would expect United to therefore score less than 90 points this year as some of those wins turn into frustrating draws, the likes of what we have endured last season.
For me, Chelsea are the worry, because once Hiddink arrived, and switched to a system of playing both Anelka and Drogba together, rather than the conservative method of one or the other, they looked much more dangerous up front. It seems that Ancelotti has quickly adopted the same approach and with Chelsea's midfield threat of Lampard, and Essien being back in the fold they will be hard to stop.
Our problem, is that even if we did buy a striker as cover for Torres, I doubt Benitez would play the two of them together. You then have the Peter Crouch, or Robbie Keane problem all over again. Frustrated players not getting a regular start, under constant pressure to come on in the 70th minute and deliver, or be heavily criticised.
After that Middlesborough loss we seemed to come out there and play without fear, when everything seemed lost, we found our mojo. Defensively we may have looked shaky for brief periods, where we had Torres, Benayoun, Kuyt, Gerrard all joining in the assault on goal. If we are to continue down that that path, and play aggressively, risking the occasional shortage at the back then the rewards will be reaped, and we can win the title.
In other words, its more about our style, and intent, and less about who is on the pitch. Playing an attacking style, like we did after Middlesborough, Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt and Benayoun are all quite capable of getting the job done up front, and if they play that attacking style they are equally as capable as anything Chelsea or United have going forward.
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