Daves analysis:
1. We haven't been scoring goals for the last 12 months.
1b. Is it because the forwards are not good enough ;
------ We don't have a proper no 9 and haven't had since Costa left. Havertz doesn't even claim to be the main striker
---------- Our wide players have never scored many goals;
***** Conclusion: the forward line needs a refresh and it also needs a system that gives them the opportunities
1c we cant give the forwards the supply they need ;
----- The wing backs have been crap since James and Chilwell were injured. Those guys were both scoring goals and creating.
------ We really don't have any No 2 right wing back/full back. Dave is way past it at this level.
------ Centre midfield is lacking class without Kante's energy, both Jorginho and Kovacic are great deputies but neither can run the show.
------- But we have enough midfielders that can just about do the job for the rest of this season. Zakaria and Gallagher can provide the energy and kovacic can add value when the time comes and there is a system that suits him/partner he can trust.
******* Conclusion midfield needs to be improved but we can manage with what we've got short term. If the forwards provide more of an attacking threat there will be more opportunities for the midfield. I know its generally the other way round but this season its the forwards that have to provide the impetus .
2. The team lacks confidence because the goalies have too many mistakes in them and the central defenders are old and slow.
---- Yet our defensive record is not that bad and Badiashile may be the missing link.
So despite the fact that I have been calling for midfield and defensive reinforcements for two seasons I can see why management thinks that changing the forward line might be the most important thing to do. We need to score two goals a game average and if we do we will get a lot of points. Our season is not even half over and despite the domestic cup exits and the 10 point deficit to 4th there is still a lot to play for.