Starshavin - Bite the Bullet   <!--break--> I wanted to believe that we could cope without the loss of keane/berbatov/defoe but obviously we have been found wanting. We are left with Bent who i hate to say it but he is inferior to all 3.   <!--break--> In simple terms we've gone from playing an attacking 4-4-2 spearheaded by clever and creative free scoring strikers to a negative 4-5-1 with a 1 dimensional striker and midfielders who don't bag enough goals. Who honestly out of the midfielders is going to bag the 10+ goals that will justify playing this way. Maybe bentley or jenas at a push! <!--break--> The solution could have been the Starshavin/Fablychenko axis that worked so well for Russia in the Euros. We haggled over acouple of mill for Arshavin and after watching the threat he posed to Madrid last night i regret us not coughing up the cash for this little wizard. Although not prolific infront of goal (hit the post last night) the amount of chances he created due to his perfectly weighted passes and instinctive vision shows why any striker he plays with will score a hatful of goals. He is a pure playmaker and has that gift of pass that puts him on a par with the likes of a fabregas.   <!--break--> I am just worried he won't join us in Jan if we are still in such a low position in the table. The most depressing thing about the Pompey game was that we didnt create any chances to test James who had leaked 10 in his last 2. If you are going to play 4-5-1 then you need the likes of Arshavin/Modric/Huddlestone in there pulling the strings to make use of the extra man with their passing ability. Look at United and Barca. Iniesta & Xavi or Carrick & Scholes keep hold of the ball to draw you out and then go for the kill. I think between O'Hara/Jenas/Zokora together there is not enough class and composure to pay dividends in a 3 man central midfield.   <!--break--> For the next couple of games i think scrap 4-5-1 give Pavylchenko a rest and go with Bent & Campbell in a 4-4-2 and give Lennon a run because he has looked like one of our few bright sparks in the last couple of games. I think we will get past Wisla and turn over Hull if we be positive and get at them from the off with our fast and direct players. <!--break-->     COYS! <!--break--> Martin