A Realistic Take on Where We Need to Improve

There are two camps among the fans — the upbeat lot and the doomers. I'm nearer the realistic end: I can see progress in parts, but a few nagging issues remain that need sorting if we want to be consistent. Yesterday had encouraging moments, yet also reminders of why I wasn’t convinced at the start of the season under Russel Martin.

Aasgaard and the number 10 issue

Aasgaard offered more impact yesterday and his goal involvements are obvious, but there’s still a habit of drifting with his back to goal. When he turns and faces defenders he’s a different player — more direct, more incisive. Out of possession he can look a touch anonymous, which is worrying when the team relies on that number 10 to influence the flow. To be fair, not every ten has to press like a midfielder, but we need him starting more matches by showing the consistency and end product that earns that spot.

Strikers: Chermiti’s link play vs Miovski’s finishing

Chermiti does the unattractive but useful work — holds the ball, links play, brings others into it. Trouble is he too often looks like a holding midfielder playing up front: composed in possession but lacking the pace and clinical edge you want from your main striker. I agree with the view that Miovski is our most reliable finisher. If we deploy two up top, Miovski should be the 9 and Chermiti the support runner. Goals win leagues, and selection ought to reflect who actually puts the ball in the net.

Defence, Souttar and the space management

Souttar feels more comfortable in a back three to me. His occasional indecision and lack of recovery speed mean he needs cover behind him; otherwise one mistake can become costly. Moore gets a lot of leeway from fans because of his graft and energy — people forgive the misses when the effort is obvious. The bigger tactical worry is how often we get pinned in our own half. We should be holding territory higher up, easing the defensive load and creating chances. Small tweaks in shape and tempo could help — but the run-in will expose whether those fixes are enough.

Call it realism rather than doom-mongering. There are positives to build on, but we can’t kid ourselves — finishing, shape and who plays where will decide a lot over the next few weeks.

Written by zikos: 3 June 2026