Three tough Premiership fixtures - 01/10/2003

A great move to set up Bernard

Links:  Players:    Kieron Dyer    Olivier Bernard  Clubs:    Southampton    Fulham    Middlesbrough

Let’s face it, we haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to the season but I’d say that the Brada and Arsenal games were a definite improvement. Some people would have you think that we’re relegation candidates – but the last two games prove that the side who did so well last year is still capable of decent performances.

One of the plus points from recent games is the switch of Kieron Dyer from centre midfield to right wing. With his pace and his engine, he’s done very well. A big part of his game is closing down of the opposition, it isn’t a particularly glamorous role, but he’s now getting forward well and making the runs that hurt the opposition. A great example was his part in Olivier Bernard’s goal at Highbury – an excellent move.

The next three Premiership games are going to be tough. Southampton, a side that have come on massively over the last year, will be smarting after their surprise loss at home to Boro. They’ll come to St. James Park with both a point to prove and the players capable of doing just that. We’re then away at the Riverside and although I’d be confident of picking up a point, last years experience just goes to prove that you can take nothing for granted. The Boro game is followed by another away trip – this time to Fulham. The corresponding game last season game was very disappointing and just like the Boro game, I’d like to think that we owe them one. But Fulham have done well recently and if their fans don’t enjoy Loftus Road, I’m sure their players do.

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