Graham Westley has the winning formula for Peterborough United after four consecutive league wins. How has Westley managed to rejuvenate this once struggling squad?
Firstly, Graham Westley has made some smart transfers, bringing in Miles Addison for free after he was released from Bournemouth, and also employing young starlet, Martin Samuelsen, on loan basis from West Ham. Addison made his dramatic debut against Barnsley, where he conceded a penalty before cancelling out his mistake with a headed goal against Barnsley, which wasn’t bad for his first 90 minutes after recovering from injury. Meanwhile, Samuelsen came off the bench to set up Connor Washington’s hat-trick goal against Scunthorpe. Both of these two signings had an instant impact in their debut games for the club.
Despite a couple of additions, some disfavoured players have stepped up within the squads. One such player is Erhun Oztumer, whose diminutive figure is able to pick out passes no other man could on the pitch. Is he too small or too light? No, his creation of chances doesn’t rely on his strength or size; Oztumer is a quality player who could tear a defence apart with one mere pass.
Crucially, Graham Westley has some good substitutes to call on. Take Souleymane Coulibaly, or Martin Samuelsen or even Marcus Maddison, who have all been subbed on recently. All three players are capable of influencing the game and may even push for a start. The bench will, thus, always be strong. Coulibaly is very useful when he comes on, harassing and snapping at the heels of defenders, though also able to take his chances in front of goal. Samuelsen seems to have the creative edge yet ample physicality in midfield. Maddison’s position on the bench may be slightly controversial, yet when he does make it on the pitch, he has taken his chances, like when he scored against Barnsley in Posh’s 3-2 win.
Statistically, Posh’s success can be easily summed as the top scoring team in League One with 46 goals to their tally, yet they have conceded more than any other team in the top 15 with 31 goals against. It’s clear to see that the defence needs work. Although, to have scored 46 goals really bodes well for Posh’s promotion chances; no team gets promoted from just being solid at the back. There needs to be attacking emphasis and hunger to score goals, and Graham Westley’s men have that nailed. Now they should tighten up a little at the back to continue this sparkling run of form.
How much further can this run go? Posh fans will hope that this run keeps going, and rightly so. Graham Westley needs to tinker with a few things, but, without any major changes, Posh do look an exciting, attacking side, able to cause any defence in the league issues. With the FA Cup tie against Luton looming on Sunday, Peterborough United may just be able to return to that famous old ground, Wembley, where Posh really do have a chance to add to their successes.
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