With disappointment for Birmingham City fans after missing out on an expected three points last Saturday against Rotherham United – perhaps manager Aitor Karanka is looking at the wrong strike force.
Since lockdown, and this new campaign began, it is clearly obvious that Jutkiewicz and Hogan lack pace and clinical finishing. Blues supporters know it and, without a doubt, Aitor Karanka also knows it.
We all realise that natural strikers are like gold and are hard to find, with every scout looking under every unturned stone. However, the reality at B9 is that Hogan and Jutkiewicz do need immediate competition for their places, whether it be a rookie from within or simply an upstart from a lower league that might just be tailored to Karanka’s thinking.
My opinion is that a new striker will be signed before the deadline closes which will at least give hope for a few desperately needed goals. Hogan, on an unbelievable four year contract, does not look like scoring at the moment.
Difficult times ahead for Blues in this department even though we are only a few games into the season. Strikers always go through barren spells but by the law of averages they eventually get back into the groove, but with our current strike force it has gone on too long and I feel certain Aitor Karanka is all too aware.
Last Saturday, Rotherham became another lesser club to deny us all points and the pattern is all too familiar with Blues simply unable to score goals. We appear to be well covered for wide players which is encouraging and with Leko nearing fitness – we could have all the tools needed to be on the front foot but unless we get a finisher at the club we will struggle.
Not rocket science but surely for heaven’s sake, we have waited beyond reasonable time for a Blues striker(s) to find the back of the net.