Luke Turner highlights a key reason behind our impressive start…
We all know that Gary Rowett bases his team on being solid at the back whilst having less of the ball than the opposition.
But what’s interesting to note is what makes that so successful. This season, it’s partly been down to the consistent selection of the same back four for every match.
Jonathan Spector, Michael Morrison, Ryan Shotton and Jonathan Grounds have all started every league match this season and it’s only Spector who hasn’t played every minute of every game.
He’s missed just 14 minutes of action whilst the other three defenders have, so far, played all 990 minutes of the season.
This consistency of having the same back four for every match has allowed the players to gain an understanding with each other and enhance their relationship.
Of course mistakes will still be made but, in the main, they`re beginning to know each other inside out and there is still plenty of room for improvement.
The defence have already kept five clean sheets this season and our goals against column looks very impressive with just nine goals conceded.
Only the leaders Huddersfield and 4th placed Brighton have conceded less- eight and seven respectively.
Having that rock solid defence allows us to build and call upon our attacking players to go on and try and win us the game.
Something else that also mustn’t go unnoticed is how hard each and every player is working for the team.
They all seem to be pulling in the same direction and I have every confidence that the side can continue with the good form and build it into something special.
The Championship is a very demanding league but this squad of players looks to be up to the task and, if those in the starting 11 don’t produce, then we have others available chomping at the bit that we can call upon.