Published: Thursday, 21st February, 2008 10:30
Murty desperate for clean sheets
Comments (0)
Print Article
GRAEME Murty says Reading’s fate heavily depends on their ability to keep clean sheets.
The Royals have the second worst defensive record in the Premier League behind Derby County and they have failed to shut out the opposition since a 1-0 win against the Rams in early October.
On top of that they are struggling to score themsevles and a run of seven straight defeats – the last a 1-0 reverse at Everton – has left them in the relegation zone.
Steve Coppell’s side now desperately need a result at home to Aston Villa this weekend to stop the rot.
Murty argued: “We defended really well against Everton but one moment cost us a point.
“It has happened far too often and we’ve got to get back to keeping clean sheets.
“I feel for Marcus Hahnemann in goal because he’s performed really well. But it seems if a player hits one off his right kneecap it will go in the top corner.”
The Royals were beaten 3-1 at Villa just a few weeks ago when John Carew netted twice, the first with a strong hint of offside. Towering centre-back Martin Laursen also scored with a trademark header from a poorly-defended corner.
“Villa are a better team this year,” insisted Murty. “They’re more consistent, more organised and Martin O’Neill has them playing his way.
“They play the same team more or less week-in, week-out so we know what to expect. They’ll be very dangerous from set-pieces, they’re a big side.
“Martin Laursen is awesome in the air. Villa fans have a chant for him when he goes up for corners.
“We know he’s a big, big threat, but we also have big guys of our own. Ibrahima Sonko is back so hopefully we can nullify what Villa do.
“You never know, if we play John Carew offside at a free-kick we might even get it this time.
“But we can’t worry too much. We’re at home, we’ve got to perform and turn home games into bankers.”
Villa is the first of 12 remaining games in which the Royals must secure their top-flight status.
“It’s a must-win game and three points will give the fans something to shout about,” added Murty. “I’ve no idea how many points we’ll need to stay up but I don’t think it will be as many as last year.
“Everyone has to play each other. We’ve got Birmingham, Wigan, Fulham and Derby. But we’ve got ourselves to worry about and collecting as many points as we can.
“There’s still a third of the season left so it’s down to us to take as many points as we can so that relegation is not an issue.”
Further Details
Lita in shock recall?