Since we’re now getting to the point where we can start the countdown to kick-off, I’m really getting excited about the upcoming season. The three pre-season games I went to (Boreham Wood, Bournemouth, and Colchester) had a few nervy bits but were chock-full of promise and potential, which has left me really looking forward to the 2013/2014 season.
One of the best bits of promise was not from a new signing, but rather from our fairly experienced midfielder Matt Jarvis- and now I’m expecting a really good upcoming season from him. I certainly don’t think he had a poor season last year; the former Wolves man played decently, and certainly delivered the crosses that he was brought in to the squad to provide.
Last season Jarvis sent in 220 crosses- 61 of which were converted, giving him an accuracy rating of 1.9 crosses per game as well as a spot as a top crosser in the Premier League. I’d imagine that if we could have a fit and settled Andy Carroll for the entirety of the 2013-2014 season it will help that conversion rate go up even higher.
Pre-season games this year have shown us a fit and healthy winger; he’s really been looking strong and sending in some decent balls. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him take a few corners too, which is a very welcome sight!
I would wager that his accuracy has improved somewhat, which will certainly help the squad this season. He also looks like he’s slimmed down a bit- not that he was particularly heavy previously, but he looks quicker on his feet now and his reaction time seems quicker; all signs which point to a good upcoming season.
The only thing that brings me and my Matt Jarvis love-fest down to earth a bit is wondering how the attacking midfielder will adjust to the addition of forward-pushing Razvan Rat. Jarvis will, of course, have to be more aware of the overlap that Rat seems to be bringing into the squad as Rat often pushes up far further than the midfielder (and is a pretty good ball-crosser himself!) Should Jarvis adapt to this and be prepared to occasionally drop back defensively, then this is the start of something good.
What are your thoughts on how Jarvis will do for us this season? Am I setting my hopes and dreams of excellence on the wrong player, or do you think he’ll put in a good show for us? Let me know below, or tweet me @makingthemarrow
Lots of crosses but no assists. Obviously, that’s partly down to the strikers but that is a stat that Downing got coated for in his first season at Liverpool
Stats have a place in the game when used by people with a deeper knowledge & understanding of the game. But to be fair Downing cost £20 million and the media profile of the club meant he was always going to be under the microscope. Which was the same for Carroll and will probably continue in some form.
Jarvis cost/will cost £10.5m, hardly a bargain bucket signing, especially for a club with West Hams debt. No assists over a season is still a shocking stat, or if you prefer, a shocking ‘fact’.
It’ll be interesting to see how Jarvis & Carroll do if/when both of them get a consistent run in the team together. I’m hopeful, but the jury’s still out at the moment.
You can use selected stats to prove anything. No direct assists doesn’t necessarily mean he failed to assist the making of goals. You need only look as far as Man U at home where Jarvis beat Ferdy and crossed accurately for Carroll to knock down for Vaz. I think he only got better as the season went on and without him I highly doubt we would have achieved a top ten finish
Well said James. Nice article Emily. IMO next season is the season Jarvis shows us that he is worth the price tag and gets back into the England reckoning. He must be relishing having an proven experienced international behind him at left back!
Nice article once again Emily, keep it up 🙂
Good to see we still have supporters with a true sense of perspective also!