Sunday, December 22, 2024

The duality of open play for the Buddies

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Despite juggling European football for the first time in 37 years, St Mirren have continued their steady Scottish Premiership form under Stephen Robinson.

After 13 games, the Buddies sit pretty in sixth, which was aided by an important seven-point takeaway from their three games before the international break.

In their last, a win at Easter Road, it was the return of wide man Connor McMenamin. Someone who suits St Mirren’s style of play to a tee.

From the 17 goals they’ve scored in the league this season, 12 have come from open play.

Scott Tanser has notched up 13 successful crosses, only Kilmarnock’s Matty Kennedy has more, while Marcus Fraser has 11 of his own.

However, of the 22 goals the Buddies have conceded, 13 have come from open play too.

After a promising start, goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe has struggled with saves, and has the poorest save percentage of any goalkeeper to play 11 or more games (55.1%).

Switching on a little at the back and becoming alert to their own strengths would boost their bid for yet another top six finishes.

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