Blackburn Rovers' problems in front of goal were magnified on Saturday as they were toothless in their 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United.
It was a first home defeat for John Eustace's side after goals in either half for Harrison Burrows and Tyrese Campbell. In truth, the away side were good value for their lead and could've won by more.
Aynsley Pears and Dom Hyam both denied Kieffer Moore with headers and that could've made the Blades' margin of victory greater.
More concerning was Rovers' complete inability to lay a glove on the opposition in an attacking sense. They ended the 98 minutes without a shot on target.
Here are the main takeaways from a disappointing afternoon at Ewood Park.
A blunt attack
Whatever way you want to frame the statistics, Rovers have a problem in attack. Three games without scoring, two goals in six games or failing to net in five of their last eight. It's a concern.
For me, this is far more of an issue than the two goals they gave away. They were sloppy but, on the whole, Rovers have defended very well this term.
In the first half, they won the ball back on a few occasions but didn't have the necessary skill, pace or quality to capitalise on the opportunities. It has to be noted that Sheffield United were excellent at the back and have kept nine clean sheets in 13 home games.
I felt sorry for Yuki Ohashi, who hasn't scored since mid-September. In that time, how many clear-cut chances can you say he's had? That one in the second half against West Brom is the only one that springs to mind.
Rovers are simply not creating the opportunities for whoever is up front. They had an xG of 0.65 but most of that was made up of blocked shots. Ryan Hedges' chance in the first half was by far and away their best opening.
A re-think with Cantwell?
Nonetheless, this is a recurring problem with Rovers. The balance of their front four isn't right. Todd Cantwell looked like he was playing a different game to some of his team-mates in the first half as he tried to unlock the door.
He has to be at the centre of this Rovers attack. Tyrhys Dolan had another off-day, which usually come away from Ewood Park. I am yet to be convinced that he can't be as effective on the left as the middle, which might bring the best from Cantwell.
The main issue is that Hedges, Dolan and Cantwell are all too similar. They want the ball to feet, none of them run in-behind. There is no variation in Rovers' attacking threat.
Amario Cozier-Duberry is injured and so there's no point highlighting the lack of pace because they don't have anyone fit who can offer it. But Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was a constant outlet in the first half for Sheffield United, as was Festy Ebosele last week for Watford.
A limp fight
You can never question the desire of this group but, as Eustace referenced himself, there was a real lack of belief in that final 30 minutes.
I was really disappointed with a lack of appetite to try and get back into the game. Once Campbell's shot hit the net, that was it. The players looked resigned to defeat.
That was probably a reflection of how little goal-mouth action they had fashioned but a goal can change a game. In front of the Blackburn End, their final 30-minute showing was limp and disappointing for a team that has shown a lot of character this season.
It could've been Moore too
I thought Pears and Hyam were quite clearly Rovers' best two players on the pitch. The goalkeeper made a number of decent saves whilst Hyam had already put in some crucial interceptions and blocks before diverting Moore's header off the line.
The centre-forward put in a great number nine display. Oh, wouldn't Rovers love to have a player of his quality leading the line.
This was a clear step up from anyone else they've played at home. West Brom are a good side too but were in the midst of a barren run in front of goal and without a win in four, which suited Rovers.
Sometimes, you have to accept the opposition are better than you and Sheffield United were. It is not the defeat, nor the concessions which may raise some concerns, but the lack of attacking threat.
A light bench
All of a sudden, Rovers' bench looks a little uninspiring. When pondering how Eustace could change the game at half-time, I wasn't bowled over by the options available.
After decent early impressions, Makhtar Gueye and Andi Weimann are struggling for a bit of form. Harry Leonard is just back from injury and the rest were defensive or midfield switches.
Without Cozier-Duberry there was no offer of electric pace. Arnor Sigurdsson has yet another injury. Considering his lack of game time, availability and form, you would not be surprised if he looked elsewhere in January.
A centre-forward and another wide player are becoming pretty obvious areas for this squad to be bolstered come the New Year. Whether Rovers do that, or indeed what funds are available, remains a mystery at this stage.
A big week ahead
Results might just be as important as performances in the next seven days, to ensure it is not a bleak international break.
Stoke City have not been in the best form and are finding their feet under Narcis Pelach. They're a team Rovers fans will expect to beat and I can't argue with that.
It's also the worst possible time to play Cardiff City. They have been poor up until the last six games, where caretaker Omar Riza has lead them to 13 points. They had one after five under Erol Bulut.
It will be another testing slog, considering the quick turnaround, early kick-off and distance to cover. But it's imperative Rovers don't enter the final puncture of 2024 in a slump.
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