Former Monaghan forward Dermot Malone believes the Farney men haven’t been playing as poorly as the league table suggests.
Heading into this weekend, Seamus McEnaney’s men sit in 5th spot with one point picked up in two games.
“I don’t think the scoreboard, or the points is a fair reflection on how well they actually played in the first two games,” says Malone.
“But when they’re sitting with one point on the board after two games, you could be in better positions, and you could also be in worse positions.”
Monaghan’s shooting efficiency has let them down during the league. “I think it’s frustrating because it’s not that they played bad they just missed some chances the first day.”
“That was even more evident the last day against Mayo. I think for large periods of that game Monaghan out played Mayo; they really did.”
“The final third, the final shot, just let them down a small bit. If they can rectify that. Ryan McAnespie had a goal chance with the last kick of the game and if that had of went it, you’re looking at a completely different picture.”
The Castleblaney clubman has been impressed with what he’s seen from the Orchard County so far.
Armagh sit top of the table with maximum points from two outings and Malone believes that have made huge improvements.
“I don’t think they’re (Monaghan) as poor as the one point is showing for them. But on the flip side of that I do think Armagh are full value for their four points.”
“I watched both of their games (against Dublin and Tyrone) and they’ve obviously rectified a lot of issues they would have had last year.”
“Their kickout set up, both offensively and defensively is excellent. Their ability to cover the defence and go on the counterattack has been a huge, huge plus for them.”
