After Ireland's 0-1 defeat to Finland in the Nations League, midfielder Harry Arter has said that that the players are fully behind the changes that Stephen Kenny is trying to implement.
While Ireland can boast about improved possession and more accurate passing statistics, the harsh reality is that Stephen Kenny has picked up a single point from his first two games.
Granted, ever since Kenny was appointed, the play-off against Slovakia has always been the main focus for the Irish setup and while the defeat to Finland in Dublin will hurt, Kenny will have learned an awful lot about his squad of players.
Harry Arter on style
Aside from this, not even the most optimistic Irish fan was expecting an instant change in form and results. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed.
Kenny made three changes to the team that drew in Bulgaria with a new-look midfield of Bournemouth's Harry Arter alongside Jayson Molumby and Robbie Brady.
However, the visitors were the stronger side with Norwich's Teemu Pukki going close twice. As for their goal, there was a sense of inevitability when substitute Frederick Jensen gave them the lead, despite the fact he was only on the pitch for 18 seconds.
After falling behind, Callum Robinson, David McGoldrick, and Shane Duffy all had chances, but the Finns were deserved winners.
Taking chances
Speaking with Sky Sports after the game, midfielder Arter said that the team were poor in the final third.
"As a team, I'm not sure if the build-up was too slow or if that final pass let us down. I felt we built it up from the back fairly well but we lacked that killer instinct, which at international level, we have to get pretty soon.
"It's tough for the manager, he's been with the lads for the best part of four days - two days before our first game. I think from the outside view, you can see that we're trying to change the style of football and for me, I feel long-term it's the way forward.
"It's tough for the manager, he's only had a few days to work with the players but we'll be stronger for this, these last few games."
Ireland travel to Slovakia for their Euro 2020 play-off on October 8.
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