Peterborough United’s frustrated record signing must take inspiration from Siriki Dembele

Mo Eisa during the game at Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Eisa’s form is troubling Posh fans. The £1.3 million capture from Bristol City has not started a League One game since the second match of the campaign when he was taken off at half-time and replaced by Dembele.

The 26 year-old started last season in blistering form scoring 15 goals in all competitions before Christmas before losing his place in the side due to a change of formation and the introduction of Dembele in a more central role.

Dembele had suffered a frustrating first half of last season, but is now one of the first names on Posh manager Darren Ferguson’s teamsheet.

Siriki Dembele in action for Posh at Oxford last weekend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Eisa’s only goal this season arrived in a 4-2 win over Fulham Under 21s in the EFL Trophy.

“I told Mo again today (Thursday) that he must remain patient,” Ferguson said. “His issue this season is the same one that frustrated Siriki last season. We are currently playing a formation that makes it difficult for him to go get into the side, but he must look at what happened with Siriki. Once he came back into the team he flew and enjoyed a brilliant run of form.

“We all know what Mo is all about. His movement is still good, but his teammates aren’t always seeing that movement early enough.

“Of course Mo is frustrated, but it’s important when he gets his chance he takes it because he will get a chance.

“At the moment if we play a back four with one striker and another playing off him then Jonson Clarke-Harris gets that role. He’s playing well and he’s scoring goal.

“If we play two up, Jonson and Siriki are ahead of Mo just now. Jonson has different strengths than Mo. He gives us the physicality we often need.

“Mo started the first game of the season when we were collectively poor at Accrington and he started the next game against Fleetwood, but I had to get Siriki on early in that game as we were missing a spark.

“We’ve also missed Ricky-Jade Jones up front. That out and out pace is useful when we were winning a game.”

Jones underwent a leg operation last month and is no due to return the week before Christmas.