I just wanted to add my thoughts on our reversal of fortunes under Tuchel. Sometimes football is a simple game, especially when you have a good squad and a little luck but also when you understand the players you have.
Firstly, what he did was go to a back 3. We have some really good centre backs, but I would suggest that Rudiger is the only one with enough aggression to play in a two. Christensen is silky, classy but gets bullied too easily. Zouma is a nearly player, but he is awkward in possession and often caught out of position. Thiago, fabulous footballer, great brain, but just a bit slow for the modern Premier League - pair him with someone quick and positionally perfect and you are great but with our centre backs, no! I think he just understood the strengths and limitations of his squad.
Next, wing-backs. Reinstating Alonso in the games he knows we will dominate is a masterstroke - yet it's really obvious if you think about it. Alonso understands the attacking part of being a wing-back and is a necessary part of a team lacking goals. We have the fabulous Reece James on the other side and his physicality is going to be key in games against the top teams. However, in other games, Tuchel has identified that CHO can get at teams playing from deep and can run all day to cover the spaces.
In midfield, Kante is no longer first choice. Again, where we are expected to have easy possession, the coach prefers technical players such as Kovacic and Jorginho. However, against Liverpool, Kante's energy and tenacity was key as Tuchel knew breaking the play up with quick transition was the way to win.
Possibly the biggest problem we have is in the attacking areas. We have a multitude of players, big reputation players, none of whom are really doing it at present (taking into account that Lampard played with inverted wingers). Signs are much better from Werner and Havertz but they together with Ziyech and Pulisic flatter to deceive and more often than not we are left depending on Giroud, whose lack of mobility does not really suit Tuchel, and Mason Mount who has been our star for most of the last two seasons.
So, that's my take. I hope we can keep up our good form. Hopefully, Tuchel can get the best out of Havertz and Werner and I hope we can progress in the Champions League and get top 4. The early signs are good. It's just nice to see a team with structure after the "all forward and all back pub football" of early season.
Tuchel .... let's not get carried away ...
posted on 9/3/21
comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 4 minutes ago
Yeah, agree with a lot of that too. I would excuse Havertz from any serious assessment this season though. I really don't think we have seen enough of him yet and next season hopefully we will see what all the fuss is about.
People can argue the same for Werner, indeed I have been, but I am losing faith rapidly in his goal scoring ability. He appears to have no actual goal scoring instinct. He is brilliant at getting into goal scoring positions but he appears to lack guile when it come to putting the ball in the net. For example, have not seen him ever try to send the keeper the wrong way or get the keeper to commit too early so he can have an easy acement. He appears to just shoot and hope.
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Werner's lost so much confidence that he's snatching at easy chances and overrunning the ball. If he manages to get a couple of goals, he'll improve.
posted on 9/3/21
Yes a good article ,we are still polishing up the edges,especially up front,but the future is looking very positive and exciting...........
we nearly had the goal of the season last night ! if only Kante's header had gone in !
posted on 9/3/21
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 9/3/21
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 57 minutes ago
comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 4 minutes ago
Yeah, agree with a lot of that too. I would excuse Havertz from any serious assessment this season though. I really don't think we have seen enough of him yet and next season hopefully we will see what all the fuss is about.
People can argue the same for Werner, indeed I have been, but I am losing faith rapidly in his goal scoring ability. He appears to have no actual goal scoring instinct. He is brilliant at getting into goal scoring positions but he appears to lack guile when it come to putting the ball in the net. For example, have not seen him ever try to send the keeper the wrong way or get the keeper to commit too early so he can have an easy acement. He appears to just shoot and hope.
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Werner's lost so much confidence that he's snatching at easy chances and overrunning the ball. If he manages to get a couple of goals, he'll improve.
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People keep saying this however he was snatching at shots since his first game. It’s a self induced confidence issue. It’s not like he started off on fire then lost confidence. He’s been rubbish in front of goal all year.
posted on 9/3/21
I wouldn't say AC has been flawless defensively, but he is much improved. If you watch the Liverpool game a game, he makes 2 mistakes 2nd half that could have easily both been goals.
Can only play as one of 3 CBs.
posted on 9/3/21
comment by Nickasaurus (U9257)
posted 26 minutes ago
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 57 minutes ago
comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 4 minutes ago
Yeah, agree with a lot of that too. I would excuse Havertz from any serious assessment this season though. I really don't think we have seen enough of him yet and next season hopefully we will see what all the fuss is about.
People can argue the same for Werner, indeed I have been, but I am losing faith rapidly in his goal scoring ability. He appears to have no actual goal scoring instinct. He is brilliant at getting into goal scoring positions but he appears to lack guile when it come to putting the ball in the net. For example, have not seen him ever try to send the keeper the wrong way or get the keeper to commit too early so he can have an easy acement. He appears to just shoot and hope.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Werner's lost so much confidence that he's snatching at easy chances and overrunning the ball. If he manages to get a couple of goals, he'll improve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
People keep saying this however he was snatching at shots since his first game. It’s a self induced confidence issue. It’s not like he started off on fire then lost confidence. He’s been rubbish in front of goal all year.
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Also, goals apart, he has had a run of decent performances, plus got huge backing from the manager, plus been playing in a winning team. I am struggling to ut the confidence argument with that backdrop.
posted on 9/3/21
Tushy has certainly instilled a belief in some players....probably something the Frank was weak at...Frank being a doer not a teacher of this stuff
Can't complain about his tenure so far...yeah I was shocked he used Alonso from game 1...but he's been ok...we know what we get with him
The defence is right back to being mean as a junk yard dog...which is brilliant, I always preferred a back three, which Frank was somewhat reticent to do, - it's obvious it suits our defenders so much better
Just need an out & out scorer now
posted on 9/3/21
comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 9 hours, 7 minutes ago
Tushy has certainly instilled a belief in some players....
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Are we really going with "Tushy"?
posted on 9/3/21
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 1 hour, 22 minutes ago
comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 9 hours, 7 minutes ago
Tushy has certainly instilled a belief in some players....
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Are we really going with "Tushy"?
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It's better than Mr Tickle - which admittedly does fit his weird body structure
I like Too Cool! Think Blarmy said it on the Haven once. That's great
posted on 10/3/21
comment by Eric_Draven (U20260)
posted 10 hours, 39 minutes ago
comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 9 hours, 7 minutes ago
Tushy has certainly instilled a belief in some players....
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Are we really going with "Tushy"?
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'We' might not be...I possibly am...it works on my dictaphone