comment by LukaBrasi Ange-r management (U22178)
posted 3 minutes ago
Against a team who comes and park the bus there is no point in dialing it back. The game would be slower and some fans would say 'take more risk' or ''have a go'.
You couldn't meet a more entitled and impatient set of fans.
Wolves beat us with a couple of smash and grab goals. It has happened to all the top 3 teams at some point.
I trust Ange in the long run and Villa play with a back 4 so the game will be more open.
Patience is required now that we have our best players fit again. Hopefully Porro is available and offers another dimension to our attack on Sunday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Villa, Wolves, Newcastle - none of these will be sitting back against us on their own patch, I fancy we will surprise a few in these games.
Forest at home though is suspect will be an absolute slog
I think if ange is given the time spurs have a good chance of consistent European spots. I also think he's good enough a manager to be there for many years to come.
He's the first manager to do this since Poch, now if Levy actual does something to strengthen the attack.
Richarlson, Wernner and an aging Son don't exactly put fear into opposing teams.
Son has two more years in him at least. With him only playing once a week this season he will be ok for the next two at least.
If ageing produces 13 goals and 6 assists from 23 league games then I'll take it.
But the likes of Richy, Kulu, Werner and BJ do need to take the weight of him in terms of goals.
Still Ange's first season. If it wasnt for the way we started this season people would be more accepting of this.
That Chelsea game really ruined our season in terms of all the injuries and suspensions at once.
I am just enjoying the football at the moment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with a lot of what you say apart from the cvnts thing. Remember, that was the total sum of Jose's achievements with us, when he wanted to turn the team into cvnts. No. You can be a group fully together, fully committed and fully determined to win at all costs but still be the kind of group we currently have. The age of 'winners' as the Jose and Conte tenures were described fostered absolutely nothing. Winning is about being better than everyone else and it's not easy. You need luck, you need a top squad and you need drive. Serial winners are only serial winners because they've managed or played in teams that have all the components to win and it's not down to mentality, it's down to quality. You don't need to be cvnts to win. Don't fall for the Chelsea trap. We'll shiiiiithouse, we'll dive to win a penalty, we'll slow the game down when we're winning. We already do all the things 'cvnts' do but you only really see it in those that go on to win. You don't get to the top tier of professional football without having that about you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers,
when I say khants I mean not the whole team to be khants I mean we don’t have a nasty type of player who gets in the oppos faces and winds them up a little. Romero aint it….
We need a player of that ilk that just get us going and stops us being bullied at times.
comment by LukaBrasi Ange-r management (U22178)
posted 25 minutes ago
Son has two more years in him at least. With him only playing once a week this season he will be ok for the next two at least.
If ageing produces 13 goals and 6 assists from 23 league games then I'll take it.
But the likes of Richy, Kulu, Werner and BJ do need to take the weight of him in terms of goals.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
yep, I think we have been blessed with Kane and Sonny. …… and Ali in his pomp …
I think you just have get lucky with a forward and hope it just works and he scores shed loads. Two who share the load is rare these days…. but not impossible.
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 7 minutes ago
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Feckin right
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 3 hours, 30 minutes ago
This team is in its infancy, Arteta, Klopp and Pep all struggled in the league in their first season.
Ange is figuring the league out as well as our team, players, balance, fitness levels, etc.
What we have seen so far is good football, plenty of goals and a near certainty of being in Europe next year. No one has given us a slapping - Chelsea being the biggest loss, but there were mitigating circumstances.
Paratici has an eye, I think if we secure CL and give Paratici another £100m then we’re going to get further quality that Ange can improve further.
We have to be patient
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totally agree, don’t forget that it’s not that long ago that Arsenal fans were wanting Arteta out.
Building a solid team takes time and like Strike I am happy with how the club is evolving. We need a few more signings of quality to ensure our bench is strong and competitive.
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 5 hours, 14 minutes ago
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The moaners are a bigger issue than Ange and his tactics.
I don't think our tactics are naive, they just haven't been mastered yet, which is understandable given all the changes that have occurred and the need for greater strength in depth.
Teams develop over years, they learn how to cope with different circumstances and situations, how to deal with different opponents. Right now I see us as focussing on ourselves, and how we play and the patterns and combinations, almost regardless of who the opposition are. This will be refined over time as we learn what works and when.
As long as we continue to see development I think we have no reason to question the approach. And be realistic about what levels and consistency we achieve this season given its still early stages and the big disruption in player availability
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 5 hours, 15 minutes ago
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with this
On the original post.... there is a point in games, towards the end, say the last ten minutes, when Aussieglue could learn to change tactics and defend a one goal lead.
There have been a couple of these situations when we've been suckered with late goals because he won't ever park the bus.
Does he even know how?
comment by JustCallMeTed (U21528)
posted 27 minutes ago
On the original post.... there is a point in games, towards the end, say the last ten minutes, when Aussieglue could learn to change tactics and defend a one goal lead.
There have been a couple of these situations when we've been suckered with late goals because he won't ever park the bus.
Does he even know how?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is wrong.
Look at the subs made at 2-1 at the weekend.
Hojbjerg and Sarr on for Madders and Werner at 82 minutes
These are the sorts of changes we made earlier in the season when bench options were there and we had a full squad to chose from.. we have missed Sarr and Bissouma a lot in the last few months so it's been more difficult to see out games at times.
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 49 minutes ago
comment by JustCallMeTed (U21528)
posted 27 minutes ago
On the original post.... there is a point in games, towards the end, say the last ten minutes, when Aussieglue could learn to change tactics and defend a one goal lead.
There have been a couple of these situations when we've been suckered with late goals because he won't ever park the bus.
Does he even know how?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is wrong.
Look at the subs made at 2-1 at the weekend.
Hojbjerg and Sarr on for Madders and Werner at 82 minutes
These are the sorts of changes we made earlier in the season when bench options were there and we had a full squad to chose from.. we have missed Sarr and Bissouma a lot in the last few months so it's been more difficult to see out games at times.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you sort thru all our games, you'll find examples of what I'm talking about.
Lots of good football and some really good, if slightly inconsistent results despite a lot of injuries and suspensions.
No, the team isn't likely to win anything in its current form. But you have to assume the team will be improved in the coming seasons, just like Arsenal and Liverpool were when their managers were in the first year and not quite firing on all cylinders yet.
Patience is key
Meant to say also: you'd also like to assume Ange will refine his methods over time too, especially as his squad options improve.
Our biggest issue is playing against sides with a low block and speed up top - Wolves and West Ham caused us a lot of issues this season, although I don’t think Moyes can park the bus in the home game without getting tarred and feathered by his own fans.
We’ve seen this struggle before with Redknapp and Poch - once the team figure it out we will continue to dominate these sides and not get caught out anywhere near as often.
Back up for Maddison and another lightening quick CB is vital in the summer to give us the options needed when injuries strike. It might be they think Bergvall is ready to back up Maddison. We have Vuskovic to come in at CB as well - but I do not believe he is insanely fast like VDV.
The future is looking very bright though, this team could be a real force in a couple of seasons
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 13 hours, 29 minutes ago
I don't think our tactics are naive, they just haven't been mastered yet, which is understandable given all the changes that have occurred and the need for greater strength in depth.
Teams develop over years, they learn how to cope with different circumstances and situations, how to deal with different opponents. Right now I see us as focussing on ourselves, and how we play and the patterns and combinations, almost regardless of who the opposition are. This will be refined over time as we learn what works and when.
As long as we continue to see development I think we have no reason to question the approach. And be realistic about what levels and consistency we achieve this season given its still early stages and the big disruption in player availability
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreed. I think it's about personnel too though. Ange is still working with a lot of inherited players, some of whom might not be perfect for his style, even those in the current first 11. The reason why Angeball looks so vulnerable is because it doesn't suit a team that doesn't have the ball. If City didn't have the profile of players they have to control a game, you just watch how vulnerable they'd look too. It's about controlling games and we're still figuring that out. Sometimes it's about buying the right player which I guess is my only worry as that's where Ange needs help from Levy. City can just go out and get the best players to fit the system. It's harder for us. Klopp was successful because he was allowed to buy big names at high prices to suit his system. Same for Arteta and Pep. It's not rocket science. You need money. If it could be done on a budget, Brighton would be storming it but they're not are they?! At the end of the day football isn't as complex as people make it. It's about good players and good players cost money.
Agreed fridge.
Take Rodri out of City and suddenly they start losing games. They play a high line like us but rely on Walkers pace while we rely on VDV.
While Rodri shields the back complemented by Stones also stepping into midfield.
Our CBs stay put but our FBs step forward into attack.
I would say the key difference between us and City's set up is that they tend to play 3 cbs, one at FB and one steps into midfield when in possession. With walker offering recovery pace and cover, they generally have 3 at the back when defending counters, plus 2 in CM.
We tend to have 2 CBs, 2 CMs with the FBs and attackers including maddison in advanced areas. So we probably have one less man to defend counter attacks so are a bit more exposed.
I do feel that our FBs have eased off their all out attack approach a bit since early season, with one holding back a bit more while the ball is on the opposite side and if we want a similar 5 players able to recover position quickly then this is necessary.
But overall I think our press in their defensive third has become less intense, allowing better teams outballs and to expose our back line.
In terms of personnel it is also a case that we have seen errors from Udogie and Bissouma that have directly resulted in goals on quick counters and these situations happen far less with the likes of City whole look after the ball better and make less mistakes.
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
Agreed fridge.
Take Rodri out of City and suddenly they start losing games. They play a high line like us but rely on Walkers pace while we rely on VDV.
While Rodri shields the back complemented by Stones also stepping into midfield.
Our CBs stay put but our FBs step forward into attack.
I would say the key difference between us and City's set up is that they tend to play 3 cbs, one at FB and one steps into midfield when in possession. With walker offering recovery pace and cover, they generally have 3 at the back when defending counters, plus 2 in CM.
We tend to have 2 CBs, 2 CMs with the FBs and attackers including maddison in advanced areas. So we probably have one less man to defend counter attacks so are a bit more exposed.
I do feel that our FBs have eased off their all out attack approach a bit since early season, with one holding back a bit more while the ball is on the opposite side and if we want a similar 5 players able to recover position quickly then this is necessary.
But overall I think our press in their defensive third has become less intense, allowing better teams outballs and to expose our back line.
In terms of personnel it is also a case that we have seen errors from Udogie and Bissouma that have directly resulted in goals on quick counters and these situations happen far less with the likes of City whole look after the ball better and make less mistakes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, and I think I mentioned this on another thread but Pep has definitely tweaked things in the last couple of years. I think he recognised that although Cancelo was an amazing technical player, he didn't offer the same defensive stability Pep needed. He now has three centre backs in his preferred starting 11 - Stones (free role), Dias and Ake as well as Walker for the recovery runs. That's without considering Gvardiol at left back when he comes back in and the formation is tweaked again. That's alongside Rodri so the idea that Pep is all about attacking football is completely wrong. Ange is definitely different because it's far higher risk with instinctively attacking full backs but without that Rodri figure controlling the game. That's where I think we're going wrong. We're not controlling games and like you say the high press has dropped off. Without pressure on the ball, a high line is suicide. Against Palace I noticed Sonny pressing but I couldn't see the second and third player doing the same. That's useless. You can't press with one. It's a total waste of time. There's definitely been a drop off there. Whether that's fitness/injury I don't know but that hunting in packs philosophy has definitely dropped off.
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Perhaps Ange could learn a thing or 2
Page 2 of 2
posted on 5/3/24
comment by LukaBrasi Ange-r management (U22178)
posted 3 minutes ago
Against a team who comes and park the bus there is no point in dialing it back. The game would be slower and some fans would say 'take more risk' or ''have a go'.
You couldn't meet a more entitled and impatient set of fans.
Wolves beat us with a couple of smash and grab goals. It has happened to all the top 3 teams at some point.
I trust Ange in the long run and Villa play with a back 4 so the game will be more open.
Patience is required now that we have our best players fit again. Hopefully Porro is available and offers another dimension to our attack on Sunday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Villa, Wolves, Newcastle - none of these will be sitting back against us on their own patch, I fancy we will surprise a few in these games.
Forest at home though is suspect will be an absolute slog
posted on 5/3/24
I think if ange is given the time spurs have a good chance of consistent European spots. I also think he's good enough a manager to be there for many years to come.
He's the first manager to do this since Poch, now if Levy actual does something to strengthen the attack.
Richarlson, Wernner and an aging Son don't exactly put fear into opposing teams.
posted on 5/3/24
Son has two more years in him at least. With him only playing once a week this season he will be ok for the next two at least.
If ageing produces 13 goals and 6 assists from 23 league games then I'll take it.
But the likes of Richy, Kulu, Werner and BJ do need to take the weight of him in terms of goals.
posted on 5/3/24
Still Ange's first season. If it wasnt for the way we started this season people would be more accepting of this.
That Chelsea game really ruined our season in terms of all the injuries and suspensions at once.
I am just enjoying the football at the moment.
posted on 5/3/24
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with a lot of what you say apart from the cvnts thing. Remember, that was the total sum of Jose's achievements with us, when he wanted to turn the team into cvnts. No. You can be a group fully together, fully committed and fully determined to win at all costs but still be the kind of group we currently have. The age of 'winners' as the Jose and Conte tenures were described fostered absolutely nothing. Winning is about being better than everyone else and it's not easy. You need luck, you need a top squad and you need drive. Serial winners are only serial winners because they've managed or played in teams that have all the components to win and it's not down to mentality, it's down to quality. You don't need to be cvnts to win. Don't fall for the Chelsea trap. We'll shiiiiithouse, we'll dive to win a penalty, we'll slow the game down when we're winning. We already do all the things 'cvnts' do but you only really see it in those that go on to win. You don't get to the top tier of professional football without having that about you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers,
when I say khants I mean not the whole team to be khants I mean we don’t have a nasty type of player who gets in the oppos faces and winds them up a little. Romero aint it….
We need a player of that ilk that just get us going and stops us being bullied at times.
posted on 5/3/24
comment by LukaBrasi Ange-r management (U22178)
posted 25 minutes ago
Son has two more years in him at least. With him only playing once a week this season he will be ok for the next two at least.
If ageing produces 13 goals and 6 assists from 23 league games then I'll take it.
But the likes of Richy, Kulu, Werner and BJ do need to take the weight of him in terms of goals.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
yep, I think we have been blessed with Kane and Sonny. …… and Ali in his pomp …
I think you just have get lucky with a forward and hope it just works and he scores shed loads. Two who share the load is rare these days…. but not impossible.
posted on 5/3/24
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
posted on 5/3/24
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 7 minutes ago
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Feckin right
posted on 5/3/24
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club... (U18109)
posted 3 hours, 30 minutes ago
This team is in its infancy, Arteta, Klopp and Pep all struggled in the league in their first season.
Ange is figuring the league out as well as our team, players, balance, fitness levels, etc.
What we have seen so far is good football, plenty of goals and a near certainty of being in Europe next year. No one has given us a slapping - Chelsea being the biggest loss, but there were mitigating circumstances.
Paratici has an eye, I think if we secure CL and give Paratici another £100m then we’re going to get further quality that Ange can improve further.
We have to be patient
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totally agree, don’t forget that it’s not that long ago that Arsenal fans were wanting Arteta out.
Building a solid team takes time and like Strike I am happy with how the club is evolving. We need a few more signings of quality to ensure our bench is strong and competitive.
posted on 5/3/24
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 5 hours, 14 minutes ago
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The moaners are a bigger issue than Ange and his tactics.
posted on 5/3/24
I don't think our tactics are naive, they just haven't been mastered yet, which is understandable given all the changes that have occurred and the need for greater strength in depth.
Teams develop over years, they learn how to cope with different circumstances and situations, how to deal with different opponents. Right now I see us as focussing on ourselves, and how we play and the patterns and combinations, almost regardless of who the opposition are. This will be refined over time as we learn what works and when.
As long as we continue to see development I think we have no reason to question the approach. And be realistic about what levels and consistency we achieve this season given its still early stages and the big disruption in player availability
posted on 5/3/24
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 5 hours, 15 minutes ago
God but you have some moaning minnies in your fanbase. You're 5 points off fourth with a game in hand, and well clear of 6th. You'll win feck all this year, but you will be in a great place to build from. Give him a proper window and then judge Angeball.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with this
posted on 5/3/24
On the original post.... there is a point in games, towards the end, say the last ten minutes, when Aussieglue could learn to change tactics and defend a one goal lead.
There have been a couple of these situations when we've been suckered with late goals because he won't ever park the bus.
Does he even know how?
posted on 5/3/24
comment by JustCallMeTed (U21528)
posted 27 minutes ago
On the original post.... there is a point in games, towards the end, say the last ten minutes, when Aussieglue could learn to change tactics and defend a one goal lead.
There have been a couple of these situations when we've been suckered with late goals because he won't ever park the bus.
Does he even know how?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is wrong.
Look at the subs made at 2-1 at the weekend.
Hojbjerg and Sarr on for Madders and Werner at 82 minutes
These are the sorts of changes we made earlier in the season when bench options were there and we had a full squad to chose from.. we have missed Sarr and Bissouma a lot in the last few months so it's been more difficult to see out games at times.
posted on 5/3/24
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 49 minutes ago
comment by JustCallMeTed (U21528)
posted 27 minutes ago
On the original post.... there is a point in games, towards the end, say the last ten minutes, when Aussieglue could learn to change tactics and defend a one goal lead.
There have been a couple of these situations when we've been suckered with late goals because he won't ever park the bus.
Does he even know how?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is wrong.
Look at the subs made at 2-1 at the weekend.
Hojbjerg and Sarr on for Madders and Werner at 82 minutes
These are the sorts of changes we made earlier in the season when bench options were there and we had a full squad to chose from.. we have missed Sarr and Bissouma a lot in the last few months so it's been more difficult to see out games at times.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you sort thru all our games, you'll find examples of what I'm talking about.
posted on 6/3/24
Lots of good football and some really good, if slightly inconsistent results despite a lot of injuries and suspensions.
No, the team isn't likely to win anything in its current form. But you have to assume the team will be improved in the coming seasons, just like Arsenal and Liverpool were when their managers were in the first year and not quite firing on all cylinders yet.
Patience is key
posted on 6/3/24
Meant to say also: you'd also like to assume Ange will refine his methods over time too, especially as his squad options improve.
posted on 6/3/24
Our biggest issue is playing against sides with a low block and speed up top - Wolves and West Ham caused us a lot of issues this season, although I don’t think Moyes can park the bus in the home game without getting tarred and feathered by his own fans.
We’ve seen this struggle before with Redknapp and Poch - once the team figure it out we will continue to dominate these sides and not get caught out anywhere near as often.
Back up for Maddison and another lightening quick CB is vital in the summer to give us the options needed when injuries strike. It might be they think Bergvall is ready to back up Maddison. We have Vuskovic to come in at CB as well - but I do not believe he is insanely fast like VDV.
The future is looking very bright though, this team could be a real force in a couple of seasons
posted on 6/3/24
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 13 hours, 29 minutes ago
I don't think our tactics are naive, they just haven't been mastered yet, which is understandable given all the changes that have occurred and the need for greater strength in depth.
Teams develop over years, they learn how to cope with different circumstances and situations, how to deal with different opponents. Right now I see us as focussing on ourselves, and how we play and the patterns and combinations, almost regardless of who the opposition are. This will be refined over time as we learn what works and when.
As long as we continue to see development I think we have no reason to question the approach. And be realistic about what levels and consistency we achieve this season given its still early stages and the big disruption in player availability
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreed. I think it's about personnel too though. Ange is still working with a lot of inherited players, some of whom might not be perfect for his style, even those in the current first 11. The reason why Angeball looks so vulnerable is because it doesn't suit a team that doesn't have the ball. If City didn't have the profile of players they have to control a game, you just watch how vulnerable they'd look too. It's about controlling games and we're still figuring that out. Sometimes it's about buying the right player which I guess is my only worry as that's where Ange needs help from Levy. City can just go out and get the best players to fit the system. It's harder for us. Klopp was successful because he was allowed to buy big names at high prices to suit his system. Same for Arteta and Pep. It's not rocket science. You need money. If it could be done on a budget, Brighton would be storming it but they're not are they?! At the end of the day football isn't as complex as people make it. It's about good players and good players cost money.
posted on 6/3/24
Agreed fridge.
Take Rodri out of City and suddenly they start losing games. They play a high line like us but rely on Walkers pace while we rely on VDV.
While Rodri shields the back complemented by Stones also stepping into midfield.
Our CBs stay put but our FBs step forward into attack.
I would say the key difference between us and City's set up is that they tend to play 3 cbs, one at FB and one steps into midfield when in possession. With walker offering recovery pace and cover, they generally have 3 at the back when defending counters, plus 2 in CM.
We tend to have 2 CBs, 2 CMs with the FBs and attackers including maddison in advanced areas. So we probably have one less man to defend counter attacks so are a bit more exposed.
I do feel that our FBs have eased off their all out attack approach a bit since early season, with one holding back a bit more while the ball is on the opposite side and if we want a similar 5 players able to recover position quickly then this is necessary.
But overall I think our press in their defensive third has become less intense, allowing better teams outballs and to expose our back line.
In terms of personnel it is also a case that we have seen errors from Udogie and Bissouma that have directly resulted in goals on quick counters and these situations happen far less with the likes of City whole look after the ball better and make less mistakes.
posted on 6/3/24
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
Agreed fridge.
Take Rodri out of City and suddenly they start losing games. They play a high line like us but rely on Walkers pace while we rely on VDV.
While Rodri shields the back complemented by Stones also stepping into midfield.
Our CBs stay put but our FBs step forward into attack.
I would say the key difference between us and City's set up is that they tend to play 3 cbs, one at FB and one steps into midfield when in possession. With walker offering recovery pace and cover, they generally have 3 at the back when defending counters, plus 2 in CM.
We tend to have 2 CBs, 2 CMs with the FBs and attackers including maddison in advanced areas. So we probably have one less man to defend counter attacks so are a bit more exposed.
I do feel that our FBs have eased off their all out attack approach a bit since early season, with one holding back a bit more while the ball is on the opposite side and if we want a similar 5 players able to recover position quickly then this is necessary.
But overall I think our press in their defensive third has become less intense, allowing better teams outballs and to expose our back line.
In terms of personnel it is also a case that we have seen errors from Udogie and Bissouma that have directly resulted in goals on quick counters and these situations happen far less with the likes of City whole look after the ball better and make less mistakes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, and I think I mentioned this on another thread but Pep has definitely tweaked things in the last couple of years. I think he recognised that although Cancelo was an amazing technical player, he didn't offer the same defensive stability Pep needed. He now has three centre backs in his preferred starting 11 - Stones (free role), Dias and Ake as well as Walker for the recovery runs. That's without considering Gvardiol at left back when he comes back in and the formation is tweaked again. That's alongside Rodri so the idea that Pep is all about attacking football is completely wrong. Ange is definitely different because it's far higher risk with instinctively attacking full backs but without that Rodri figure controlling the game. That's where I think we're going wrong. We're not controlling games and like you say the high press has dropped off. Without pressure on the ball, a high line is suicide. Against Palace I noticed Sonny pressing but I couldn't see the second and third player doing the same. That's useless. You can't press with one. It's a total waste of time. There's definitely been a drop off there. Whether that's fitness/injury I don't know but that hunting in packs philosophy has definitely dropped off.
Page 2 of 2