Perisic doesn’t cover defensively, no arguments here on that. As for killing balance though, I wouldn’t agree with that. We’ve had more forward productivity with him there than Sessegnon. Defensively he’s definitely the weaker option there, albeit I’m pretty sure we’ve kept more clean sheets in games he’s started than we have with Sessegnon and I think he’s only started two more than Sessegnon - may need to double check that though. If I’m right, then his lack of defensive ability isn’t hindering us as much as people think.
There's a difference between pushing forward (which, as I stated, is also what Romero does) and playing in a completely different position The former is to move the ball forward when we are in possession, the latter is to receive the ball when in possession - when the player who should be in that position has buggered off up the pitch
was weird watching that left flank in action Davies and Perisic running the wing at a moderate pace with Son looking lost due to a confusion of where to play because I believe his strength is running into space of which he doesn’t see any so drifts central and has to play his game often from a static position…his strength for me is running onto a ball. There’s definitely confusion on the wings…gets on my tits watching that congestion every game
There is a difference but Davies was still a LCB, he just pushed further forward last night than in general as barely any other players did - Romero included on the other side, who was dreadful. He wasn’t a LWB though, there’s not much else to say on that.
Yeah Son and Kane seem to be playing in reverse roles this season and that’s why I think Son is looking so lost and confused. The last few years especially, Kane’s played deep and Son’s ran onto through balls, this season Son’s been receiving the ball closer to Hojbjerg/ Bentancur whilst Kane has been further forward. It’s resulted in Kane having a good scoring ratio but Son having a much worse one as well as Kane being far less productive in terms of creativity too, so overall we’re at about 50% of our attacking capacity between those two whilst we play them as they are, albeit I do think Son is just also well off it in general but overall it’s just a ****ing mess in my opinion and it’s primarily on Conte.
Sessegnon has started 6 games this season. We've won 5 and drawn 1. Southampton (H) 4-1, Chelsea (A) 2-2, Fulham (H) 2-1, Leicester (H) 6-2, Brighton (A) 1-0 and Frankfurt (H) 3-2. Some of our better results and performances, but also one of our worst. Perisic has started 10 games this season. We've won 5, drawn 2 and lost 3. Wins: Wolves (H) 1-0, Forest (A) 2-0, Marseille (H) 2-0, Leicester (H) 6-2, Everton (H) 2-0. Draws: West Ham (A) 1-1, Frankfurt (A) 0-0. Losses: Sporting (A) 2-0, Arsenal (A) 3-1, Man Utd (A) 2-0. Both started the Leicester win.
Thats what I said last night. Perisic was staying up and it was leaving us lopsided all over the pitch. He’s a fantastic footballer but unless we’re camped in the opposition half it’s tricky to justify him playing WB. There have been multiple occasions this season when his deficiencies in 1on1 defending and engine have been highlighted. Davies has always gotten forward under Conte though. Same with Romero. They have the license to underlap and provide another runner around the box, especially the LCB. Lenglet does it too, albeit less, probably because Davies has a history of playing LB/LWB.
That for me is key. You bring in a player like Perisic precisely to stop those results from happening. For the big occasions. Not only has he not helped us in those occasions, he's been part of three horrendously bad performances. It was absolutely worth a flutter. Three months in we can say with certainty that he hasn't got the legs and it isn't working. Either push him further forward or use him from the bench. I think he'd be much more effective in either of those two roles.
He might actually work in Kulusevski's role if the Swede is still out. Certainly could be an option there to start and then sub in Moura. Sessegnon and Davies can cover at wingback. Even Doherty in a pinch.
Was thinking this too. He has a way of beating his man that’s a joy to watch, just so smooth with the ball. And utterly two footed. He’s a wonderful footballer. But WB is tricky for him.
I assumed Perisic was signed to provide : 1. high quality crosses to the attack 2. "old hand" experience to the CL squad (many of whom had not competed in it in anger) NOT to be expected to be playing 90 mins "end to end" PL football on a regular basis.
It's hard what to make of this. Southampton (after the first 15), Fulham, Leicester and Everton (especially second half) have probably been our best performances. We've been poor in all of the draws. The losses have been atrocious albeit only one of them is somewhat of an anomaly, though the manner of the defeats are probably the bigger issues as the team and especially manager folded. I don't think either has massively impacted the team's style but Perisic has directly impacted more positive results. Both players have had criticism, just as those on the right flank have. Where I think some need to remember with Perisic is that he's still new to the league and has been supposedly carrying an injury for most of the season. I think we're still yet to see the very best of him. With Sessegnon, there are many comments throughout threads along the lines of "he's been here four years...", "he's being outpaced", "he's not good enough" - we shouldn't be saying this about a player that cost £30m and has been a Spurs player for a number of seasons and still isn't producing. Spurs have a problem with this in general though, many players have outstayed their use by date, especially over the last 3-4 years.
Agree. We've been getting 1 (when we actually attack!). At the end of the group stage and hopefully beyond we'll see if he's played his part in 2. As for the 90 minutes, I think he's capable of them but he is still likely not 100%, it was only a couple weeks back Conte said Perisic is still working to get to the level he was at Inter after his injury, hopefully in a few more weeks we can see that Perisic, I think we will, or hope anyway.
My expectations for Perisic were the same as if Spurs had signed Bale. Not continual 90 min stints in PL games (except for an injury plague) , regular starts in CL games (especially group stage away rounds) .
Amazing how almost every season we visit Arsenal and M.United feeling sorry for them and award them 3 points. Is this charity for the unwashed!!!?
Utd have frequently played at such a slow tempo at Old Trafford that it’s been very hard to break teams down. It’s usually turgid stuff which diminishes the abilities of the players. Last night we played at much quicker pace with a lot more energy and movement. That was because Spurs were so passive. Able to express themselves, the players put in a performance. Whatever the personnel, tactics or formation, if you’re so passive, good players are going to have the upper hand and put you under pressure. Why were Spurs so passive? I didn’t see that attitude against City away, for example, when Kane scored that late winner. I would have thought Conte would have had the players up for a big game away game now in front of a big crowd.
Same for Bissouma too and even to an extent Richarlison by constantly sticking him on the right where he’s as good as a chocolate teapot. Lenglet’s probably been the only one used correctly in the system - and it’s been slightly disappointing he’s not played more. I like Davies but there are games where Lenglet’s technical ability would be far better for the team. Really poor from the gaffer so far.
I do think that some of you should at least consider the possibility that the reason for Conte's previous success as a coach is BECAUSE he sticks to his system rather than despite it. That applies to all his policies since you only get them as a package. An integrated and well drilled team can make up for a lot of individual weaknesses.
