Maybe, just maybe, NJ should have allocated the job of closing down the shot/cross, from that set piece, to a specific player? All very well showing the players a video of the routine 10 times, but he has to follow that up by making sure that he gives precise instructions to a specific player and make him responsible for closing the shot/cross down. You can’t just show the video and say “Keep an eye out for this routine”.
Low block, try and defend and catch them on the break. Lump it forward. 5 defenders. Then switch to 4. Then switch back to 5.
So basically the opposite to how we played under Ralph, Koeman and MP. We don’t have a big target man capable of holding play up well enough. So basically no pressing at all.
With the calendar year we’ve had, the only surprise is that we’re not rock bottom of that too. With football being, for many, an escape from the real world (which has been god awful too). I just want to say well done to my fellow Saints fans for surviving this grim as **** year. We’ve had years of steadily declining results and performances but 2022 really has taken the biscuit. A grim slugfest with precious little to celebrate. Also agree with whoever said, if we were going to attempt to go down the ‘functional’ route of football, then why not get a manager that has had experience and some success with it in the PL? Not that I wanted that at all, but if that’s the style we’re going for why not get Dyche?
Thank you for your messages. I am currently away on holiday and won’t ruining it by checking to see how many soft goals were conceded at set pieces, how many big chances were missed or stupid penalties given away. I may return sometime, I may not. Depends. Also we haven’t been shafted by VAR for ages, so that’s happening against Forest.
2023 to do list: - Recall Tella. - Buy a keeper, CM, Striker, winger - Drop Lyanco, Aribo and AMN. In fact, send AMN back. Loan out Aribo and arma to championship to get some experience for next season? - Pray
Why did Lavia only come on AFTER we went 2-1 down? Surely he had 10-15 mins in him? The game was crying out for him to come on at 80 mins.
Meh. I don’t think he’s a good appointment at all, but now he’s here it’s probably better to all get behind him. To bring in someone else just before the next few key fixtures seems barmy. I dunno. Bit of a predicament isn’t it?
