Good result on Monday. Over the last few seasons I have noticed that almost every time we have a throw in we throw up the field along the white line, usually to one of our players with two of theirs, one in front and the other behind. We usually end up losing possession. Why don't we throw to one of our unmarked players outfield and keep the ball.
In terms of losing possession - where would you rather lose it: down the line where your players have gone to or infield where you're wide open for the counter? I was always taught as a boy to throw it down the line. I don't think this will be high on Sam's agenda when he's writing the dossier: 'focus points to help avoid relegation'.
There was a guy at Chelsea back in the 70s, Hutchison? Hutchinson? He used to swing his arms like a windmill after a really long throw in
Delaps were amazing, pity we had never realised its potential while he was here, mind you Stoke had the right guys to get on the end of them which helps. The thing I have noticed which annoys me a bit is our lack of movement at corner kicks, there have been a few notable exceptions but we seem a bit static compared to some, I am sure Big Sam will have them well drilled before long. In sending our back three up we certainly have some hieght and two of them can actually head the ball, happy days.
Stoke got pretty cute about Delap by reducing the width of the pitch to minimum size to gain greatest advantage. Now THAT is good thinking.
