We beat Norwich + Swansea 5-0 earlier in the season to be fair. One thing you've got to say about this season is that we are not lacking goals away from home. 2nd highest scorers away from home this season. Compared to 2011/12 (9th), 2010/11 (9th) and 2009/10 (10th). Clear improvement there in our mentality away from home! Obviously the goals conceded is going to be higher but I think most would accept that as we'll blow the lower half teams away with our superior attacking players.
Not only did he barge Ben Arfa off the ball for the 3rd, but he did barge Debuchy over when went shoulder to shoulder with him in the build up to then winning the free kick that Henderson scored from as well (and DEbuchy dubsequently got sent off for). Like it's been said, might not be the biggest and look the strongest but those 2 examples show he can hold his own
I thought the article made a good point about Borini's clever runs. It has been said on this forum that if he only has clever runs to offer then he isn't good enough. But if he starts getting the clever service from Coutinho to match his clever runs then he might start knocking a few in. He looks like a confidence player to me so that could only be a good thing. I personally really hope that he makes it
This is spot on. When I used to play I could always lose defenders and get into acres for a one on one only for some prat to shoot from 25 yards instead of putting me in. Coutinho is going to be the big giant key that we lost in Alonso to open up the gate.
Yes spot on from me as well. For his goal Borini picked it up left of the box from Coutinho, it didn't fall into his stride, but didn't try firing a shot off regardless, layed it off to Coutinho central who passed it out to downing (who I thought was great) right of box, then Borini moves central as Downing tries beating the man and darts behind the defenders before moving back out quickly and picking up Downing's pass in space. Really great movement and we shouldn't forget it wasn't thought he would be back till next year so tells me he is up for hard work and has the desire to get in and make it happen, certainly doesn't hide.
I tend to agree with this. In the PL 4-2-3-1 is the dominant way to play. Even in Europe it is effective and useful to choke off the midfield when out of possession and support the main striker in possession (becomes 4-2-4). Rafa had this off pat for us despite his being starved of funds for the team and we came within 4 points of the title despite Statler and Waldorf...
I agree that this formation is the best suited for us. What concerns me is that now the club has adopted 4-3-3, has it impacted our youth as well? The Academy seems to have struggled recently - are they just getting used to the new formation or are the tactics themselves the issue?
this is more about players cycling through. the u21s beat all before them before christmas then stepped up to elite level and didn't look as hot.... the u18s played in the cup until they got a good side then failed. the u19s at nextgen level struggle through. all are experiences for them but come few and far between. Honeslty players move up and down so continuity over the 9-12 month period is difficult. if you lose of of the guys we have to injury too it hurts.
