Pass Masters Two. Ok, it didn't come to anything but when you consider that we could barely string three passes together last season, then our possession play is now truly sumptuous. [video=youtube;_6BGQKL8NLg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6BGQKL8NLg[/video]
Don't get me wrong, I'm delighted that there's focus on possession, pass and move. But in that sequence I think there were only 13 of the 41 touches that were inside the Barnsley half, and then only just in their half. If this is Stage 3 of the plan, where Stages 1 and 2 were, respectively, to assemble a squad that gives a toss and to shore up the defence, then I'm still with the programme; more so if Stage 4 is to move this tippy-tappy further up the field and add an incisive, cutting edge. If successful, then Wow! what a blueprint; every bit as impressive as what Warnock did in a similar period of time.
Credit where it's due Harold... that is good football ... keep it up and thanks Stephen, Derby will do this next?
Also considering the current squad is still getting gelling, we have incredibly strong foundations, being our strong settled successful defence. That is what bugs me about watching England, they struggle to keep possession, having a midfield that keeps possession, helps the defence, and having a strong defence gives the midfield confidence.
The fact that we were leading 1-0 at the time of this passing/possesion move makes me very happy. Best way to defend is with the ball in the team, at difficult art in the huff and puff of the Championship. I'd say this is progress and if we can be more incisive in the final third we are definitely going places.
We're unbeaten and have won all but two of our games. I'd say it's going pretty well Ubes! As Norway says, when you're 1-0 up, keeping possession like this is a huge asset no matter what league you're in.
I'm torn about this. It's great that we are playing a passing game, but I was scathing about the boring nature of Swansea under Rodgers, and we were a bit like that against Barnsley. The 41 passes include several from Richard Dunne, which can't be a positive thing.
But I cant recall any of Harry's teams being labelled "boring" !! If we can keep BAE,Barton, Hoilett, Phillips and Kranjcar & Austin fit, we wont be boring
Bloody hell mate.............I agree that Swansea were boring as hell under Rogers, but we were 1-0 up and keeping the ball. Perfect!! Enjoy!
I think it's great that we are keeping the ball. I haven't seen us do it for a while. It's a case of 'slowly slowly catchy monkey.' For a relatively newly put together team it shows great confidence and ability. The cutting edge bit will follow soon. It seems that some of our fans are getting too greedy and want everything all at once. We're in a good place at the moment, and it will get better.
Just need a little patience, I'd rather watch us keep the ball even if we don't do much with it rather than lump it up the pitch to no one in particular or see SWP kick it just too far in front of himself to hold on to/bounce it into touch off his knee.
Its a skill and nothing to be mocked IMO ... the big difference i noticed when i played in France ... simply the other team can't score without the ball. over here they call it closing a game out ... its how teams win leagues
Exactly. Some people just seem to want to find something to moan about. Stroller......you missed my point. It would be boring if we did it at 0-0 too much, like Swansea used to. This example was when we were 1-0 up and keeping the ball from the opposition.
Yes, of course it's better keeping the ball, and yes I'm too impatient. I just don't want to watch Joey Barton exchange meaningless passes with Richard Dunne when we're playing Barnsley. We should be battering the dross in this league.
Did we get to 3? We've gone from scraping the wins to looking good on the ball - and winning more comfortably. This is gelling in action and it's working. We're going in the right direction.
