A thought that occurred to me whilst watching the West Ham and Southampton games: Even IF crosses don't often end in goals, even IF corners don't either there is still much more they add which is far more difficult to quantify (as so much is in football), which is why statistical analyses will very often come short. The fact is that crosses just missed by a striker, a winger beating his man to get a cross in, the players crowding the area for a corner - these things all create excitement and buzz (not just among the fans). It creates belief and impetus. Even if the striker connects with the cross but misses at least they're getting a touch in a dangerous area - a touch that could have led directly to a goal. I can't help but think that so many of these psychological aspects are crucial. Put it this way - if a player had a 100% record on penalties but only a 25% record on shots from within the area then I would rather score through him getting four chances in the area even though he'll miss three of them. Statistically you should end up with the same amount of goals but the psychological and confidence effect of the latter option massively outweigh the former. We forget that a manager has one job - to get his team playing well enough to win games. Tactics and formations are just a little part of this. But give me a team who are well-drilled in the basics, happy, confident, understand their roles and willing to bust a gut and I won't give too much of a **** if the formation is a bit dodgy.
There's your answer mate, yes, atm its every opportunity for a barbed comment from young Jamie, so much so its clouded his rational thought. I look forward to him having to compliment us at some point through gritted teeth. His reaction in defence of his Dad is understandable, but I think enough time has passed to move on.
Totally agree Lenny. I've never been of the view that stats are the most important thing but I still reckon that every little helps in getting results. Our squad is about as good as Arsenal's and Liverpool's on paper so to finish above them we've got to find some other edge, whether it be fitness, tactics, formation or anything else.
I noticed he slowed down to a jog on entering the box, so he could be running fast again as the ball arrived. I agree with the random event theory, but that random chance will be greatly improved by players performing their roles superbly.
