The high line is a consequence of the pressing game - the backs have to move forward too or you give the opponents space to run into when they win the ball. But if you don't press properly you allow through passes. It wasn't Naughton's fault it was the pressing that wasn't right. And just because a mistake leads to a goal it doesn't mean the system is wrong. We've got no understanding between the players so they can't create anything because we keep changing the system. there is nothing wrong with the talent on the field. Tactics do matter and we don't have any.
Even during the dark days of the 2000s we had a core of very good players (there was always a time when we had something like Campbell, Ginola, Anderton (eg) in a team at one time). Trouble is that there was always a lot of average around them and we were always waiting/hoping that players like Iversen or Fox or someone would come good. Right now feels a bit like that. Who, in this squad is a nailed-on must-keep? Lloris, Kaboul, Sandro, Lennon and Adebayor for me. The rest really are much of a muchness and there is no-one in the entire squad who can provide genuine creative threat. Ade maybe. Most teams have a strong core probably. Trouble is that our core just isn't threatening enough in a creative sense and the players around them are not up to much either.
Are you serious?? The defence is **** but Naughton must take blame for goal. He completely lost his forward!!
Except maybe one directed at himself. So the last two games we've seen a good setup from the manager which the players effed up, and a horrible setup from the manager that all the players considerable huffing and puffing can't put right. Well, the good news is all the hard work should succeed in burning us out for the NLD. It continues to be a fun season.
I actually think the squad may be okay (I'm happy enough with Eiriksen, Chiriches and for that matter Holtby), but all the chopping and changing on top of all the new players and the managerial change have kept it from becoming a team. Player for player I'd take us over Benfica, but as a team they look much better.
I'm actually tempted to not watch. I could go and pack my bag No, I'll persist, but it is tempting. That was our chance
I think we're wondering, why only one? The season wouldn't be complete without Ade going off the boil. TBF, he hasn't been moving right since I saw him limp off a couple of games ago. And then he had that bandage on last game.
At least you can back it up by sticking that round thing in the big rectangle thing at the end of the field
On the bright side, my University of Pittsburgh Panthers thumped the Wake Forest Deamon Deacons to advance to the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Though Pittsburgh is 200 miles from the coast. And it may be the semifinals. Got to start taking an interest in college basketball. EDIT Immediately.
