Great watch that. Made clear how clever Dodds was/is and how he made the most of our wingers. Also highlighted how good Seelt is, if Meslier doesn't pull off a world class save he's MotM no question.
Just watching that shows the difference little tweaks to the system makes - stronger defensively by bringing the wide players back into the midfield rather than isolated further up the pitch, quick passing moves that we saw more regularly last season rather than the slow ponderous ones that allow the oppostion get into position. I could be putting 2 and 2 together and getting 1 million but it does make you wonder what happened behind the scenes with Mowbray and why he didn't implement those little changes
I hope the clown, five rows back from me, has watched that and wept ... ... it's a credit to most of our supporters that they can embrace tactics that can beat a better team, and Leeds are tbf. I'd hope we use the same tactics against Newcastle who'll come here with the same attitude expecting to impose themselves.
Also the mentality, we were laser focused all game. Seems like Dodds has the ability to make everyone's role crystal clear. I think there was confusion at times under Mowbray especially in terms of protecting the defence.
I suppose I'm a bit like yourself with being brought up watching "old style" football - taking the man as well as the ball but I still think there's room for some of the philsophy from that age and for me that means a sound defence. Some teams play some brilliant football nowadays - little one touches, mesmirising dribbling by world class players but there should always that rock you build your team upon. Having a sound defence agasinst teams shouldn't just rely on the centre halves and full backs stopping their opposing players, it should include the whole team and for whatever reason, our midfield has been wide open at times and teams have taken advantage and walked straight through. In the 2 games Dodds has been in charge this season, that door looks like it has been closed and we actually looked more stronger defensively not just from previous games this season but some of the games from last season but still played the same type of football in spurts that we did last season. I for one hope that whoever is named the new head coach takes these little tweaks that Dodds introduced and builds on them
Top class post mate, and not just because it echoes what I think. I 'grew up' watching us from the late 60's when the idea was to get the ball forward, at every opportunity, and try to score ... ... it was exciting up to the point where the other team did the same but better. This is fascinating stuff even though it makes it difficult for us to generate the noise we did from constantly 'going over the top'. I'm no football expert but I'm at the point whereby I'm starting to feel genuinely sorry for those who can't grasp what we're trying to achieve. I hear people saying they're not impressed by Jobe/Aouchiche/ Ba/Seelt/Hume etc, because they can't see what they've been asked to do. Hume is regularly castigated because he's 'out of position' despite being obviously told to go ahead of Clarke so that Jack has more options and confuses the opposition right back. Defenders don't have a clue whether to mark Jobe and don't bother trying with Pritchard who goes wherever he can find space and take out two or three of the opposition. I know I've been a little too defensive of Pritchard but really can't believe there are supporters who wanted him out of the club ... ... if, after the last two games, they can't get how valuable he is then balls to them.
Brilliant that, love his analysis. Best part....calling Farke Ron Jeremy, had a good chuckle at that.
I think football is a different beast these days. Its not enough just to give the ball to your best players and have them take on the opposition. Players are that fit athletically, it really does seem to be more of a team game than it did previously
I actually think he went back to basics from the start of the season and tweaked it from there, I also think that TM was probably not working as closely with Dodds (as Dodds is obviously closely aligned with KS) these last few weeks due to the friction between him and KS, which may well be the reason for the change in formation and tactics and for TM leaving. No proof just my initial feeling
Another feather in the cap of the recruitment team aswell.....first real chance we've had to have a good look at Seelt....I liked what we saw.
Really like these video's as they tend to explain how the tactics have worked good or bad and pick apart reasons for victories or defeats with a more analytical look
It's slightly weird that such good players are available, even more so that they're so happy to come to Sunderland ... ... what a massive changeround in our club. please log in to view this image
From a mate who was at the Leeds game, it may be useful for anyone in that area. Could someone copy & paste it to RTG, thanks. ‐------------ Good Evening Mr Neill I would like to bring to your attention a Health and Safety incident that occurred inside the Sunderland Stadium of Light after approximately 78 minutes of the Sunderland v Leeds United game on Tuesday 12th December 2023. I was in block U15, row 34 and as the result of a male in his early 20s in block U15, row 36, approximately seat 25 pushing a gentleman in front of him and directly behind me, the gentleman behind me fell on top of me and I’ve crushed my ribs on the seat in front of me. Unfortunately, I’m in considerable pain and will be attending A & E tomorrow (Monday 18th December 2023). I have a very large bruise on my chest as a result of the injury sustained and whilst away at Bristol City over the weekend the bruise has severely deteriorated and my general health has substantially deteriorated as a result. My breathing in particular is suffering at present. I sent Chris Waters a text message on Wednesday informing him of the incident at the game. As a result of the incident a number of scuffles broke out in the area and the perpetrator was just laughing and showed no regret for what damage he had caused. I’m sure that if the person is at the game on Saturday against Coventry, there is a high likelihood of disorder as I know a lot of fans in the area and they made their feelings known at the time. I’m sure the incident will be on CCTV and should therefore assist with any further investigation. Do I need to report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive? Thank you.
