Variation from set pieces from our perspective, there doesn't seem to be any. Defending opposition set pieces, we don't seem very wise to preventing the same sequence of events occurring again and again. Whether that's opposition players barging the wall out of the way, or wise to the short ball. We don't see much variation on corners either, which I think is an asset in this league if you are less predictable. Other than that, it's hard to be critical.
I think you've taken what i said the wrong way Craig. My post is meant to be very black & white,there's no criticism of what has been said meant here. Just pointing out how far we've come. Although i must say, to suggest Bruce might spot this thread and take it on board is ****ing hilarious.
When Aluko is back we will see the ball over the top more - as things stand , to get out of trouble on the break the only option is to Sagbo and he clearly wants/gets it at his feet He has great strength holding the ball up but without a quick outlet into the box theres little hope of turning it into something dangerous, by time someone is there the other team are set up defensively again . The next dilemma is fitting Sagbo , Aluko and Jelavic in the same line up without compromising our defensive qualities.
Yesterday was a mixture of Chelsea just being a very solid team and this post being spot on. I really like Elmo on the right when we're attacking properly, such as the Fulham game. In the 352, though, we end up a bit imbalanced and lack options going forwards. It worked against Liverpool but we've struggled for results with it elsewhere. In that game yes, the players all performed well, but the Livermore shot and Skrtel OG both took massive deflections with Meyler's being a bit of a goalmouth scrap. Liverpool were dire that day and things were different when we tried again at their place. On the whole the 352 leaves us lacking forward passing options. Usually only Sagbo is up there so when we clear it the other team gets possession back. That gives them the ball a lot and sees us sitting deeper having to soak pressure. When we do get the ball it then takes time for our players to get up the pitch, also giving defences time to get into place. I've said it before but I much prefer a back four. Elmo and Rosenior link up well on the right and give us two threats there. Figueroa plays better with a winger in front of him, as we saw with his link-play with Boyd against Fulham. Importantly we then not only have Sagbo up front but a couple more midfielders in wide/advanced positions to receive the ball. More options, more possession, able to push up a bit more.
This team when fit: McGregor Rosenior - Chester - Davies - Figueroa Elmo - Livermore - Huddlestone - Brady Aluko Sagbo Sagbo using his strength to pull defenders around while Aluko, Brady and Elmo run into gaps. Livermore supporting from the middle. That team has pace and trickery in attacking positions to feed off Sagbo's hard work similar to Arsenal midfielders feeding off Giroud. Both Sagbo and Giroud get slated for not scoring enough but in a setup like this they do their job well. The problem is when you leave them isolated with no one for them to feed...
I know this is Bruce's idea though, he wants us to move into four at the back when Elmo moves forward, which doesn't work as Chester isn't a RB and isn't comfortable there, i am pretty certain he will stop this soon. We lack pace, we can't break at Pace as only Elmo really has any and his end product is so varied, he can produce those crosses that get us goals like the one at Swansea however more often than not he produces the rubbish like he did yesterday. We need variation as quite often the big sides will leave there defences isolated at the back we need to be able to break quickly to take advantage of this, the only time we managed to isolate the two centre backs was when Sagbo won a free kick and he still had no support then. The system we are playing currently has limitations but it has taken us to tenth with 23 points so somethings working.
For a team like ours to lose Aluko and Brady is a big deal . Yes we do lack pace up front and pace on the break . Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe
