Exactly. I think the idea behind a defense-first system with a bunch of new players could have been that it was the best way to keep us in the hunt while we, erm, got used to each other. I thought it was a good idea, TBH. Now it looks like it would have been a better idea to come out flying (as most, I think, posters wanted), take our lumps, and get up to speed as quickly as possible. Part of the problem with the excessive touches has to be confidence. You do have a better chance of scoring off the first touch, but you also have a better chance of knocking it into Row Z, and looking foolish. Lack a little confidence, as I think Eiriksen did, and you take one touch to make sure you have an unembarrassing shot--even though that makes it a save. I read it as he and Gerrard suffering the after-effects of seeing two Man U players skip the friendly. It's symptoms are muttering, "**** me if I let Man U get an edge on my team," followed by a sudden mystery sprain which requires exactly one week of rest.
Was it CPofL who bet his house on Woolwich beating Utd on Sunday? http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-fan-three-wives-loses-2787666
We took the game to City last time out and got a good result, I know we were at home, yes that has some bearing, but I'm just referring to our approach to the game. Being cautious for the first 45 in this game and see if we're still in it after an hour is not the idea I'd go with, go at them I say, best line of defence is to have the ball yourself and attack, a bit like when we ended the Old Trafford hoodoo. It makes for a nervy ending, but you're going to get that anyway, I'd rather be nervy protecting a result, than be nervy trying to gain a late one.
I've had a quick look at their results and by my count they've scored 31 goals at home this season so whilst attacking football is what we want, I'd rather we didn't risk a potential mauling to be entertained. After the Everton game I'd like us to continue playing the way we are away from home. It might not be everyone's cup of tea style wise but you can't argue it's bringing results. When you look at how other big teams have faired on the road against the sides we've played I think it's clear just how impressive our away form is. I'd go for pretty much the same style, try to break up play early and if we find ourselves being pushed back then sit back more and look to counter. This isn't the kind of game for our weaker "flair" players, in my opinion so I'd leave the likes of Lamela and Eriksen on the bench and go for essentially the same side we had against Everton but with the wingers on their natural sides and Kaboul in for Chiriches.
Thats how we won that last match wasn't it? We were cautious for like 60mins and we were still in it (1 down) and then BANG, hit them hard.
I think being cautious will hurt us against City. Their fire power is too much and even though we have an enviable defensive record, there have been times where had the opposition had a better finisher we likely would've conceded, City have an abundance of attacking players that will only need half a chance to score. I think we should just go and fight fire with fire so to speak. Defensively they're not great so we can definitely score if we have a real go in my opinion.
We have to attack them,as you say with Kompany out their defence isn't great,and if we can score first they will have to come at us and give us more space
Without looking back my recollection was fairly even steven, and bang at the end as you say, I didn't think Lloris was any busier than Hart. In any case I didn't mean control the game in their half and throw caution to the wind as such (it'd be nice!) what I meant was get in their faces and be on the front foot as much as poss, as we don't have Bale to pull it out of the bag if we took the 'safe' route. A couple of teams that have had success this season have done that, but everyone seems scared to try it at the Etihad...except Bayern Munich Their home record is pretty incredible last few seasons, not for the top teams, but going there is becoming a mental thing for a lot of other teams perhaps, in the same way not too many dreamt of going to Old Trafford and taking on Fergies United, impressive stuff though. Can't score anyway at atm so it probably doesn't matter how we go about it!
ok, fair enough. I didn't actually watch that match other than on MOTD so i don't know. Was that one of the games Hudd turned around? I think if we could glue the first half against everton with the 2nd half against newcastle we'd be unlucky not to beat most teams, despite the fact we actually scored no goals in those periods. Why we can't put 2 decent halves together i don't know. AVB getting out-managed either before kick-off or at half time?
I've started taking ZMA again, zinc and magnesium, gives you wild dreams and deep sleeps. Unrealistic dreams. I dreamt Lamela stole the show, which isn't unrealistic for his ability but unrealistic as Avb likes him warming the bench!
I know what you mean, had a few 'games of 2 halves' under Harry aswell. It happens a lot in general, but yes it would be nice to be pleased with 90 minutes.
Its not even surprising any more. I said at half time in the Everton match that the game had 1-0 to Everton with a late goal written all over it. In the end i was happy with a draw in a match where we utterly dominated the first half. I really think this team, and manager, have massive potential, all that is needed is a few tweaks in the attacking set-up and better, i dunno, concentration? Whatever the thing causing the mismatch in quality between halves is.
Same goes for Jol too. Still, one good half per game is a dramatic improvement on what we had under Ramos...
It would be nice if it was just a tweak needed but I can't see it being as simple as that. Southampton play a high pressing game, play attacking football, keep clean sheets and score goals and that's because their manager has got a better response from young and experienced players who have taken to the system. With us we have high value players, too many players with little PL experience and a rigid manager. I can get why fans see potential but I believe it's going to be difficult for Avb to turn us into a impressive attacking side aswell as remain hard to beat. I would love to know what AVB says pre match or in post match analysis, as that will go some way to giving the players their general mentality come match day. He obviously hasn't said anything to Andros and Soldado about the way they interact and that I can't see how he could choose to ignore as if they talked to each other they could work well. Sheringham and Anderton used to link up superbly and that's because Teddy was making movement and shaggy wanted to find him. With us, there's a lack of communication and players wanting to develop partnerships.
Southampton have a lot of players at the club that've been there for a long time, so it's not surprising that their communication is better than ours at the moment. The likes of Shaw, Lallana, Lambert, Schneiderlin and others have been there for at least four or five seasons and most of their other first XI players are settled in England. Most of their newer signings from abroad, like Osvaldo, Wanyama, Yoshida and the highly rated Ramirez have yet to really do anything, with Lovren being the exception.
Don't disagree with that at all, but is still an issue and you have to ask or question how long before the communication and understanding improves and if that will lead to better attacking football as there are other elements. And if Avb will have the necessary time to prove either way. I'm still of the opinion the football is always going to be a struggle overall, aside from short spells.
