mpickard2087
Patient Zero
- Jun 13, 2008
- 21,900
- 32,611
Another win to make it three from three so far, good.
The game had fairly few real chances, we had the most of them, Watford had a couple of moments, overall felt we did have just about enough control on proceedings and were relatively untroubled.
Performance I thought was average at best though.
That was our weakest game yet in terms of our pressing/pressure on the ball, and compactness. Often left it up to individuals to defend one vs. one which we just about managed, not sure that’s wise against better teams. We did have plenty of fight from our defence/midfield though and they worked hard yet again and got a toe in or on a couple of occasions a vital block when our goal was most at threat.
With the ball I thought our play was pretty basic yet again to be honest. Didn’t really get what we were trying to do, with our shape and playing so narrowly (especially first half) I thought this aided Watford’s defensive efforts, and seemingly using Tanganga as an outball was a bit puzzling. Also thought at times there were too many hopeful diagonals or straight long balls, instead of trying to play our way through.
Admittedly it was against a weaker team in midweek, but I did prefer the way we lined up for that game rather than what we are doing in league matches. The midfield of one holding player, two players comfortable as those roaming playmakers between the lines and in the half spaces taking the ball under pressure and on the turn, and then two wingers providing width. I felt we had many more options to our play, and tbh is more of the sort of football/tactics I want to see. Today we went back to (for large spells) a more disciplined flat midfield three and very narrow forwards, this narrow 4-3-3 might make sense and unleash the potential of Son/Moura/Bergwijn etc. when playing on the counter attack, but against the teams more inclined to sit back and pack the defence I don’t see it having the same effectiveness.
Have to say I think midfield is an issue here also – I think really Skipp and Hojbjerg both want to play the same position, sitting with the game in front of them, and Alli also isn’t comfortable taking the ball on the half turn under pressure and prefers to drop deep, too deep usually, to get it and be facing the play and to do things at his own languid tempo. It’s not that taxing for the opposition with everything happening miles from goal, and in front of their defensive lines. All of them to their credit are working their bollocks off for the cause so far, but not sure the balance is right or I want to see that selection for the whole season.
Some good things are happening so far – application and effort has improved, fitness levels look they have greatly improved, certain players you can see the confidence coming back and are looking rejuvenated, We’ve managed to get wins and points on the board to build confidence and momentum in this early part of the season. Would like to see what we do with the ball at our feet take some steps forward soon though hopefully.
The game had fairly few real chances, we had the most of them, Watford had a couple of moments, overall felt we did have just about enough control on proceedings and were relatively untroubled.
Performance I thought was average at best though.
That was our weakest game yet in terms of our pressing/pressure on the ball, and compactness. Often left it up to individuals to defend one vs. one which we just about managed, not sure that’s wise against better teams. We did have plenty of fight from our defence/midfield though and they worked hard yet again and got a toe in or on a couple of occasions a vital block when our goal was most at threat.
With the ball I thought our play was pretty basic yet again to be honest. Didn’t really get what we were trying to do, with our shape and playing so narrowly (especially first half) I thought this aided Watford’s defensive efforts, and seemingly using Tanganga as an outball was a bit puzzling. Also thought at times there were too many hopeful diagonals or straight long balls, instead of trying to play our way through.
Admittedly it was against a weaker team in midweek, but I did prefer the way we lined up for that game rather than what we are doing in league matches. The midfield of one holding player, two players comfortable as those roaming playmakers between the lines and in the half spaces taking the ball under pressure and on the turn, and then two wingers providing width. I felt we had many more options to our play, and tbh is more of the sort of football/tactics I want to see. Today we went back to (for large spells) a more disciplined flat midfield three and very narrow forwards, this narrow 4-3-3 might make sense and unleash the potential of Son/Moura/Bergwijn etc. when playing on the counter attack, but against the teams more inclined to sit back and pack the defence I don’t see it having the same effectiveness.
Have to say I think midfield is an issue here also – I think really Skipp and Hojbjerg both want to play the same position, sitting with the game in front of them, and Alli also isn’t comfortable taking the ball on the half turn under pressure and prefers to drop deep, too deep usually, to get it and be facing the play and to do things at his own languid tempo. It’s not that taxing for the opposition with everything happening miles from goal, and in front of their defensive lines. All of them to their credit are working their bollocks off for the cause so far, but not sure the balance is right or I want to see that selection for the whole season.
Some good things are happening so far – application and effort has improved, fitness levels look they have greatly improved, certain players you can see the confidence coming back and are looking rejuvenated, We’ve managed to get wins and points on the board to build confidence and momentum in this early part of the season. Would like to see what we do with the ball at our feet take some steps forward soon though hopefully.
