Team for Dortmund...

[mpickard2087]

I've got to be honest here MP and say so far, I've not noticed a quantifiable collective "drop off" in energy or pressing or an overt increase in carelessness. I think there have been lots of games where, for whatever reason, throughout the season, we haven't pressed great and we are always a pretty eratic team in the final third.

I think Eriksen, once again, has been over used and it remains to be seen if this effects him like it did last year.

You may be right, I just haven't noticed massive collective signs. Arsenal for example we were at it like bastards.

What Ive been noticing is that our shape seems more 'stretched' over the last month or so and although, as I said, we still see numerous examples of winning the ball back and they are pressing at the front, personally I'm recalling, and alarmed by, more times where the opposition is getting the ball in a load of space in front of the defence. I concede we've had some tough games and you maybe expect it to happen vs. say an Arsenal or Dortmund or even a highflying West Ham, but not a Swansea or Villa. Individuals are still trying, but maybe with tiredness it gets a bit ragged and you lose the unit and compactness a little.

 

[Syn_13]

Your boys made it a hell of a game last night.

I know. Threw it away in the end. Missed the experience of Chiellini at the back when things got hairy. Gutted to go out and if Morata's goal didn't get incorrectly ruled offside it could've been a very different result.

Anyway, what's done is done and I'm hoping Spurs can do the job agains the Germans this time round! Might be in for more disappointment, but I hope we at least give them a fight.