those were the days
Has a lot to say
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2011
- Messages
- 1,494
- Reaction score
- 1,774
Both Villa and Fulham pressed us high up the pitch and a number of our players really struggled. Both also did a good job pinning our wing backs back, which meant we didn't commit enough going forward when we attacked. Unlike against Leeds, Villa and Fulham worked v hard off-the-ball which meant we couldn't pass around them to the same extent either. Add to the mix our continuing problems with set-pieces and we have a few issues.
Hopefully Nuno will find the right answers for the next two games and get us back on track. Making some personnel changes should help as there were obvious square pegs in round holes today and some mentally, if not physically, tired players who need dropping or benching. The continuing problem with set pieces may be harder to fix though.
Given how important our wing backs are and how much running they get through, I reckon Nuno needs to give himself better options to change things around out wide from the bench (e.g. Vinagre and/or Graham). Imv, there's no point having 2 centre halves on the bench as they'll v rarely both get used. I also think in games when teams press us high up the pitch and play a high defensive line, we need players like Afobe on much quicker, if not from the start. Just my two pennies worth!
Hopefully Nuno will find the right answers for the next two games and get us back on track. Making some personnel changes should help as there were obvious square pegs in round holes today and some mentally, if not physically, tired players who need dropping or benching. The continuing problem with set pieces may be harder to fix though.
Given how important our wing backs are and how much running they get through, I reckon Nuno needs to give himself better options to change things around out wide from the bench (e.g. Vinagre and/or Graham). Imv, there's no point having 2 centre halves on the bench as they'll v rarely both get used. I also think in games when teams press us high up the pitch and play a high defensive line, we need players like Afobe on much quicker, if not from the start. Just my two pennies worth!