If we had top four aspirations...

[YoungWolf]

The general performance and intent has definitely improved since Palace away (I still can't really explain that game). It's just within that we've had some periods of games (like first half v Southampton, first half an hour against Southampton) where we've been really poor individually whether it be sloppy passing or not getting distances right defensively. That still comes down to the coaching but I'd rather we were trying to be more positive in general like we have been, even if the confidence/performance of the players isn't at an all time high itself.

We have issues consistently creating chances in open play which we have to solve if we want to go further in the right direction though. The only apathy I have is nothing to do with the manager, players or club tbh more just the situation we face in the world and how it is affecting football in general.

 

[AndyWolves]

Sorry mate, I don't see this as an accurate take on how people follow their team and tbh it just sounds like 'life coach'-style platitudes.

If that's your bag then fair play, but don't expect everyone else to subscribe to it, or presume it makes you superior (which is usually the inference when this kind of thing is brought up).

Everyone has biases. Even you

 

[prawnking]

Everyone has biases. Even you

I just say what I think about my football club, it doesn't mean I think my shit smells sweeter than anyone else's

 

[prawnking]

The general performance and intent has definitely improved since Palace away (I still can't really explain that game). It's just within that we've had some periods of games (like first half v Southampton, first half an hour against Southampton) where we've been really poor individually whether it be sloppy passing or not getting distances right defensively. That still comes down to the coaching but I'd rather we were trying to be more positive in general like we have been, even if the confidence/performance of the players isn't at an all time high itself.

We have issues consistently creating chances in open play which we have to solve if we want to go further in the right direction though. The only apathy I have is nothing to do with the manager, players or club tbh more just the situation we face in the world and how it is affecting football in general.

I agree there's been a slight improvement in our attacking intent, but it still mainly manifests itself in low-quality outcomes: hopeful long shots, errant crosses to outnumbered forwards or wingers running into blind alleys.

While that's better than how deep and passive we've been previously, it's still a huge step down from how precise and effective our counter attacks have been previously in the PL.

We're still prone to killing our own attacks with negative passes when in strong positions too, so those expecting us to be wowed because we're doing better than in January are rather premature. It's hardly a conclusive shift in mentality or emphasis just yet

 

[sycophantia]

I enjoyed the match ( not the result obviously) probably the best watch this season, we attacked, we even had more possession and equal shots/on target pretty much and matched Liverpool all over the pitch. Also higher xG which all contributed to a more pleasureable matchday experience for me.
Of course highlighted the areas we still need to improve.
Obviously if we regress in the next few games I'll be whingeing as much as anybody.

 

[The Bear]

We've definitely started pressing a bit quicker and higher in the last couple of games. And that gives a higher tempo in mindset at least. We need to keep doing that or we'll just slip back to relaxing into passive starts.

 

[AndyWolves]

We've definitely started pressing a bit quicker and higher in the last couple of games. And that gives a higher tempo in mindset at least. We need to keep doing that or we'll just slip back to relaxing into passive starts.

I wonder if that's because we had Boly rather than Donk at the back which meant we could be a bit braver?

 

[The Bear]

Boly has only been back the last game. Its something the players and manager have mentioned in interviews the last few weeks.

 

[prawnking]

I wonder if that's because we had Boly rather than Donk at the back which meant we could be a bit braver?

If Nuno wants this approach then we need to be doing it regardless of who is playing. As I said earlier in the thread, it can't be that our identity only works with all our best players on the pitch

 

[sycophantia]

I wonder if that's because we had Boly rather than Donk at the back which meant we could be a bit braver?

We were doing it against Villa too, it was just our passing was particularly wank in that game and we kept giving them the ball back

 

[AndyWolves]

If Nuno wants this approach then we need to be doing it regardless of who is playing. As I said earlier in the thread, it can't be that our identity only works with all our best players on the pitch

You can understand the logic though, if you've got a weaker defence they need protecting more. No point pressing higher up the pitch if the defence gets opened up should the opponent beat the press.

i don't think it's a hard and fast rule either, should we encounter a "weaker" opponent and not have Boly we could press higher and vica-versa.

Weve never been, at least in my opinion, particularly energetic pressers, more "intelligent" pressers - I'd say this has been our identity to date along with our pressing being frankly piss weak.

 

[Wolvensam]

Our press is better when Jonny and Raul are in the team as they're the stronger pressers in the team. When we didn't have either of them it was appalling, especially from the front three.

 

[AndyWolves]

Adama and Jose don't press much at all. Although Jose may well be given instructions to sit on a particular player.

Neto does lots of good work, but needs help, as Wolvensam said.

Silva works hard too when pressing.

 

[prawnking]

You can understand the logic though, if you've got a weaker defence they need protecting more.

I do, but again if you follow that logic it shows the fragility of our set-up, and if the opponents beat the press and Boly's not near the ball it renders the point moot. I know he's turned into prime Van Dijk while he's been injured but he can't cover the entire width of the pitch on his own.

Maybe we should have bought another decent CB since we've been in the PL rather than stockpiling 'future top 4 stars'?

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Not using this as an excuse but there genuinely aren't many out there. It's a weird void out there at the moment.

Arsenal paid stupid money for Saliba who they wouldn't even trust to play against Dundalk in the Europa League. What would Brighton/Burnley ask for players as manifestly limited (and with miles on the clock) as Dunk/Tarkowski? Michael Keane cost £30m, he is shit.

 

[prawnking]

In that case I'd maybe be looking to blood Hoever in there at some point in the remainder of this season and see what he can offer.

He's obviously talented, maybe worth seeing if him, Coady and Boly can form a decent complementary unit if we're sticking with 3 at the back for a little longer

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Yes, I'd like Hoever in there too (I don't think that much of him at RWB at the moment, his crossing is worse than Doc's). See what we have to work with.

Saiss can have some time in midfield to give the other pair a breather now and then. Donck can go on the bench where he would have been for most of the season if people didn't keep getting injured.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Yes, I'd like Hoever in there too (I don't think that much of him at RWB at the moment, his crossing is worse than Doc's). See what we have to work with.

Saiss can have some time in midfield to give the other pair a breather now and then. Donck can go on the bench where he would have been for most of the season if people didn't keep getting injured.

Not seen him in the flesh, but via the TV he looks a little lightweight just now - still would allow Boly to move left which is a benefit.

We are not playing for much this season now (2 or 3 more points are probably enough) so may as well see if players like him have enough about them.

 

[Alan]

I doubt they can hear your applause, booing or indifference at the end of the game Alan

I'm just being a twat, as per.

 

[AndyWolves]

I do, but again if you follow that logic it shows the fragility of our set-up, and if the opponents beat the press and Boly's not near the ball it renders the point moot. I know he's turned into prime Van Dijk while he's been injured but he can't cover the entire width of the pitch on his own.

Maybe we should have bought another decent CB since we've been in the PL rather than stockpiling 'future top 4 stars'?

No, but our defence is stronger with him than without him.

Unfortunately Nuno has to play the team he's got rather than the team we want.

Hopefully we improve the squad this summer, I'd be more than happy if that includes but not limited to more recruitment with an eye on the future.