Get Running Boys

[Nuskyblue]

We've been outrun in most of the games this season, the only team we managed more sprints than was Hull. Arsenal and Brighton out worked (more miles ran & at a higher intensity) and outplayed us, Brighton was an embarrassment. Time and space, they looked like they had a man extra before the red card.

Is it tactical, is it personal or is it something else?

The one thing you should be able to match regardless of ability is work rate.

 

[Nick]

People were banging on about Grimes running the most against Man City, thing is most of it was chasing shadows.

Brighton looked like they had a man extra because there was a huge gap between Rudoni / EMC and big T. So Ayari could put up a deck chair, cup of tea, read the paper and think about what he wanted to do.

At points Grimes was then going out to press him, leaving a huge gap.

 

[clint van damme]

We're struggling with the level of off the ball movement of our opponents.
Our own movement off the ball is atrocious.

We need to improve both areas massively and quick.

 

[CBS16]

People were banging on about Grimes running the most against Man City, thing is most of it was chasing shadows.

Brighton looked like they had a man extra because there was a huge gap between Rudoni / EMC and big T. So Ayari could put up a deck chair, cup of tea, read the paper and think about what he wanted to do.

At points Grimes was then going out to press him, leaving a huge gap.

Yeah the defensive shape a total mess particularly first 25 minutes. Rudoni didn't seem to know where he was supposed to be covering. They did not know who's job it was to support the full backs, drop in to the middle, or press or have Rudi hang off the play for a counter, I don't think it's his fault I think it's genuinely pretty unclear what he's meant to/being asked to do especially when they're moving the ball so quick. We're not fast or physical enough to be disorganised, it's the first job of any team to have a well drilled off the ball shape

 

[Wyken Sky Blue]

Lack of quality is one thing. Lack of effort and willingness to run is another, the latter is unforgivable

 

[PVA]

To be fair you can understand the opposition covering more ground when we're penned in. The back 4 arent moving, the full backs aren't bombing on etc.

So it makes sense we covered more ground than Hull as the opposite is true - more players getting forward, making more runs.

 

[Londonccfcfan]

We've been outrun in most of the games this season, the only team we managed more sprints than was Hull. Arsenal and Brighton out worked (more miles ran & at a higher intensity) and outplayed us, Brighton was an embarrassment. Time and space, they looked like they had a man extra before the red card.

Is it tactical, is it personal or is it something else?

The one thing you should be able to match regardless of ability is work rate.

Just said in another thread lampard unlikely to bring them back next day for extra training after a defeat. Shoukd make them watch that back.

 

[Torpsrightfoot]

Realistically, given that we have played Arsenal & Man City away and spent the second half against Brighton with ten men, isn't this to be expected? Won't be any excuses if the trend continues of course, but not keen on seeing the team attacked for lack of desire so soon into a new season.

 

[long way home]

I truly don't t think its down to effort or desire to do well. Its simply down to not having enough of the squad yet being at the level required to compete. We can want players to run further and faster, to make better decisions, and play with freedom. Unfortunately reality is some cant now or ever will be able to bridge the gap. Some will learn and improve some will know the level is to high and be left behind.

This will be a painful lesson but not one that's all negative, as long as we can learn from it. We may have to take a backward step or two, but its important the fans stick with it knowing brighter days are ahead.

 

[SBAndy]

Yeah the defensive shape a total mess particularly first 25 minutes. Rudoni didn't seem to know where he was supposed to be covering. They did not know who's job it was to support the full backs, drop in to the middle, or press or have Rudi hang off the play for a counter, I don't think it's his fault I think it's genuinely pretty unclear what he's meant to/being asked to do especially when they're moving the ball so quick. We're not fast or physical enough to be disorganised, it's the first job of any team to have a well drilled off the ball shape

That’s part of the answer but there was a moment about 20 mins into yesterday’s game, out on their left, where they did two positional rotations in the space of about 10 seconds and just moved Van Ewijk, Rudoni and I think it was Amenda round in a circle so they didn’t have any idea what to do. PL football is so much more advanced than Championship football.