Our players are scared of space... (4 Viewers)

[KersleyDigs]

....they don't play balls into space to turn opposing defenders and they won't travel and attack the space when there isn't a pass on, even when the opposition back off and space opens up!

These are two basic things that would change a lot if implemented, I just can't see why they don't do these basic things?! So frustrating...

 

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[oakey]

Agree. Pass and move is so simple but we play pass and play statues. Our midfield in possession were very static at times but the forwards were also leaden footed for long periods.
We need to sharpen up.

 

[torchomatic]

In space, no one can hear you scream.

 

[KersleyDigs]

We need a striker to play off the shoulder and force the midfielders to play them in.

McSheffrey is the only player we have that does this, Nimely sshould be coming deep to get the ball and running at opposing centre backs IMO.

Platt just see us default to the long ball (the easy option).

 

[oakey]

None of our midfielders are prepared to gamble and run with the ball into the centre, edge of the box. This needs to start happening if we are to score more goals as crossing is mediocre, as are corners, and we lack aerial threat.
I want to see AT gamble in the last 20 minutes, like Blackpool do. Throw centre halves forward, especially in away games where one win is worth 3 hard fought draws. At Watford we need to go all out for a win.

 

[Otis]

I and a few others talked of this before Christmas. We pretty much always pass the ball to feet, especially in the midfield area. This makes us predictable and much easier to close down.

Said it was a big problem then and was hoping Thorn would address it. Haven't said anything since mind as it would just be perceived by some as another anti-Thorn thread.

Pass and move is a basic football requirement. We are taught it from day one. Does therefore beg the question, why do we continue to try to pass the ball to feet so much. Nearly all the balls we play that aren't to feet are invariably long balls fron the back to the flanks or the strikers.

 

[KersleyDigs]

Depressingly in recent history we have had very few players with the movement that demands a through ball and makes it easy for the player in posession.

McSheffrey does it and Thornton did occassionally...

 

[KersleyDigs]

....and you're right Otis, very predictable and too easy to close down. It also allows teams to play a really high line against us and squeeze up the pitch.

 

[Otis]

Good examples. Both players like to give the ball and then move into space to get the return ball.

 

[KersleyDigs]

We lose so much tempo and good attacking positions from constantly playing to feet.

I have seen Southampton play a lot this season and their movement off the ball is different class...

 

[stupot07]

We need a striker to play off the shoulder and force the midfielders to play them in.

McSheffrey is the only player we have that does this, Nimely sshould be coming deep to get the ball and running at opposing centre backs IMO.

Platt just see us default to the long ball (the easy option).

Nimely does drop deep to receive the ball, what he needs to do is vary it and make a few runs in behind using his pace, so that defenders don't know whether he'll run in behind or drop in the hole. He comes deep 99% of the time, gets the ball and turns and is then faced with 3/4 defenders between him and the goal.

 

[wingy]

They do have this trick in them and it increases the tempo, also much harder to defend against, the trouble is you can count the number of games this has happened on one hand Derby ,Blackpool,Bristol,Leeds home and away.

 

[KersleyDigs]

I think we stand a small chance of survival if we put McSheffrey back up top with Nimely, he's our only offensive player with any incision.

The gamble would be that we'd have to put Baker and Bell on either flank.......

 

[wingy]

Trouble is ,no Platt no height in Attack or defence ,apart from when Christie,and Thomas play you.d only have Keogh with height,If you stick Mac up topI reckon you could utilise Nimely wider ,not convinced yet by his finishing.

 

[covcity4life]

no off the ball movement,its pathetic

get them to watch a barca game directly before a match,if there not in the mood to play footy then were doomed