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We can't play like City or Liverpool because we simply do not have the talent in forward areas as them. That's nothing to be ashamed off but a more expansive brand of football (coupled with the low blocks we face) would mean losing a lot more games.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter
But if that's what makes you happy then great.
Total *******s.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich
Two years ago we switched to a more expansive brand of football. We won a lot more games, scored a lot more goals and finsihed with a lot more points with a smaller squad and the same forwards. The year before that, the same with an even smaller squad and no Havertz.
We didn't win the league in either season but we were a damn sight better than we are now.
The low block excuse is rubbish as well. Every good side faces it and every good side finds a way to tackle it. Bad sides make excuses.
And let us say you are right and we just dont have the forwards. Who answers for that? We spent nearly 180 million on forwards last summer.
That's a good question actually. Why do you think it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter
The difference is minimal but still. 42-17 and first place this season; last season, 47-17 and second place and we'd just lost 1-0 at Molineux.
I think it is because Arteta over coaches. The games are so heavily scripted, with triggers as the ball goes into certain areas. The press triggers at a certain point and beyond that we go into low block.Quote:
Originally Posted by redgunamo
It is rehearsed, predictable, repeatable. And the opposition know it. This is why he loves set pieces- repeatable, controllable, rehearsed.
He's made us hard to beat but fairly easy to play against. Harder to watch but easier to see coming.
I've said it all season- you cannot win the league playing like this. Or at the very least, I've never seen anyone do it.
Adding new players makes little difference. The structure and approach is the same. Abd it hugely works against creative players. By the time the ball gets to them the space has gone and the opposition are nicely set.
Yes, I agree with every word.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter
Interesting that the top three coaches right now are all notorious micro-managers. Only difference is Pep has better players and is not obsessed with set pieces like Mikel and Emery (although perhaps better players is WHY he's not obsessed with set pieces).
This is the key thing. If i am right, then giving Arteta more and better players will only make it worse. He'll just have a group of players even more capable of doing what he asks.Quote:
Originally Posted by redgunamo
When we had a smaller squad and some loose cannons we played better football. :-(
With worse results.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter
Maybe Capello's Milan is the blueprint. Great team, brilliant players, terrible football and loads of trophies; so it CAN be done :-\
I dont think the results were worse. Three seasons ago we finished with 84 points. Then 89. Then last season, 74. This season we may not break 80 points.Quote:
Originally Posted by redgunamo
It is difficult to argue that we are moving in the right direction.
Not at all. You're missing the point. We are trying to best a LITERAL juggernaut, Jeff!Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter
Four points ahead at this stage is outstanding. And everything is still in our hands.
But we're only ahead of them because they've been ****......Quote:
Originally Posted by redgunamo