Our problems at CF are well documented, and that was not the biggest problem today.
And Arsene, whom i love, got a lot wrong today by playing Ox in the middle and not instructing his full backs to make sure we never found ourselves outnumbered in the event of a counter attack.
I have worried about the "number 8" position all year, even with Ramsey back. This is the genesis of our soft center. We have decent anchors and great CBs. But against top teams, we need to be able to hold the ball, put ourselves about, and intimidate (Viera, Shweitzeiger, Xavi, etc. all do/did it with vastly different styles.) When we lose, it's always because we cannot impose ourselves in the midfield, turn the ball over while everyone has bombed forward, and get beaten on swift counter attacking. Against the Cardiff of the world, that is Ok, since they do not have the quality of a Hazerd, Robben, Aguerro or Sturidge to punish us one v one or two v. two. Against the top team, we get found out.
Not only a player problem (though we do need a couple at CF and Central mid, but tactical recalibration against big teams needed.
We're flat-track bullies, but should still hold on to fourth place.
teams can squeeze without fear. Today was individual and unforced errors in dangerous areas of the pitch. Granted the full backs shouldn't get caught up field when the holding player has the ball. The key problem is still at the top end of the pitch.
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