We were great today, but we still have a weakness that has persisted from the Ancelotti days. When we are ahead, we tend to turn the tempo down a notch, lose focus, start passing carelessly, and just sail along, as if we've got the game wrapped up. Arsenal played the full 90 minutes at full thrust today, but we start coasting the moment we're up on goals, even if it's early in the game.
This aspect of our play lets the other team get back into the game, and it has cost us countless points, especially against weaker opposition. Don't know if it's a stamina issue that has developed as a result of our team getting older, and then, this stylistic quirk spread to the younger players, or if it's a relic of the JM days, when we used to shut down (effectively) when we were up, but it is having a negative impact on our results. Perhaps it can be sorted out with a few choice words from RDM, and hopefully, he tends to it soon.
A weakness that must be fixed...
posted on 29/9/12
Totally disagree with you, Drog. I thought we looked really good - even when we were defending. Our midfield is much smaller and slighter than in previous years, but we are so quick to press the opposition when we lose the ball - it looked really difficult to play against us. Remember, this is Arsenal, who have scored a lot of goals lately.
If anything (and I noticed this particularly against Juventus) after Oscar went off we briefly lost our shape. Oscar is excellent at chasing back and closing down in midfield - and I don't think that is Mata's strength. But that apart I think we are looking much better recently. No coincidence that coincided with Lampard being benched.
posted on 29/9/12
Good article. Didn't watch the match. RDM can fix it, he is slowly gelling the team. When these cake, unstoppable should be an understatement
posted on 29/9/12
Agree with Blue
Oscar is immense, he is perfect in every aspect of the game.
Mikel-Oscar
Moses-Mata-Hazard
Torres
Would be a quality line up
posted on 29/9/12
Totally disagree with you, Drog. I thought we looked really good - even when we were defending.
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Today wasn't the best example, but I think there were instances of what I was talking about on display. Overall, I just wanted to point out that we do have this general tendency to turn off and take it easy, and it needs to be addressed, or we will be kicking ourselves as the season goes on, especially against the underdog teams.
Also, regarding the defense, every time Luiz picks up a yellow, it makes me really nervous that a second yellow may be on the way.
But that said, yeah, Arsenal are a tough team, and it was a great win, with skill from Cech and profligacy from Giroud contributing to the result. If Giroud were a better player/finisher, the score could have been quite different, which, I think, hints that our defense and midfield need to do a bit better here and there.
Almost feel sorry for Arsenal, in that they have replaced RVP with Chamakh Mk II... almost...
posted on 29/9/12
I hate to quote Jamie Redknapp but I will-
Today we out Arsenal'ed Arsenal. Better on the ball and off it- keep that 11 fit and starting and we will cause any team major problems
posted on 29/9/12
Redknapp was incorrect there. I don't remember Mannone having a save to make.
If by beating Arsenal at their own game, he meant passing the ball to death in their own half, then yes he's correct.
Anyway, it was a good win for Chelsea, but it's still early days yet as far as this season goes.