posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 6 minutes ago
The conclusion I would draw is that, aside from a couple of exceptions, we generate wins against sides that open up and struggle against those cute enough to sit deep and counter. Even Arsenal knew that's how you beat this spurs team, even though they've got the players to dominate. Now you could argue it's up to us to finish our chances to nick a goal which then changes the opposition approach but football isn't that simple. The strikers aren't always on it. That goes for any team. At times like that, we need to be more solid and hard to break down.
What the nature of our results tells us is something we already know - Ange only plays one way. If a team does sit in and we struggle there's no plan B to get around it. That's why we continue to reap the same rewards, or lack thereof, from games of a similar profile. Any absence of tactical flexibility must sure mean that the status quo remains the same.
I think it's a worrying trend that we can't deal with the more machiavellian, cute approach to tactics. But then I think good players, top players know how to tweak things on the field to get results. Our lack of leadership often shows. Young heads need guidance and I know you said you don't want this to turn into a hierarchy bashing but I think the progress of the likes of Gray and Bergvall is being hindered by a lack of true professionalism from senior pros, Kulu aside. They're now watching as senior pros make their excuses for loss after loss with the false promise of change. That rubs off. Mentality is massive. The only reason SAF is lauded as much as he is is largely because of the professional standards that were set by the likes of Bryan Robson, Roy Keane etc that than rubbed off onto the academy lads in Neville, Scholes, Giggs who never let standards drop for 20 years. As soon as they left, it all went to shiiiit. I think Ange is looking for something similar. He doesn't get involved in the dressing room too much and he lets the players control it. He wants leaders to develop but it's just not happening because they've not really got that one man to look up to in order to measure against. We really, really need a top class leader in this side to show them the way. To not drop heads when the going gets tough. That's down to the club to put the money up for a proper senior pro.
We often get stuck on Ange's tactics as the problem but I don't think he's the kind of manager that forensically analyses every ball to make sure they're all doing what he wants. He's quite happy for players to evolve during games and manage situations themselves but they're just not doing it. That's part of the problem with having a youthful policy with a manager of this profile. His style is to put the onus on the player to solve but when you've only got young lads to call upon, you're essentially throwing them to the wolves. That's a tough learning curve.
Some of it is tactical but a lot of it is mentality and professionalism and making the right calls on the pitch. I just don't think you can solve that with kids.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah, i largely agree with this. It's the in-game knowhow where good, intelligent teams react and change.
The other week, think it was City, Maddison dropped deep a lot. Ange said that wasnt a specific instruction but it really worked and Maddison understood that by dropping deep against a team that presses, he has the ability to keep possession and make good passes through the press and open them up. And we did it a lot.
Also, we do not see enough of long balls. What frustrates the hell out of me is that BJ always comes to the ball. Never, drops, spins and runs. He has pace but never looks to work the space in behind him and we never look to hit that space. And sometimes we just need to play it out more simply, without just giving it away, it needs to be a worked long ball. If under a tight press than Solanke is a great target but often he's dropped deep too. He should hold his position more, someone should get near him for knock ons/downs etc We just seem to lack these smart variations in a game that help us counter the oppositions tactics.
Again i do not see this as a Plan B, but just subtle variations to our style, adding different 'modes' that we can interchange between in a game depending on the circumstances. An expansion of Plan A, not a complete departure from it.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So it's Ange's fault that the likes of Odobert torn his hamstring after playing less than 180 minutes or it that Levy's fault? I lose track?
I mean, imagine your manager expecting your players to run. Ange out !
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 16 minutes ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 13 minutes ago
Erm, he absolutely can be judged.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Who can?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The manager!
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
We often get stuck on Ange's tactics as the problem but I don't think he's the kind of manager that forensically analyses every ball to make sure they're all doing what he wants. He's quite happy for players to evolve during games and manage situations themselves but they're just not doing it. That's part of the problem with having a youthful policy with a manager of this profile. His style is to put the onus on the player to solve but when you've only got young lads to call upon, you're essentially throwing them to the wolves. That's a tough learning curve.
Some of it is tactical but a lot of it is mentality and professionalism and making the right calls on the pitch. I just don't think you can solve that with kids.
------------------
Massive amount of assumptions/speculation here
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
has Ange had for the most part*
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Injuries certainly havent help but not not just missing quality like of Romero & VDV.
When you look at options off the bench or to rest and rotate our options have been limited.
Ideally Richarlison should have had a lot of time, starting a lot of Europe, Solanke more rest. Odobert way more time, settling in, less need for Werner. Moore, loads of chances to play but has missed weeks. Bentancur suspended means our CM picks itself.
Not having Spence in the Europa squad was a mistake.
So I think we have suffered a bit from missing players in the starting XI but more importantly, not being able to manage the squad and pitch time efficiently, keeping them fit and fresh, which i think is essential to an Ange style which demands a lot from players.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
we don't seem to grasp this...Fans want to showve it down Levy about only buying youth in summer and leaving us short of experienced pplayees.
I don't seen how Ange could be blamed for that? Only 2 teams conceded fewer that Spurs and a 1 ONE goal off being the top scorers in the league?
Where is the crisis? Our fans are a bit overdramatic a bit...
Get behind the manager and support him. The nature of PL right now is such that if we were to go on a run, we can get closer to the top 5 very quickly..
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by He who Dares, waits for Trophies (U15748)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
we don't seem to grasp this...Fans want to showve it down Levy about only buying youth in summer and leaving us short of experienced pplayees.
I don't seen how Ange could be blamed for that? Only 2 teams conceded fewer that Spurs and a 1 ONE goal off being the top scorers in the league?
Where is the crisis? Our fans are a bit overdramatic a bit...
Get behind the manager and support him. The nature of PL right now is such that if we were to go on a run, we can get closer to the top 5 very quickly..
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If…
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 54 seconds ago
comment by He who Dares, waits for Trophies (U15748)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
we don't seem to grasp this...Fans want to showve it down Levy about only buying youth in summer and leaving us short of experienced pplayees.
I don't seen how Ange could be blamed for that? Only 2 teams conceded fewer that Spurs and a 1 ONE goal off being the top scorers in the league?
Where is the crisis? Our fans are a bit overdramatic a bit...
Get behind the manager and support him. The nature of PL right now is such that if we were to go on a run, we can get closer to the top 5 very quickly..
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If…
----------------------------------------------------------------------
yep
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, that’s fair.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
It's only recently that we've been hit by defensive injuries but for a lot longer we've been gifting opportunities to the opposition. The problem isn't just about getting players fit. The truest measure of progress is in the performances. Yes, we score a lot of goals but in order to become as potent as we are, we've neglected protection.
I kind of long for a day where we win a game against a side (not Southampton who are truly woeful) without giving the opposition a sniff. As much as the last ditch tackle or the acrobatic saves reflect well on an individual's ability to get us out of a hole, it covers over the cracks of a seemingly easy team to cut through. I want us to dominate, I want us to play attractive football but I also want us to win and win ruthlessly with a robust defence. As it stands, it's either the overly attacking set up or lack of defensive ability from Porro or Udogie that's the problem. The "you score 3, we'll score 4" policy is the very reason why we're inconsistent. It's just not sustainable if the objective is success.
I'd prefer my full backs to first and foremost be driven by clean sheets but I get the impression that for Porro in particular, he's more interested in the numbers further up the pitch. It's just the wrong way around.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Every team has injuries, and nobody is wallowing in anything, but as YOU have mentioned it, sacking Poch was quite clearly a historic mistake, but here we are, the also rans.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 10 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Sandy with his usual contrary nonsense.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 16 minutes ago
It's only recently that we've been hit by defensive injuries but for a lot longer we've been gifting opportunities to the opposition. The problem isn't just about getting players fit. The truest measure of progress is in the performances. Yes, we score a lot of goals but in order to become as potent as we are, we've neglected protection.
I kind of long for a day where we win a game against a side (not Southampton who are truly woeful) without giving the opposition a sniff. As much as the last ditch tackle or the acrobatic saves reflect well on an individual's ability to get us out of a hole, it covers over the cracks of a seemingly easy team to cut through. I want us to dominate, I want us to play attractive football but I also want us to win and win ruthlessly with a robust defence. As it stands, it's either the overly attacking set up or lack of defensive ability from Porro or Udogie that's the problem. The "you score 3, we'll score 4" policy is the very reason why we're inconsistent. It's just not sustainable if the objective is success.
I'd prefer my full backs to first and foremost be driven by clean sheets but I get the impression that for Porro in particular, he's more interested in the numbers further up the pitch. It's just the wrong way around.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spurs still create more chances than they concede. And they still have one of the best defensive records in the division. So your argument doesn't stack up Fridge. The defeats have mostly been by one goal this season
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
A defeat is a defeat, it doesn’t matter by how many goals.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Long ago forgot about a manager that won zilch. Oh and the greatest nights in Spurs history came long before Poch was anywhere near Spurs.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Long ago forgot about a manager that won zilch. Oh and the greatest nights in Spurs history came long before Poch was anywhere near Spurs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We haven’t won zilch in over twenty years, lest we forget.
I still preferred Champions League football and playing in finals though.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
I disagree in terms of the FBs. Almost every team plays with advanced full back whether that's them coming inside or over lapping.
What I observe over and over is that we defend very narrow, width of the penalty box and when defending on one side, almost the entire other half of the pitch is empty of Spurs players. We are vulnerable to the switch. Something Roma did on repeat. We do not stop the ball coming in and often the FB is left one or one or, on the opposite side, is overloaded.
I know our style leaves us exposed (thats the calculated risk) and we conceded chances, we actually haven't conceded that many goals on the counter attack.
For me there is a fundamental lack of organisation when defending. Not just from the defenders but from the CMs and a lot of ball watching, letting opposition run off us without being tight to them.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 16 minutes ago
It's only recently that we've been hit by defensive injuries but for a lot longer we've been gifting opportunities to the opposition. The problem isn't just about getting players fit. The truest measure of progress is in the performances. Yes, we score a lot of goals but in order to become as potent as we are, we've neglected protection.
I kind of long for a day where we win a game against a side (not Southampton who are truly woeful) without giving the opposition a sniff. As much as the last ditch tackle or the acrobatic saves reflect well on an individual's ability to get us out of a hole, it covers over the cracks of a seemingly easy team to cut through. I want us to dominate, I want us to play attractive football but I also want us to win and win ruthlessly with a robust defence. As it stands, it's either the overly attacking set up or lack of defensive ability from Porro or Udogie that's the problem. The "you score 3, we'll score 4" policy is the very reason why we're inconsistent. It's just not sustainable if the objective is success.
I'd prefer my full backs to first and foremost be driven by clean sheets but I get the impression that for Porro in particular, he's more interested in the numbers further up the pitch. It's just the wrong way around.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spurs still create more chances than they concede. And they still have one of the best defensive records in the division. So your argument doesn't stack up Fridge. The defeats have mostly been by one goal this season
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Watch the games Sandy. I don't care how many we concede. I care more about opposition chances because over the course of the season, that's the best barometer to determine how good we are defensively. Eventually the defenders will stop getting lucky or the last ditch tackles dry up. You'd have a point if our opponents weren't cutting us open with ease. You don't need to be a statistician to see that.
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Page 2 of 3
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 6 minutes ago
The conclusion I would draw is that, aside from a couple of exceptions, we generate wins against sides that open up and struggle against those cute enough to sit deep and counter. Even Arsenal knew that's how you beat this spurs team, even though they've got the players to dominate. Now you could argue it's up to us to finish our chances to nick a goal which then changes the opposition approach but football isn't that simple. The strikers aren't always on it. That goes for any team. At times like that, we need to be more solid and hard to break down.
What the nature of our results tells us is something we already know - Ange only plays one way. If a team does sit in and we struggle there's no plan B to get around it. That's why we continue to reap the same rewards, or lack thereof, from games of a similar profile. Any absence of tactical flexibility must sure mean that the status quo remains the same.
I think it's a worrying trend that we can't deal with the more machiavellian, cute approach to tactics. But then I think good players, top players know how to tweak things on the field to get results. Our lack of leadership often shows. Young heads need guidance and I know you said you don't want this to turn into a hierarchy bashing but I think the progress of the likes of Gray and Bergvall is being hindered by a lack of true professionalism from senior pros, Kulu aside. They're now watching as senior pros make their excuses for loss after loss with the false promise of change. That rubs off. Mentality is massive. The only reason SAF is lauded as much as he is is largely because of the professional standards that were set by the likes of Bryan Robson, Roy Keane etc that than rubbed off onto the academy lads in Neville, Scholes, Giggs who never let standards drop for 20 years. As soon as they left, it all went to shiiiit. I think Ange is looking for something similar. He doesn't get involved in the dressing room too much and he lets the players control it. He wants leaders to develop but it's just not happening because they've not really got that one man to look up to in order to measure against. We really, really need a top class leader in this side to show them the way. To not drop heads when the going gets tough. That's down to the club to put the money up for a proper senior pro.
We often get stuck on Ange's tactics as the problem but I don't think he's the kind of manager that forensically analyses every ball to make sure they're all doing what he wants. He's quite happy for players to evolve during games and manage situations themselves but they're just not doing it. That's part of the problem with having a youthful policy with a manager of this profile. His style is to put the onus on the player to solve but when you've only got young lads to call upon, you're essentially throwing them to the wolves. That's a tough learning curve.
Some of it is tactical but a lot of it is mentality and professionalism and making the right calls on the pitch. I just don't think you can solve that with kids.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah, i largely agree with this. It's the in-game knowhow where good, intelligent teams react and change.
The other week, think it was City, Maddison dropped deep a lot. Ange said that wasnt a specific instruction but it really worked and Maddison understood that by dropping deep against a team that presses, he has the ability to keep possession and make good passes through the press and open them up. And we did it a lot.
Also, we do not see enough of long balls. What frustrates the hell out of me is that BJ always comes to the ball. Never, drops, spins and runs. He has pace but never looks to work the space in behind him and we never look to hit that space. And sometimes we just need to play it out more simply, without just giving it away, it needs to be a worked long ball. If under a tight press than Solanke is a great target but often he's dropped deep too. He should hold his position more, someone should get near him for knock ons/downs etc We just seem to lack these smart variations in a game that help us counter the oppositions tactics.
Again i do not see this as a Plan B, but just subtle variations to our style, adding different 'modes' that we can interchange between in a game depending on the circumstances. An expansion of Plan A, not a complete departure from it.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So it's Ange's fault that the likes of Odobert torn his hamstring after playing less than 180 minutes or it that Levy's fault? I lose track?
I mean, imagine your manager expecting your players to run. Ange out !
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 16 minutes ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 13 minutes ago
Erm, he absolutely can be judged.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Who can?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The manager!
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
We often get stuck on Ange's tactics as the problem but I don't think he's the kind of manager that forensically analyses every ball to make sure they're all doing what he wants. He's quite happy for players to evolve during games and manage situations themselves but they're just not doing it. That's part of the problem with having a youthful policy with a manager of this profile. His style is to put the onus on the player to solve but when you've only got young lads to call upon, you're essentially throwing them to the wolves. That's a tough learning curve.
Some of it is tactical but a lot of it is mentality and professionalism and making the right calls on the pitch. I just don't think you can solve that with kids.
------------------
Massive amount of assumptions/speculation here
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
has Ange had for the most part*
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Injuries certainly havent help but not not just missing quality like of Romero & VDV.
When you look at options off the bench or to rest and rotate our options have been limited.
Ideally Richarlison should have had a lot of time, starting a lot of Europe, Solanke more rest. Odobert way more time, settling in, less need for Werner. Moore, loads of chances to play but has missed weeks. Bentancur suspended means our CM picks itself.
Not having Spence in the Europa squad was a mistake.
So I think we have suffered a bit from missing players in the starting XI but more importantly, not being able to manage the squad and pitch time efficiently, keeping them fit and fresh, which i think is essential to an Ange style which demands a lot from players.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
we don't seem to grasp this...Fans want to showve it down Levy about only buying youth in summer and leaving us short of experienced pplayees.
I don't seen how Ange could be blamed for that? Only 2 teams conceded fewer that Spurs and a 1 ONE goal off being the top scorers in the league?
Where is the crisis? Our fans are a bit overdramatic a bit...
Get behind the manager and support him. The nature of PL right now is such that if we were to go on a run, we can get closer to the top 5 very quickly..
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by He who Dares, waits for Trophies (U15748)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
we don't seem to grasp this...Fans want to showve it down Levy about only buying youth in summer and leaving us short of experienced pplayees.
I don't seen how Ange could be blamed for that? Only 2 teams conceded fewer that Spurs and a 1 ONE goal off being the top scorers in the league?
Where is the crisis? Our fans are a bit overdramatic a bit...
Get behind the manager and support him. The nature of PL right now is such that if we were to go on a run, we can get closer to the top 5 very quickly..
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If…
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 54 seconds ago
comment by He who Dares, waits for Trophies (U15748)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Oh sorry, Ange, just seen Sandy's post.
I agree. Of course he can be judged because, for the most part, he has had a fully fit squad to choose from. It's only recently that we've had such injuries yet the indifferent results have been going on for over a year now, even during periods where we had no midweek fixtures.
Also, injuries of the kind we're getting are reportedly a consequence of Ange's demands. The tactical approach combined with more fixtures and a lack of financial power to create required depth is a recipe for disaster in terms of injuries. The fault lies squarely with Ange AND Levy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When gas Ange had first the most part a fully fit squad to choose from? After a dozen games last season, he then lost four players in one game, then for most of last season, players were in and out of the injury room. This season has been even worse, he has usually had between four and 10 players missing all season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
we don't seem to grasp this...Fans want to showve it down Levy about only buying youth in summer and leaving us short of experienced pplayees.
I don't seen how Ange could be blamed for that? Only 2 teams conceded fewer that Spurs and a 1 ONE goal off being the top scorers in the league?
Where is the crisis? Our fans are a bit overdramatic a bit...
Get behind the manager and support him. The nature of PL right now is such that if we were to go on a run, we can get closer to the top 5 very quickly..
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If…
----------------------------------------------------------------------
yep
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, that’s fair.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
It's only recently that we've been hit by defensive injuries but for a lot longer we've been gifting opportunities to the opposition. The problem isn't just about getting players fit. The truest measure of progress is in the performances. Yes, we score a lot of goals but in order to become as potent as we are, we've neglected protection.
I kind of long for a day where we win a game against a side (not Southampton who are truly woeful) without giving the opposition a sniff. As much as the last ditch tackle or the acrobatic saves reflect well on an individual's ability to get us out of a hole, it covers over the cracks of a seemingly easy team to cut through. I want us to dominate, I want us to play attractive football but I also want us to win and win ruthlessly with a robust defence. As it stands, it's either the overly attacking set up or lack of defensive ability from Porro or Udogie that's the problem. The "you score 3, we'll score 4" policy is the very reason why we're inconsistent. It's just not sustainable if the objective is success.
I'd prefer my full backs to first and foremost be driven by clean sheets but I get the impression that for Porro in particular, he's more interested in the numbers further up the pitch. It's just the wrong way around.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Every team has injuries, and nobody is wallowing in anything, but as YOU have mentioned it, sacking Poch was quite clearly a historic mistake, but here we are, the also rans.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 10 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Sandy with his usual contrary nonsense.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 16 minutes ago
It's only recently that we've been hit by defensive injuries but for a lot longer we've been gifting opportunities to the opposition. The problem isn't just about getting players fit. The truest measure of progress is in the performances. Yes, we score a lot of goals but in order to become as potent as we are, we've neglected protection.
I kind of long for a day where we win a game against a side (not Southampton who are truly woeful) without giving the opposition a sniff. As much as the last ditch tackle or the acrobatic saves reflect well on an individual's ability to get us out of a hole, it covers over the cracks of a seemingly easy team to cut through. I want us to dominate, I want us to play attractive football but I also want us to win and win ruthlessly with a robust defence. As it stands, it's either the overly attacking set up or lack of defensive ability from Porro or Udogie that's the problem. The "you score 3, we'll score 4" policy is the very reason why we're inconsistent. It's just not sustainable if the objective is success.
I'd prefer my full backs to first and foremost be driven by clean sheets but I get the impression that for Porro in particular, he's more interested in the numbers further up the pitch. It's just the wrong way around.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spurs still create more chances than they concede. And they still have one of the best defensive records in the division. So your argument doesn't stack up Fridge. The defeats have mostly been by one goal this season
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
A defeat is a defeat, it doesn’t matter by how many goals.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Long ago forgot about a manager that won zilch. Oh and the greatest nights in Spurs history came long before Poch was anywhere near Spurs.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Automatic For The People (U21889)
posted 1 minute ago
I think the truth is, Ange is a bang average manager, managing a bang average squad.
Injuries are just a pitiful excuse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's certainly not a complete squad, but it is far from bang average. You dont score league 36 goals in 16 games by being bang average.
Dont get me wrong, we can be bang average and on those days we tend to lose. A bang average team would not achieve some of the results we have. We just have to find a way to make that more often than not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree, some of our supporters are clueless. It's clear that injuries are playing a big part in the up and down nature of the results.
What's even more annoying is that some supporters cannot even enjoy a 5-0 away win, without trying to be negative. I hate losing as much as the next man, but I do at least enjoy myself when Spurs win. Some spend their entire Spurs supporting life wallowing in abject misery, and pining for a manager that left five seasons ago. Weird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What's that Sandy? In a European Cup Final having witnessed a Quarter and Semi that rank alongside some of the greatest nights in our history and all you could do was routinely moan about Poch week after week?
That glass house you're sitting in is looking a little precarious right now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Long ago forgot about a manager that won zilch. Oh and the greatest nights in Spurs history came long before Poch was anywhere near Spurs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We haven’t won zilch in over twenty years, lest we forget.
I still preferred Champions League football and playing in finals though.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
I disagree in terms of the FBs. Almost every team plays with advanced full back whether that's them coming inside or over lapping.
What I observe over and over is that we defend very narrow, width of the penalty box and when defending on one side, almost the entire other half of the pitch is empty of Spurs players. We are vulnerable to the switch. Something Roma did on repeat. We do not stop the ball coming in and often the FB is left one or one or, on the opposite side, is overloaded.
I know our style leaves us exposed (thats the calculated risk) and we conceded chances, we actually haven't conceded that many goals on the counter attack.
For me there is a fundamental lack of organisation when defending. Not just from the defenders but from the CMs and a lot of ball watching, letting opposition run off us without being tight to them.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 16 minutes ago
It's only recently that we've been hit by defensive injuries but for a lot longer we've been gifting opportunities to the opposition. The problem isn't just about getting players fit. The truest measure of progress is in the performances. Yes, we score a lot of goals but in order to become as potent as we are, we've neglected protection.
I kind of long for a day where we win a game against a side (not Southampton who are truly woeful) without giving the opposition a sniff. As much as the last ditch tackle or the acrobatic saves reflect well on an individual's ability to get us out of a hole, it covers over the cracks of a seemingly easy team to cut through. I want us to dominate, I want us to play attractive football but I also want us to win and win ruthlessly with a robust defence. As it stands, it's either the overly attacking set up or lack of defensive ability from Porro or Udogie that's the problem. The "you score 3, we'll score 4" policy is the very reason why we're inconsistent. It's just not sustainable if the objective is success.
I'd prefer my full backs to first and foremost be driven by clean sheets but I get the impression that for Porro in particular, he's more interested in the numbers further up the pitch. It's just the wrong way around.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spurs still create more chances than they concede. And they still have one of the best defensive records in the division. So your argument doesn't stack up Fridge. The defeats have mostly been by one goal this season
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Watch the games Sandy. I don't care how many we concede. I care more about opposition chances because over the course of the season, that's the best barometer to determine how good we are defensively. Eventually the defenders will stop getting lucky or the last ditch tackles dry up. You'd have a point if our opponents weren't cutting us open with ease. You don't need to be a statistician to see that.
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