The problem is not just Laporte’s, it is a systemic problem with the way we defend against the counter and especially crosses.
We try to play narrow to force the ball wide. This often slows things down and allows us time to filter back. The problem is that if the attack is not slowed down, either by a tactical foul or forcing a player to slow down, then we are one on one at the back.
Our midfield is sometimes slow to get back into anything resembling a defensive shell on the counter, because we attack in such numbers.
For Kane’s first goal, he was smart enough (yeah, he’s not a bad player!) to pick his slot behind Laporte and ahead of the lacking Cancelo.
For his second, their third, he did the same thing on the far post again, this time on our right side. He took up his position BEHIND the center back, knowing our full backs are not real defenders who are going to get up for the ball, or challenge him!
Walker, who has never seen a high ball he cant foul the attacker for, doesn’t even TRY to use those massively strong legs to get up and challenge for the ball in the air! Instead, AS ALWAYS, he tries to “undercut” the attacker and knock them off the ball. Kane, who has seen this repeatedly at Spurs and then at England, simply doesn’t allow it, focuses on the ball, and gets his head on it!
The defending is pathetic, but it’s NOT the CBS, but the FBs, who were at fault for both. In both instances, the CB was in front of the attacker in an effort to stop the ball coming across, but in neither instance did the CB get the assistance they need (the eyes in the back of their head) from the FB behind them.
Shockingly consistent problem that we have gotten away with numerous times. In this game, a world class striker on his game played them perfectly and dominated the statistically best defence in the league!
Our Achilles Heel is KNOWN to be the counter attack, and especially Son on the counter!! In this game, Dias played right into it with his late offside ploy and us playing offside on the half way line. That’s great against the old, slow forwards of some teams, but against the explosive pace of Son, Moura, and this new lad from Sweden???
It is debatable which CB pairing would have done better against the break, but Dias definitely picked a bad day to have perhaps his worst game in the shirt.
Lastly, why was Emerson Royal open down our left, their right, on every single counter attack. That’s a full back with the freedom of the park in every cross field pass. Whose fault is that?
