We did several things really well.
Played a 3 man centre mid to control the midfield.
Pressed. Not the most intense pressing I have ever seen, but certainly good enough and more importantly, consistent from start to finish - no let up for Roma. Got more intense as the game wore on.
Everyone put a massive shift in all the way through - love Yaya, but he's the weak link in this equation, at least early on when we are pressed and need to work like Trojans ourselves.
When we had the ball, people moved for each other, constantly. In addition, we had obviously been practicing close one-touch possession so we had the confidence to use it, and it paid off soo much by both getting us out of tight corners, and creating openings and space. Further, the confidence from this and from the recent results meant we often chose to drive forwards with the ball - beating a man when he was alongside or near (not risking it when he was in front), and changing all the angles that Roma then had to cover.
What makes it even better is the fact that it didn't look like Rom had a bad day - they actually played quite well. We were just better and played a great tactical European game.
Well done lads, and Merry Christmas to one and all!
