Why we struggle to break down compact defences [VIDEO]

[Jumanji]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

embarrassing really, him showing bobby where hes going wrong

There's no way Bobby and his staff hasn't recognised the way teams are now lining up against us.

How do I know?

1) In some matches when we've struggled to break he's switched Silva and Nasri to their natural sides but it doesn't work because they're not the type of players to beat their fullbacks...so instead they come inside to work where they are comfortable.

2) If you've noticed, in more recent matches, he has gotten Clichy to try and exploit the space he's given. Now Clichy is crossing more and more. Let's face it though, Clichy is not known for his crossing.

3) In several home matches against teams that are certain to defend, he will play AJ and Kolarov. We have the largest pitch in the prem, and AJ (even if he does fuck all) will be always considered a threat and he will be marked. This stretches out the opposition back line. We all know when Kolarov hits the sweet spot on the ball, his crosses are some of the best in the league.

 

[Akira]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

Very intelligent analysis. Yes, AJ is crucial right now.

 

[Jumanji]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

As Neville said teams don't see our fullbacks as a threat and leave them unmarked in plenty of space. They'd rather defend our fullbacks' poor crosses than let our creative players penetrate the middle.

This is a big risk that teams are taking because our fullbacks can exploit the space they are allotted.
Remember:

1) Clichy driving into free space before letting off that deflected shot against Blackburn?

2) Clichy completely unmarked delivers a pin-point cross to the far post, but Dzeko doesn't even get the header on target.

Problem is, our fullbacks aren't able to exploit this space consistently because the end product isn't there....Hence why teams don't see them as a threat.

 

[Jumanji]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

More long range shots,yaya had two against Stoke scored one and almost scored with the other,even if the goalie saves you have a chance to score from the parried shot.

That would help. We do attempt them but often the middle is so congested that they're blocked.

 

[smeeagain]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

so why then does AJ rarely start ??

 

[SUPA SKUNK]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

so why then does AJ rarely start ??

When he's been given the opportunity he hasn't taken it.

 

[Jumanji]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

so why then does AJ rarely start ??

He's played only about 100 minutes less than Balotelli. So 1 match essentially. He's made 34 appearances for us this season.

So he is getting some game time. I think it should be obvious why he doesn't start more.

Though he will stretch the opposition's back line by hugging the touchline, it is no use if you give away the ball time and time and time again (among other faults of his).

He is also rubbish at supplying his oncoming fullback. This pisses me off more sometimes than him losing the ball trying to create a bit of magic. Micah will make the penetrative run, only for AJ to take too long, spot it late, over hit pass, etc. In fact, both Micah and Pablo have been annoyed when this has happened. I don't blame them.

 

[Quinny851]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

The reason why we were so good at the start of the season is because when we attacked, we attacked with a purpose. We were incisive, direct and we moved the ball with pace.

The reason why teams are appearing to figure us out is because we take about 20 passes to get to the final 3rd. This makes it easier for teams to get into their positions and eliminate our threat.

We've slipped back into the mentality from a couple of seasons ago where we take an age to get forward.

I don't think we'll ever use 2 out and out wingers as this isn't Mancini's style (if you look at his Inter side).

Our full backs were rampant earlier in the season because we were getting them to the by-line and putting crosses across the box (see Spurs away for evidence).

It's not rocket science

 

[the kippax wall]

Re: Why we struggle to break down compact defences

Too many sideways balls and passing back. When we gain possession we break too slow. AJ is a great dribbler but not enough pace (maybe Bellamy going was a mistake?)
In spite of having massive amounts of possession in games, we don't work the opposition keeper nearly enough.I just think some times we should throw caution to the wind and have a few more pops from outside the box, rather than being intent on possession football which stifles us and allows opposing teams to get set up behind the ball.

 

[blue order]

Bellamy type is what we are missing. It stares you in the face! Not mazy willowy type runs on the wing but fast and at the fullback. Traditional knock it past him and put in some low firm crosses like United deploy so successfully away from home on the break. Crosses from right with right foot and from the left with left foot instead of this cut inside thing all the time.

Might sound old hat in the modern age but it works. Dzeko and Aguero have scored a number of near and far post goals this season. It could be hell of a lot more if we occasionally went back to basics like this and tried it/varied it more in games especially away from home!

I hate to say it because I desperately want Bobby to do well but on our deployed styles of play and the ability to change it/vary it, the book stops with him. Whilst our home stats are sensational and one would expect poorer away form, the differential supports the theory that what is wrong is something more fundamental than just home advantage.