turning into Keith?. I really like the bloke and his passion but when he got put in charge last year what endeared him to the fans for me was the way we took every game to the opposition regardless of who they were (I know it was a different situation because every point was vital). and every player worked their nuts off to close down the opposition when they had the ball. We got loads of balls into the box and prospered, but this season we seem to be worrying far too much about who we are playing and what they will do, we are back to conceding way too may goals (despite the 'negative' midfield set up ), not making as many chances, often have no real width, players playing out of their natural position, and conceding ground as the game goes on, all KH traits. Personally I would prefer it if we went back to taking the game to the opposition I know we would lose some by doing that but for me we would pick up far more points and get ourselves some breathing space.
For a start the squad is too big and he's trying to give them all a game, guessing we've tried to ship a few out on loan but no-ones bothered. Which is strange as there's a few not getting in the squad that are more than good enough for league one.
I was thinking similar last night. I could live with a defensive setup if we had a really solid defence and could keep clean sheets in over half the games - not my preferred way of playing but if it got results..... But we havent and arent playing the defensive approach well - Bournemouth created several clear-cut chances last night and could easily have had a couple more in the second half. We arent pressing anymore - which gives the opposition plenty of time - compare with how Bournemouth played forcing us back into our own half by closing us down and cutting off the options When we break out of defence we are too slow - we start a break then someone stops holds the ball and passes back allowing the opposition to regroup defensively. - it was remeniscent of the spell when we had Greening acting as a handbrake last season - only there were several culprits - its what you get when your entire midfield are defensive minded. Often when defending all 11 players are in the last 20 yards which means that when we do win the ball we have no options - hoof it upfield to come straight back or faff about until they win it back - best outcome is a foul for us. If I compare the way we are playing this season with the second half of last its baffling - last season we were aggressive going forwards - ran at the opposition with pace harried the opposition etc This season we just stand back and let them come at us - and its not working. I still think our best form of defence is attack - Bournemouths defence was just as bad as ours - if not worse last night but we let them off the hook by not having a proper go at them. It had all the hallmarks of the Hill tactics from last season As a PS - Dawson and Perkins together doesn't work especially with Etuhu as well
When flicker took charge , we played virtually every game to win except the Cardiff and palace games , this year he has changed tactics and is over complicating our play rather than just carrying on with last years tactics
I agree Farnham_Red, particularly your point about attacking the opposition with pace. As you know we sprang a couple of fast breaks last night but then stopped, went sideways, went backwards, opposition regroups .... chance lost! BTW the fact that we were sat next to each other last night has nothing to do with my agreeing with you !!!
