Woodrow sez

Don't mind playing out from the back as long as we use common sense and play long when there isn't a pass on. Val's system was very entertaining to watch in terms of tempo and chances created, however, it did frustrate at times when we would automatically hoof the ball forward, even if an opportunity to play out to feet was on. Both Brentford and Norwich had success playing a passing game last season, so it can be done and it can also be entertaining to watch.

 

Really hope we don't start playing around with it at the back again. Val's get it forward quick was fine with me but the tendency to just hoof it aimlessly when a pass was clearly on used to drive me nuts.
A mix of both styles is the way forward. As alluded by someone else on this thread, the way we played at Bournemouth showed that we were capable of much more than just hoof ball.....

 

Absolutely

 

I enjoyed the Bournemouth game much more than most.

 

That type of play can work with world class defenders who very rarely make any errors. It also massively relies on the players in front making the space to be able to release the short ball and play up the field effectively. If the midfield is static, it becomes a horror show for, normally with the defender getting closed down and conceding a throw in or summat.

Also, it never seems to work when the passing at the back is really slow and telegraphed, there has to be some variation otherwise the opposing team just have to do the same thing each time to apply the pressure.

I'm all in favour of getting the ball down in the midfield area and free flowing passing, but mixing it up well IMO is the key. Keep the opposition guessing.

 

I agree when we.tried it we had no defenders who were that good on the ball really and played with little width and struggled to create from midfield. I'm not overly fussed what style we play obviously I'd rather we play entertaining stuff but its a results based game and in the end thats what the manager will be judged on.

 

The one main irritation for me is giving the ball away cheaply, we need to sort that out imo.