A few thoughts after the recent games:
• The improvement under Matos is obvious. Both defensively and going forward. We’re scoring roughly 50% more goals per game and conceding about 40% less, and the clean sheets are coming more regularly too. The only thing that hasn’t really improved is away form (One example: goals scored away are only up about 10%). Still a bit of a mystery.
• The system is pretty clear now: looks like a fluid 4-3-3 with relentless pressing from the front and midfield. It stops opponents building up properly and also protects the centre-backs from having to do too much defending. Probably one of the reasons our defence stayed relatively fresh and injury-free.
• The issue appears when the press gets broken. Then we are entirlly exposed, especially the middle of the defence, highlighting the lack of pace of our centre-backs. That’s something we’ll probably need to address next season.
• More on centre backs: defensively they’re doing okay, but in attack you do start to miss Harry Darling. His contribution as an attacking threat is something we are lacking this season.
• On the right side of defence, I’m still not totally convinced Key is the long-term answer. The recent excitement is understandable, but he’s still the same player with the same strengths and weaknesses. Personally I’d prefer someone stronger, quicker and with better defensive awareness. Hopefully Lissah might develop into that solution, and hopefully the club is already working on extending his contract.
• Midfield: the Portsmouth game showed that either EG or Stamenic has to be on the pitch. During the short spell when neither was playing, Portsmouth took control and scored. Once Stamenic came on, things settled and we got the win.
• Attack: pretty much everything has been said already. This area probably needs a full overhaul, especially on the wings. I’d also like to see Widdel find a proper role because right now he looks a bit lost position wise.
• Final point - and back to defence. Vigouroux is pulling off incredible saves (and his long distribution is top top drawer recentlly), Vipotnik is scoring, and EG is dominating the midfield, But for me the MVP so far this season is Josh Tymon. In the middle of all the chaos and rebuilding he’s been a model of consistency, His defensive work has improved massively this season (fewest goals conceded from his side), and he just quietly gets on with it. Just hope no one comes in and poaches him.
Have a good weekend.
• The improvement under Matos is obvious. Both defensively and going forward. We’re scoring roughly 50% more goals per game and conceding about 40% less, and the clean sheets are coming more regularly too. The only thing that hasn’t really improved is away form (One example: goals scored away are only up about 10%). Still a bit of a mystery.
• The system is pretty clear now: looks like a fluid 4-3-3 with relentless pressing from the front and midfield. It stops opponents building up properly and also protects the centre-backs from having to do too much defending. Probably one of the reasons our defence stayed relatively fresh and injury-free.
• The issue appears when the press gets broken. Then we are entirlly exposed, especially the middle of the defence, highlighting the lack of pace of our centre-backs. That’s something we’ll probably need to address next season.
• More on centre backs: defensively they’re doing okay, but in attack you do start to miss Harry Darling. His contribution as an attacking threat is something we are lacking this season.
• On the right side of defence, I’m still not totally convinced Key is the long-term answer. The recent excitement is understandable, but he’s still the same player with the same strengths and weaknesses. Personally I’d prefer someone stronger, quicker and with better defensive awareness. Hopefully Lissah might develop into that solution, and hopefully the club is already working on extending his contract.
• Midfield: the Portsmouth game showed that either EG or Stamenic has to be on the pitch. During the short spell when neither was playing, Portsmouth took control and scored. Once Stamenic came on, things settled and we got the win.
• Attack: pretty much everything has been said already. This area probably needs a full overhaul, especially on the wings. I’d also like to see Widdel find a proper role because right now he looks a bit lost position wise.
• Final point - and back to defence. Vigouroux is pulling off incredible saves (and his long distribution is top top drawer recentlly), Vipotnik is scoring, and EG is dominating the midfield, But for me the MVP so far this season is Josh Tymon. In the middle of all the chaos and rebuilding he’s been a model of consistency, His defensive work has improved massively this season (fewest goals conceded from his side), and he just quietly gets on with it. Just hope no one comes in and poaches him.
Have a good weekend.
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