BladesPod West Ham Review, Burnley preview

[Houston_Blade]

Possession is overrated IMO For all the ball they had in that first 25 minutes that I mentioned, they still only managed 2 shots - one from 25 yards, one which was basically sliced nowhere near the goal. I really think this is a strength of our team, that we can keep teams from getting chances even if they have tons of the ball.

The bigger issue (for me) is that we almost literally didn't get out of our half in that first 25 minutes, so we aren't going to score ourselves...

You may not have got to this yet but us and Burnley are averaging the 18th and 19th lowest possession in the Premier League so far this season... so no idea what kind of game we're in for Saturday.

I agree that we are capable of repelling teams, however to go back to junior football "it's much harder for the other team to score if they haven't got the ball". Having said that it's sometimes less dangerous for the opposition to have the ball in our final 3rd with us in position than it is for one of our defenders to have it (given the mistakes we make).

I would hope that we try to avoid giving Burnley any kind of initiative at the weekend. It's the first time we are facing a team that won't be put off by the cold/wet/wind etc. so we need to make sure that we play football and try to impose our style on the game. It won't be an easy game at all but draws away at West Ham and Chelsea are blown if we don't take at least a point in games against those who will be mid-lower table come the end of the season.

 

[Large Mendonca]

Another good listen fellas - fair play

 

[Revolution]

Good listen.

An observation on McGoldrick: you say that he is valuable despite scoring because he brings so much more to the team: I agree that he is a link between midfield and attack that was sorely lacking against, say, Watford and Everton. Having said that, I think I am correct in saying that he hasn't been involved in any of the goals we've scored this season, so whilst he makes us more fluid, it does not lead to goals for the team.

Which is a roundabout way of saying that he needs some end product sooner rather than later if we are to stay up.

 

[Swannyblade]

Good listen.

An observation on McGoldrick: you say that he is valuable despite scoring because he brings so much more to the team: I agree that he is a link between midfield and attack that was sorely lacking against, say, Watford and Everton. Having said that, I think I am correct in saying that he hasn't been involved in any of the goals we've scored this season, so whilst he makes us more fluid, it does not lead to goals for the team.

Which is a roundabout way of saying that he needs some end product sooner rather than later if we are to stay up.

What about his role as an outlet that relieves pressure on the defence.
Without his clever hold up and link up play, the ball will either keep going long to an isolated striker or possession will be given up to the opposition.
He is the link between midfield and striker(s) and an important piece in our ability to transition from defence into attack.
If we play a flat midfield three, once our wingbacks are pinned back, it is very hard for us to move the ball further up the pitch. McG dropping back to a "number 10" role gives us another dynamic.
More goals and assists would obviously be a welcome addition to his game and hopefully they will come in time as they did last season - I'd stick with him for now.

 

[Revolution]

What about his role as an outlet that relieves pressure on the defence.
Without his clever hold up and link up play, the ball will either keep going long to an isolated striker or possession will be given up to the opposition.
He is the link between midfield and striker(s) and an important piece in our ability to transition from defence into attack.
If we play a flat midfield three, once our wingbacks are pinned back, it is very hard for us to move the ball further up the pitch. McG dropping back to a "number 10" role gives us another dynamic.
More goals and assists would obviously be a welcome addition to his game and hopefully they will come in time as they did last season - I'd stick with him for now.

That's a great point, but in the medium term there needs to be more from him. And I'm sure Wilder will expect that too.

 

[Swannyblade]

That's a great point, but in the medium term there needs to be more from him. And I'm sure Wilder will expect that too.

No doubt, and I'm sure it's something McG will be working on himself. I just believe that at present and on balance with the options available, we gain more from his inclusion in the team (despite his shortcomings) than we lose. The bigger issue for me is the McGoldrick/Robinson partnership - as a pairing these two look very light on goals together. Would much prefer to see a proven goalscorer (Billy) or someone on form (Lys) partnered with him.