The problem as I see it

[Punk Blade]

Earlier in the season we were ripping teams apart with our overlapping centre backs and overloads in advanced positions on the flanks. Three or four players (wing back, wide centre back, Fleck/Duffy, Sharp/Clarke) were capable of timing clever runs and any one of them capable of finding the pass.

We’re still doing all of that (albeit not quite as well) except the final pass to get in behind. For weeks now I’ve seen those runs being made but the man in possession looks like he doesn’t fancy it and turns back inside. I agree with others saying we should have seen Duffy tonight, but he’s been as big a culprit with this lack of confidence in the final pass as anyone.

Just keep doing what we’re doing and play those passes. Overhit them for goal kicks, get caught offside, and get round the back and score a goal.

 

[sufcboy95]

Also noticed that teams are getting wise to it. We used to have situations were it was 3v2 or 2v1 in our favour. However that doesn’t seem to happen anymore.

 

[5tannington Blade]

I think more teams have learnt how to set up against us and sussed out how to nullify those overlap options. Never felt like o'connel tonight could make a run and find plenty of space in behind. They sat back and defended very well at times, Terry is still a class act sadly

 

[South London Blade]

get round the back

 

[DronnieBlade]

We have gone FAR too direct in our overall approach.

Which, when you are generally up against highly competent, strong, and aerially dominant CBs, it’s lower percentage football.

Even more so when your ability to pick up scraps on the 2nd phase is limited, due mainly to the yardage gap between your midfield and the front lads, which was regularly 40 yards tonight.

UTB

 

[Stretch]

Agree with the OP. We had good positions developing tonight, particularly down the right flank but too often we didn't get the ball into those overloaded positions. Instead we play back, opponents reset and it all starts again.

Yes teams have sussed it out to an extent but upping our tempo in possession would help all over the pitch. A few early crosses wouldn't hurt either.

At least our corners have improved. Evans has a sweet delivery.