Simple question.

[einar]

Do you think Rafa is trying to have the team playing the pass and move of Arsenal, his Valencia and the Liverpool of old, and if so why is it not happening?

[Red Chilli]

I've no idea what the hell he's doing most of the time. We see a different team turn out every game,there doesn't seem to be any consistent style of playing, maybe that's part of the plan.

As for why it's not happening, I believe it's because we haven't got the players to make it happen.

[einar]

I've no idea what the hell he's doing most of the time. We see a different team turn out every game,there doesn't seem to be any consistent style of playing, maybe that's part of the plan.

As for why it's not happening, I believe it's because we haven't got the players to make it happen.

We have seen them do it so we know they can.

[Red Chilli]

We have seen them do it so we know they can.

Only against mediocre opposition.

[Rosco]

No i don't think he is.

I was going to mention this in the other thread !

From what I can gather Rafa's priority is keeping a clean sheet. For me the evidence of that lies in the way we defend with two deep banks of four, with the two strikers harassing the defenders in possession. It's also not at all unusual to see Crouch or Kuyt back in our box defending a corner.

Our deep lying positions mean we're largely ineffective on the break, doubly so when Bellamy isn't playing.

Some of our tactics remind me of rugby style tactics, we play it tight and look to move up the field in stages.

[Craig_H]

Dont know squat about rugby, but that's all correct, with regards to football.

Is anyone really convinced that we'd play with more direct, pacy offensiveness ala Arsenal, if we had the players? I'm not.

[einar]

No i don't think he is.

I was going to mention this in the other thread !

From what I can gather Rafa's priority is keeping a clean sheet. For me the evidence of that lies in the way we defend with two deep banks of four, with the two strikers harassing the defenders in possession. It's also not at all unusual to see Crouch or Kuyt back in our box defending a corner.

Our deep lying positions mean we're largely ineffective on the break, doubly so when Bellamy isn't playing.

Some of our tactics remind me of rugby style tactics, we play it tight and look to move up the field in stages.

None of this prevents us from playing pass and move.

[einar]

Dont know squat about rugby, but that's all correct, with regards to football.

Is anyone really convinced that we'd play with more direct, pacy offensiveness ala Arsenal, if we had the players? I'm not.

I´m not either.

[Rosco]

None of this prevents us from playing pass and move.

Of course it does.

Rafa's preoccupation with people staying in a rigid system automatically inhibits movement. You play a pass and you stay in your designated area.

That's my opinion anyway, and my only other answer as to why we don't do it is sheer laziness. So i prefer my first answer.

[Red Chilli]

Dont know squat about rugby, but that's all correct, with regards to football.

Is anyone really convinced that we'd play with more direct, pacy offensiveness ala Arsenal, if we had the players? I'm not.

So what's your explanation as to why Rafa doesn't employ the same pass and move that Valencia used under his regime?

Is it because Rafa has changed his philosophy? Doubt it.
Maybe Rafa doesn't believe that tactic will work in the Premiership, afterall Arsenal are behind us for the second season running.

[einar]

Of course it does.

Rafa's preoccupation with people staying in a rigid system automatically inhibits movement. You play a pass and you stay in your designated area.

That's my opinion anyway, and my only other answer as to why we don't do it is sheer laziness. So i prefer my first answer.

There you are describing Hullier. Why would Rafa play different with us then Valencia?

He has not changed his mind about how to play since he joined us.

Has he?

[einar]

So what's your explanation as to why Rafa doesn't employ the same pass and move that Valencia used under his regime?

Is it because Rafa has changed his philosophy? Doubt it.
Maybe Rafa doesn't believe that tactic will work in the Premiership, afterall Arsenal are behind us for the second season running.

50 games unbeaten, doubt it.

[Red Chilli]

50 games unbeaten before Mourinho came in and raised the bar.
50 games unbeaten before SCUM improved their game.
Things have changed since Arsenal went 50 games unbeaten, the Chavs played very differently in those days, look at how the Chavs play, solid football not flowing pass and move. That style has won the premiership EASILY in the last 2 seasons.
Arsenal struggled to come 4th last season.

[Rosco]

There you are describing Hullier. Why would Rafa play different with us then Valencia?

He has not changed his mind about how to play since he joined us.

Has he?

I never watched Valencia, so I can;t honestly answer.

But that's what it looks like to me out there at the moment.

[einar]

50 games unbeaten before Mourinho came in and raised the bar.
50 games unbeaten before SCUM improved their game.
Things have changed since Arsenal went 50 games unbeaten, the Chavs played very differently in those days, look at how the Chavs play, solid football not flowing pass and move. That style has won the premiership EASILY in the last 2 seasons.
Arsenal struggled to come 4th last season.

Well it is not working for us now is it?