Solid Defence

[FatTony]

OK, a different slant on things, but I haven't seen it mentioned.

Has anyone noticed that in 5 games this season so far, we have conceeded two penalties - and that is it. Teams haven't even looked like scoring against for the most part.

People can talk about the forwards missing chances, or the midfielders settling in, but our defence is surely the best around. Better than I can I remember in fact, even in recent times.

Sadly it still won't stop the likes of Andy Gray and Jim Beglin banging on about zonal marking.

If one thing winds me up its the commentators who keep having a pop at Rafa's zonal marking policy. Everytime
there's a goal scored from a set piece its "I'm not convinced/don't like the zonal marking system", yet we've one of,
if not the best defensive record in the premiership over the last 3 years!!!!

FFS, thats like having a pop at a 21 plus goal a season striker for missing a few sitters.

[Mattshark]

If one thing winds me up its the commentators who keep having a pop at Rafa's zonal marking policy. Everytime
there's a goal scored from a set piece its "I'm not convinced/don't like the zonal marking system", yet we've one of,
if not the best defensive record in the premiership over the last 3 years!!!!

FFS, thats like having a pop at a 21 plus goal a season striker for missing a few sitters.

We have the best set piece defensive record. The only player I remember scoring from a corner against us last season was Gallas twice.

[CJ]

but the point we are all missing is that zonal marking doesnt work
















ignore the evidence, dont be logical, dont spend time thinking about it!


then you can commentate on ITV

[Parm]

Very good point. Thought the same last night. Our relentless pressing, our rock solid centre and our flair in wide areas is really reminiscent. I think we're closer to Rafa's Valencia side now than we ever have been.

[Steve]

I guess it works because if you mark a zone, you make sure that if the ball comes into your 'area', it is cleared.

If you mark a person, they can lose you with their movement, so they get a free header or whatever. That happens every week to other teams.

Not necessarily cleared but you will at least be in a position to challenge the ball. Although the attacking player may get his head on the ball the challenge will make it difficult to score.
The statistics seem to prove it works, unfortunately tv "experts" are paid to talk not talk sense!