Our defence

[Baldemort]

We have conceded a few silly goals this season, but I still think our troubles are at the other end of the pitch. Thankfully, now that Nando is back, that should mean the end of those troubles. Less draws, more wins.

[Jennings]

I think I Know what John Doe is saying..basically considering the disproportionate amount of time the opposition have with the ball in our half they seem to take their chances.

I am not saying I agree...because I am sure there must be some stats somewhere?

[Mattshark]

Can I just ask has any team concede less than us from set pieces in the league? You know 4 goals?
Spurs
Newcastle
Everton
Portsmouth

That is it.

Does any team have a better clean sheets record than us? Or has had a better record since we got Reina?

[rezaeos]

The best defence is a good offence. The boys at the back have to concentrate a little more. We have to score more than the opposition, simple as that.

[Mike]

I blame zonal marking, never have liked it.

Having said that, we are not the softest defence in the league, the only reason people are criticising us is due to the fcat that we arent scoring down the other end. As a result the goals conceded affect us more.

Once we get back amongst the goals we will not have any more turmoil over the defence.

[Mattshark]

I blame zonal marking, never have liked it.

Having said that, we are not the softest defence in the league, the only reason people are criticising us is due to the fcat that we arent scoring down the other end. As a result the goals conceded affect us more.

Once we get back amongst the goals we will not have any more turmoil over the defence.

What is wrong with zonal marking? It clear works because we still have the best set piece defence. It is the way forward it is just that most of the journos and ex players can not understand anything but 442 and man marking.

[Mike]

What is wrong with zonal marking? It clear works because we still have the best set piece defence. It is the way forward it is just that most of the journos and ex players can not understand anything but 442 and man marking.

I wouldnt say that.

[Mattshark]

I wouldnt say that.

Who cares, the fact is that we do. You saying it is irrelevant.

[Joe King]

What is wrong with zonal marking? It clear works because we still have the best set piece defence. It is the way forward it is just that most of the journos and ex players can not understand anything but 442 and man marking.

No we don't. In the last ten games, we have conceded six goals from set pieces.

[Mattshark]

No we don't. In the last ten games, we have conceded six goals from set pieces.

4 in the league all season.
I did specifically say in the league.
Spurs
Newcastle
Everton
Portsmouth

[Joe King]

Spurs, Blackburn, Hull, Newcastle, Everton, Portsmouth

including dead ball situations:

Man City and Wigan

[Mattshark]

Spurs, Blackburn, Hull, Newcastle, Everton, Portsmouth

including dead ball situations:

Man City and Wigan

Blackburn: Was from a cross
Hull: free kick was cleared they scored from the next cross, hence not a set piece.
Penalties and free kick shots do not do not count.

So 4

[Joe King]

Blackburn: Was from a cross
Hull: free kick was cleared they scored from the next cross, hence not a set piece.
Penalties and free kick shots do not do not count.

So 4

Surely when defending from a second phase in play, in this example, a set piece, we should carry on defending the areas like we would in the first phase?

Personally, I don't think theres anything wrong with any particular system being implemented. Its about the execution of that system. There will always be flaws in systems however the defence needs to eradicate it as soon as possible in order to reduce the possibility of dropping further points.

[Mattshark]

Surely when defending from a second phase in play, in this example, a set piece, we should carry on defending the areas like we would in the first phase?

Personally, I don't think theres anything wrong with any particular system being implemented. Its about the execution of that system. There will always be flaws in systems however the defence needs to eradicate it as soon as possible in order to reduce the possibility of dropping further points.

I think not because the players move and they are not in their starting position. So you could defender a corner by clearing the ball if someone then scores a 30 yard volley I would not say it was a set piece goal.

[JohnDoe]

Possession against (minutes per game):
Liverpool 39min Man United 36min Chelsea 36min

Goals conceded per game:
Liverpool 0.68 Man United 0.43 Chelsea 0.6

Minutes of possession per goal conceded:

Liverpool 56.6 min/goal Man United 82.9 min/goal Chelsea 59.5 min/goal

So it takes 56 minutes of possession to score against us, while it takes 83 minutes of possession to score against the mancs.