So what's the way to deal with a parked bus?

[kris90210]

Yes, cos crossing it into a constantly packed box is always the best way. Nice to see your from the Andy Gray school of lack of tactics.

Nice to see you criticising people who don't agree with you!

I'm sure I read an interview with Benitez who said that something like 25 - 30% of goals come from crosses. It's not just the direct cross, but the second ball is often very unpredictable and that obviously makes it much harder for a defence to deal with.

It's good to have attacking options and be able to mix up our attacks. Everyone needs a plan B - unless you're Barcelona!

[kris90210]

One can dress it up with whatever rhetoric one wants, but ultimately, you know as well as i do that we lack the matchwinners necessary for a title challenge. Possibly even for top four.

I agree with you. I do think we'll make top 4 though.

At least we have (what looks like) a very solid squad now. Adding these match winners will be fine tuning now. If we can get back into the top 4, and offer champions league football, hopefully we'll be in a better position to attract the sort of player we'd both like to see signed.

Incidentally, my mate went to watch Wales play Montenegro and Jovetic was incredibly. That guy has SO much potential. If he was over his inury problems, he'd be exactly the sort of player I'd love us to sign.

[Craig_H]

I agree with you. I do think we'll make top 4 though.

At least we have (what looks like) a very solid squad now. Adding these match winners will be fine tuning now. If we can get back into the top 4, and offer champions league football, hopefully we'll be in a better position to attract the sort of player we'd both like to see signed.

Incidentally, my mate went to watch Wales play Montenegro and Jovetic was incredibly. That guy has SO much potential. If he was over his inury problems, he'd be exactly the sort of player I'd love us to sign.

I totally agree with you and i'm not anti Downing (who i think has had a promising start) or Henderson. The risk element is the 'get into the top 4 first and then add world class quality' because obviously we dont know if we'll get into the top 4. But it's looking hopeful, certainly. A win tomorrow, even at this early stage, would be a very big result.

[Mattshark]

Nice to see you criticising people who don't agree with you!

I'm sure I read an interview with Benitez who said that something like 25 - 30% of goals come from crosses. It's not just the direct cross, but the second ball is often very unpredictable and that obviously makes it much harder for a defence to deal with.

It's good to have attacking options and be able to mix up our attacks. Everyone needs a plan B - unless you're Barcelona!

Erm, did you see what I was replying too? It is **** all to do with people agreeing with me, try reading a bit more before spouting off at me.

[ric.williams]

the most successful premiership team is man u. all their teams over the years have always had players that provided width. its not just a case of pumping crosses in. width stretches the play and creates space to be exploited

[ric.williams]

Yes, cos crossing it into a constantly packed box is always the best way. Nice to see your from the Andy Gray school of lack of tactics.

when does width mean pumping crosses into crowded boxes? and whats the problem with andy gray? im sure he knows a lot more about football than you (and me)

[Kenneth]

This is true. Sharky's just in a snappy mood.

[Mattshark]

the most successful premiership team is man u. all their teams over the years have always had players that provided width. its not just a case of pumping crosses in. width stretches the play and creates space to be exploited

And that stops it being overrated? Many people talk about it being the be all and end all of solving problems in attacking. I think it is useful, but it is not the best method of breaking down a deep lying defence.

Andy Gray's may have played football, doesn't mean he knows **** all about it.

This is true. Sharky's just in a snappy mood.

So would you be if someone called you dumb for having a different opinion to them, then someone has the audacity to claim I'm criticising others for having a different opinion.

[Kronenburg1892]

I happen to agree with Mattshark. Width is just another tactic into the box, which doesn't work well when there are 8+ players in the versinity. Neither does tricky play or bulldozing through guarentee a goal.

I guess I'm gauging whether people understand or appreciate strategic play, which very much includes off ball play, that creates space to be exploited. The Italians are renowned for playing this way. I just wonder if people can enjoy a game as much with the overall positioning of a team, over a pinball scoreline.

[ric.williams]

Andy Gray's may have played football, doesn't mean he knows **** all about it.

he does. don't be silly

[kris90210]

And that stops it being overrated? Many people talk about it being the be all and end all of solving problems in attacking. I think it is useful, but it is not the best method of breaking down a deep lying defence.

Andy Gray's may have played football, doesn't mean he knows **** all about it.


So would you be if someone called you dumb for having a different opinion to them, then someone has the audacity to claim I'm criticising others for having a different opinion.

As much as I hate Andy Gray (and I do), let's be honest he would tear you a new arsehole when it comes to football knowledge. Sitting at home all day pissing about with Chalkboards and masturbating over pictures of Lucas doesn't make you an expert mate.

And yes, I did read what you replied to.

[Mattshark]

As much as I hate Andy Gray (and I do), let's be honest he would tear you a new arsehole when it comes to football knowledge. Sitting at home all day pissing about with Chalkboards and masturbating over pictures of Lucas doesn't make you an expert mate.

And yes, I did read what you replied to.

I never claimed to be an expert did I?

Really? Then you are simply not very intelligent.

[Craig_H]

Sorry Matt, but kris has done you there

In keeping with normal service though, i'm sure you wont rate his posts, or simply describe them as 'average'

[Kenneth]

[Mattshark]

Sorry Matt, but kris has done you there

In keeping with normal service though, i'm sure you wont rate his posts, or simply describe them as 'average'

No, I don't rate his posts and average is something that he could only ever aspire too but never achieve.