It’s been a collective effort. Starting with Dean modifying his methods and accepting that what they had done to date wasn’t working. It’s remarkable when you think we went 3/4 season playing a certain way and heading directly towards relegation and then miraculously changing it all up to become so much better organized, and now actually potent up front. Shakespeare only helps with carrying that on. And astute appointment by the club.
The signing of the summer.
Corner routines, movement off the ball, Trez tracking back, springing a high line, pressing intelligently. All things I can't wait to see in the flesh again soon.
Pure co-incidence we've clicked since he was appointed or is his coaching a major factor?
Pure co-incidence we've clicked since he was appointed or is his coaching a major factor?
I guess it all helps. Increased confidence from staying up, good additional coach, and some great new players.
Add also our fitness levels have increased immeasurably. Look at the Soton coach's comments about our come back - that they were shattered as we got stronger.
Yesterday we looked like we could have played at the same intensity we ended the game on for another half hour - Arsenal were dead on their feet
Bellerin is far from being a slouch but Grealish burst away from him and then after a 50 yard run - knocked him away with ease.
We really are becoming fabulous to watch
We looked good the last 4 games of last season and Shakespeare wasn't a part of the staff. We are generally looking better tactically though for the most part and he should get some credit for that. I'm sure I've read Smith say that he's very good tactically and sees things that others don't.
Shakespeare has the look of a man who knows what he is doing. That can only help confidence in those around him.
Shakespeare has the look of a man who knows what he is doing. That can only help confidence in those around him.
True yet it is our goalkeeping coach, Neil Cutler who Dean seems to consult with most. Strange.
Maybe Shakespeare is talking to Dean through the in-ear pieces that we see Terry wear all the time.
Didn't see Shakey on the bench last night - was he there or is he convalescing?
Is he manager today, or Terry?
Smith spends most of it stood in the top part of the lower Trinity anyway. Sure you'll still hear "Up! Up! Up!".
I would imagine Richard O'Kelly would be in charge Pitch side although Deano won't be far away.