I dont think the tatics were bad, they just weren't executed to plan. For example their second goal, the plan wasn't for cash to play people on - he got caught and couldn't move out when he needed to.
we went to pieces after the normally reliable Konsa made a mistake - and we never recovered. But,
a) we know that errors are going to be part of the progress and of us learning how to play the way Unai wants us to - we saw it last season. And we didn't see the errors repeated very often - so I am sure this is just a slow start
b) we know the team lacks physicality and leaders - we have seen that over the last 4 seasons, our heads can drop. What we saw last season, was us rarely getting into the positions where our heads could drop as we played so well. I think as a team we are missing a few leaders and people that can mix it up when needed. I think that is something we need to address
The high line looked a bit suspect to say the least.
The high line looked a bit suspect to say the least.
No pressure on the ball either. We looked shellshocked. Players not helped by awful team selections and idiotic tactical shifts. The last we see of that horrid three centre back setup.
I know he only came on as a sub but that was last season's Tielemans that was playing out there. Worrying.
The high line works when you get it right (every player has to absolutely know where they need to be and you have to pressure the ball). We did neither so it looked horrible. The fact we’ve got it right plenty of times makes me confident Unai will sort it. Doesn’t make today any less painful, but it was an example in really poor execution rather than a team working out how to beat it.
He’s not giving up on the high because of today. He didn’t because of losses to Leicester and Arsenal. We got better at it. Today was really bad though.
Just to lighten matters has anyone else noticed that emery’s English is at its worst after a heavy defeat
Our high line is our Bazball, high risk - high reward. When you don't play it well you're fucked.
Just to lighten matters has anyone else noticed that emery’s English is at its worst after a heavy defeat
I'm like that though when I am lying to my Mrs about something. Start babbling and winging it, tenses all over the place, scratching my cheek as I do it.
He’ll be kipping at Bodymoor tonight.
The high line looked a bit suspect to say the least.
Almost as high and suspect as Decs hairline (Ant n Dec wayayeman)
The high line and the fact that we did it so well last season post Leicester/Arsenal debacles helped get us into Europe. No need to give up on it. Just need to be much, much better.
Our high line is our Bazball, high risk - high reward. When you don't play it well you're fucked.
I think this is it - but we've grown so accustomed to getting it right we forget the risk.
To be fair - think Ty marshalls it well, and before he went off it was only the free kick when we came unstuck, and I think that is only not offside due to a foul
The high line today was shambolic, they could have easily scored double figures
The high line today was shambolic, they could have easily scored double figures
This. The game was lost at 3 - 1, so continue with such a high line in the face of a pummelling was criminal. That is 100% on Emery. I'm livid with him.
Emery had the worst day out of the lot of them today
He got the team selection wrong, the tactics wrong and the subs wrong.
It’s the first time he has looked clueless. But it’s one game, so let’s move on and hope we turn up next week.