Quote from: paul_e on November 02, 2023, 12:04:44 PMThe high block/low block stuff isn't really relevant because that's not how we defend, we're not passive anywhere on the pitch but we're also not charging in to press. Instead what we do is compress the pitch down into as small a space as possible so we can get our 3 lines all very close together and then we block passing lanes and reduce the options teams have. We then control where teams are playing against us and we shift things about to make that be into areas where they don't want to play. So Brighton we took away the option to play out to the wings and made them play straight balls into midfield where we could outnumber them and win it back.It's all about dominating the game but we do it in a way where we don't need to have the ball.That's why I chose the phrase "mid block." Why not utilise that as well? Surely you can agree with me there? However, the additional description and insightful knowledge you have provided is bang on. I was already aware, but your writings are accurate to help the wider audience. I thoroughly enjoyed reading what you have expressed there. It's good descriptive information, and I like to see more posts like this on the main page of the discussion boards. I can't always write as well, so I just wanted to say thank you for making your post and it's exactly how I understood the Brighton match but would not be able to word like you have.Excellent insights!
The high block/low block stuff isn't really relevant because that's not how we defend, we're not passive anywhere on the pitch but we're also not charging in to press. Instead what we do is compress the pitch down into as small a space as possible so we can get our 3 lines all very close together and then we block passing lanes and reduce the options teams have. We then control where teams are playing against us and we shift things about to make that be into areas where they don't want to play. So Brighton we took away the option to play out to the wings and made them play straight balls into midfield where we could outnumber them and win it back.It's all about dominating the game but we do it in a way where we don't need to have the ball.
I keep thinking we'll get caught out more with the high line, it doesn't seem that complicated to me for 2-3 players to stagger their runs to beat it. But one huge thing in our favour is that if a team does get through we have, in my opinion, the very best keeper in the world at one-on-ones, so even when a team does spring our trap, I'm still pretty relaxed as I think the chances are Emi's going to save it anyway.
Quote from: caster troy on November 02, 2023, 11:29:02 AMThere's a picture doing the rounds showing the defensive line for a free kick against Luton and it is incredible to see the coordination of the players, not just in making a solid line but also in the identical body positions at the same moment. The players are exceptionally well drilled, to a level I don't think I've ever seen from a Villa team before. On the two occasions where it hasn't seemed to work (Newcastle and Liverpool) we'd lost a centre back to injury during the match with the replacements having had limited playing time with us in this system. It's fair to say those were mitigating circumstances. The counter argument would be that those were two teams from the top four last year and even Emery has acknowledged that we need to improve against teams of that level. It's going to be interesting to see how we get on defending against Man City and Arsenal having learned from those two games.Hang it in the Louvre.
There's a picture doing the rounds showing the defensive line for a free kick against Luton and it is incredible to see the coordination of the players, not just in making a solid line but also in the identical body positions at the same moment. The players are exceptionally well drilled, to a level I don't think I've ever seen from a Villa team before. On the two occasions where it hasn't seemed to work (Newcastle and Liverpool) we'd lost a centre back to injury during the match with the replacements having had limited playing time with us in this system. It's fair to say those were mitigating circumstances. The counter argument would be that those were two teams from the top four last year and even Emery has acknowledged that we need to improve against teams of that level. It's going to be interesting to see how we get on defending against Man City and Arsenal having learned from those two games.
... The 4 teams that concede the most through balls Luton 32 Villa 29 . Burnley and Sheff Utd 27 So it's the 3 promoted clubs , arguably the 3 weakest teams and defences and players who struggle or allow pass and also Our Villa!Clearly it's a high risk (2nd most conceded through balls) v high reward (caught opposition Offside the most ) in Villa strategy.
If teams distribute from their centre backs Watkins and Diaby press much more and Luiz goes into the gap so we have a 4312 defensive shape, if teams try to overload out wide we drop into a 442 that at times even becomes a 6211 so we can close the gaps between the fullbacks and centre backs but it's always designed to stop them playing in the channels that they like to use. This is why how we prepare is so important because we don't have a 'default' defensive system, it's all about trying to stifle the oppositions strengths.
Quote from: exigo on November 02, 2023, 01:23:33 PMQuote from: caster troy on November 02, 2023, 11:29:02 AMThere's a picture doing the rounds showing the defensive line for a free kick against Luton and it is incredible to see the coordination of the players, not just in making a solid line but also in the identical body positions at the same moment. The players are exceptionally well drilled, to a level I don't think I've ever seen from a Villa team before. On the two occasions where it hasn't seemed to work (Newcastle and Liverpool) we'd lost a centre back to injury during the match with the replacements having had limited playing time with us in this system. It's fair to say those were mitigating circumstances. The counter argument would be that those were two teams from the top four last year and even Emery has acknowledged that we need to improve against teams of that level. It's going to be interesting to see how we get on defending against Man City and Arsenal having learned from those two games.Hang it in the Louvre.I saw this photo on Twitter next to that photo, saying “How far we’ve come”. Made me chuckle.
It needs some VAR lines to be make it a modern day classic.
Quote from: Risso on November 02, 2023, 04:10:44 PMIt needs some VAR lines to be make it a modern day classic.Block!Pace!VAR linesVilla dreams of passion(Blowin' through my mind)And other teams just can't get through(Precise)A sea-change in formation(For us to align)If one gets through we have Dibu(Something of a phenomenon) Unai(Buildin' our style and being strong)(But, VAR lines blown away)Go! Ollie! Go!Tickets are rare'Home or away'Tell all your friendsCiteh can make wayBall control, spray your goalDoug LuizCosts more than goldThe longer we playThe more you payIncreasing levels every dayConsistent at homeImposing our gameWith points to gain, funerallin' your brainLuizRockLuizRockLuizRockLuizRockHigher, Meatball(Ahhh) Get higher, Meatball(Ahhh) Get higher, MeatballAnd don't ever forgetBouba!Zaniolo and Boubacar!Zaniolo and BoubacarZaniolo and BoubacarBailey Tielemans and MoussaCalm and in control(Connected to the fans)And now we're havin' fun, Unai(High line)We're getting more and more('Cause it makes us feel so fine)I need some one-on-one, Bailey(Don't let 'em take the ball away!)Bailey!(Just turn and put the ball away)('Those VAR lines blown away)
Maaaaaaaate!
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Topic: The high line. (Read 13561 times)
