Manager Watch: Ange Postecoglou

[ComfortablyNumb]

Result aside, this was our usual performance. High speed, high risk. We created a whole load of chances and scored a few of them. Utd were rubbish, played slow and boring, but also created a whole load of chances, but fluffed all theirs.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

 

[Finchyid]

His interview was brilliant..summed it up. Players are doing what he wants and we haven’t got the results.

 

[RuskyM]

Result aside, this was our usual performance. High speed, high risk. We created a whole load of chances and scored a few of them. Utd were rubbish, played slow and boring, but also created a whole load of chances, but fluffed all theirs.

 

[Blaugrana]

We now have the highest xg for in the league and 2nd lowest xg against (just Liverpool ahead)

 

[Fidget]

Result aside, this was our usual performance. High speed, high risk. We created a whole load of chances and scored a few of them. Utd were rubbish, played slow and boring, but also created a whole load of chances, but fluffed all theirs.

So good or bad?

 

[Yiddo100]

Little side note, quite right to acknowledge the improvement in our set peices since the heat he was getting for being poor at both ends

Early days but he’s made a clear improvement on both attacking and defending set pieces, even though he never directly acknowledged it, he was always going to sort the set pieces problem.

 

[sigma7]

We now have the highest xg for in the league and 2nd lowest xg against (just Liverpool ahead)

It's the 2nd lowest xg against which is the most interesting to me. We know we create chances and haven't been finishing them. But it seems that while we play risky and give up chances, it looks like we're actually dealing well with it. We're not giving up possession in vital areas and/or we're exceedingly good at getting back and being organised once we do give up possession, resulting in not many actual goal scoring chances.

 

[Hoddle&Waddle]

Brilliant performance today.

Bentencur seems to be sitting much more in front of the defence which is really making a difference.

 

[Mr Pink]

Great performance today. Could be a big moment in terms of improving our self belief as a team.

I think we'll do Brighton next week as well.

 

[Wheeler Dealer]

We are a really decent team, just lacking that clinical confidence which is preventing us from being an exceptional team. Get this right and we can start pushing the very best.

 

[Trix]

Following on from Brentford, it definitely looks like there have been some technical tweaks with how we are playing against deep sitting teams. There was without question a real emphasis to keep switching out wide for crosses and cutbacks, and now the last couple of prem games we have mixed it up, looking to go through the middle far more. Playing with 2 technical midfielders good in tight areas looks far better than playing one and a runner. Madison and Kulu should be without question the first choice in there with either Biss or Bents(can't decide who I prefer).

I still think there are times we look a little susceptible to the long diagonal but apart from that I'm happy. I said a couple of weeks ago tweaks were all it would take, the players were always good enough it just needed little alterations as we were too predictable. That certainly looks like it is something we are trying to change, and I'm all for it. Well done again Ange and the boys.

 

[SpringHeeledJim]

Brilliant performance today.

Bentencur seems to be sitting much more in front of the defence which is really making a difference.

I thought that too

 

[Mr Pink]

Following on from Brentford, it definitely looks like there have been some technical tweaks with how we are playing against deep sitting teams. There was without question a real emphasis to keep switching out wide for crosses and cutbacks, and now the last couple of prem games we have mixed it up, looking to go through the middle far more. Playing with 2 technical midfielders good in tight areas looks far better than playing one and a runner. Madison and Kulu should be without question the first choice in there with either Biss or Bents(can't decide who I prefer).

I still think there are times we look a little susceptible to the long diagonal but apart from that I'm happy. I said a couple of weeks ago tweaks were all it would take, the players were always good enough it just needed little alterations as we were too predictable. That certainly looks like it is something we are trying to change, and I'm all for it. Well done again Ange and the boys.

Agree.

Regarding Biss and Bentancur, the latter gets my vote - when he's at his best.

I love Bissouma's press resistant qualities but I think Bentancur is more fluid with the way he progresses the ball and is less likely to loose concentration.

But great options for that deeper role.

 

[rossdapep]

Only City and Chelsea have scored more than us. (Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool same)

Only Liverpool have conceded fewer (same as Arsenal, Fulham, Forest)

Being high up in both categories and having lost 2 games, tells you that it's really working.

 

[JamieSpursCommunityUser]

Following on from Brentford, it definitely looks like there have been some technical tweaks with how we are playing against deep sitting teams. There was without question a real emphasis to keep switching out wide for crosses and cutbacks, and now the last couple of prem games we have mixed it up, looking to go through the middle far more. Playing with 2 technical midfielders good in tight areas looks far better than playing one and a runner. Madison and Kulu should be without question the first choice in there with either Biss or Bents(can't decide who I prefer).

I still think there are times we look a little susceptible to the long diagonal but apart from that I'm happy. I said a couple of weeks ago tweaks were all it would take, the players were always good enough it just needed little alterations as we were too predictable. That certainly looks like it is something we are trying to change, and I'm all for it. Well done again Ange and the boys.

Having both Maddison and Kulu centrally has transformed not only our creativity but our winger issue.

We're ablate focus more on combination play with our two creative players drifting wide to create triangles and overloads with Udogie / Maddison / Son or Porro / Kulu / Johnson.

Whilst creativity there isn't one single player teams can double up on to shut us down.

This midfield balance wouldn't be possible without Kulu being the hardest working, most athletic creative midfielders in the PL. Possibly Europe.

His running, energy, strength, and endurance combined with his ability is unreal. Brilliant player.

What excites me is there is so much room for improvement over the next few months and years.

Both in the starting XI and young players knocking on the door.

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

So good or bad?

I'll tell you next July...

 

[T-Bone]

Ive been a critic and still think we are to open at times but today was outstanding. Well done Ange and the team

 

[Ron Burgundy]

For me, this side is starting to take shape. I honestly think our first team is one player short - being left wing.

Interesting that Neville reckons Son is our best player - because IMO, that’s the position where (at present) we’re most lacking ‘something’.

What we need is not a Brennan type winger - but someone who’s in the more creative type. Someone who’s comfortable with the ball at this feet, with delivery and threat, but composure, rather than blistering pace. More an inside attacking mid than a pure winger.

I think I’ve described both Eze and (interestingly) Moore. Possibly even Odobert too.

Would love to see those two kids continue to be integrated. And in the meantime, Sonny is still doing a good job in front of goal. Things are looking up

 

[WhiteStripe]

Result aside, this was our usual performance. High speed, high risk. We created a whole load of chances and scored a few of them. Utd were rubbish, played slow and boring, but also created a whole load of chances, but fluffed all theirs.

#ComfortablyDumb