M.o.v.e.m.e.n.t

[Bluerover]

So now the buzz starts to fade from last night - I just wanted to bring up our issue with movement.

We are literally the only team I have watched in recent months that cannot do the basics off the ball and its why we are so poor / give away the ball so much. Numerous times in the first 80 minutes and the entire Wolves game it was the same thing consistently.

There was a clear example last night that I will try to find a clip of - where Allan picks up the ball in the middle of our own half and the 6 nearest players to him ARE LIKE FRIKKIN STATUES.

All of them!, Just stood facing him in various areas whilst he literally is spinning his head around looking for a simple option and there is nothing. 5 of the 6 are stood directly behind a newcastle player. Not one side step to make an angle. Not one runner to pull open the pitch. Not one bit of body language from players to indicate a space to play to, literally nothing.

So of course in the end he has no choice, play it backwards.

Its just a tiny sample, but it is constant throughout every 90 minutes - an entire team waiting for the opposition to move out of the way. When an everton player gets the ball the other 9 outfield players adopt the same open legged, sideways stance and wait.

Watch wolves, city, the shower, whoever - and when a player gets the ball there is 3-4-5 players exploding into action making options, even in their own third. The two times I remember us doing this basic basic work resulted in a shot on goal and a goal.

This isnt unique to Lampard, its been true most of the season - and I wonder are we lazy or just not very clever?

Its such a small change to make - but has a huge impact. Suddenly the opposition is worried when they see a swarm of activity, it sows confusion, it gives a forward pass option, it drags them out of shape.

But when we dont do any of this - its backward passes, predictable and suddenly its us needing to react to them.

I dont know what I expect from this post Just wanted to get it off my chest and wonder why I with coaching experience of under 13's can see it and a procession of "premier league" managers don't?

Mate I fully agree. Whether soccer or GAA football the players not in possession must move and give options for whoever has the ball. I wasn't the most skilful in either code, but I was always offering an option and importantly taking an opponent with me.

Absolutely basic stuff.