Disco Dales Jockstrap 1,891 Posted May 5, 2019 Some interesting stats I just stumbled across. We have the best away defensive record in the league - 22 goals conceded (1 a game average). 😀 We have the 3rd worst home defensive record in the league - 34 goals conceded (1.48 a game average). 🤮 We are also one of only 3 teams in the whole league who have conceded more goals at home than away. 🤨 Obviously, most teams are a tad more cavalier at home but this is something we will need to look at if we are to stay up next season. A better DM (sorry Tettey) will help to stop teams cutting through our midfield so easily when we are countered at home. Thoughts? Or have I a sent you all to sleep? OTBC 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
East Rider 538 Posted May 5, 2019 A good, interesting point well made. We are vulnerable in defence but exhilarating in attack. A conundrum definitely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yellow and Green 334 Posted May 5, 2019 Good post. Being a keen fan of stats, I'm sure Farke will be aware of this. Playing away from home probable suits us more - the opposition are usually more adventurous and therefore easily picked off on the counter. A tactical analysis article posted on here the other day highlighted the need for a new CDM. We have six midfielders already so it will be interesting to see how SW and DF play it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cornish sam 922 Posted May 5, 2019 I'm not sure it's us that is playing differently leading to this, but rather opposition playing differently. At home teams are hitting us on the counter far more as they've been set up to be more defensive. Doesn't detract from the point about needing a better CDM though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vlad666 202 Posted May 5, 2019 It’s because the balance of the team is heavily tilted towards attacking. Against Blackburn we had 6 attacking players plus our two fullbacks attacking. You’re always going to concede playing this way but thankfully we’ve generally outscored our opponents. We obviously can’t be this gung-ho next season but we can still keep the same passing style. I think most people recognise we need a defensive midfielder who holds his ground. Trybull has kept the ball moving nicely but lacks the athleticism and strength to stop opposition midfield runners. That midfield protection and continued improvement from our young defence will hopefully see us stay up. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trevor Hockey's Beard 520 Posted May 5, 2019 Which are we more likely to unearth in the transfer market - a good Centre-back, or a good CDM? if the answer is Centre-back then why not move Godfrey forwards to CDM ? His pace will complement someone like Leitner or Trybull and he's got the strength, and if we're chasing the game he could drop back to make a back three. I remember when Elliot Bennett was here there was talk about whether he could convert to a full-back, and now he is one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coneys Knee 932 Posted May 5, 2019 We need to find the next Kanté so to speak Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alfie54 75 Posted May 5, 2019 13 minutes ago, Trevor Hockey's Beard said: Which are we more likely to unearth in the transfer market - a good Centre-back, or a good CDM? if the answer is Centre-back then why not move Godfrey forwards to CDM ? His pace will complement someone like Leitner or Trybull and he's got the strength, and if we're chasing the game he could drop back to make a back three. I remember when Elliot Bennett was here there was talk about whether he could convert to a full-back, and now he is one. Agree on this, Id love to see Godfrey and Trybull together as CDMs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Indy_Bones 441 Posted May 5, 2019 Let's not discount Louis Thompson either, was looking a hell of a player at times, but these bloody injuries have really curtailed his chances and progression, however a good run of games (assuming he can stay fit) might finally show us what he's truly capable of. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AJ 1,218 Posted May 5, 2019 We have often operated with far too many attacking players (vrancic, leitner, McLean etc.) this season, but it works. Farke will already be preparing to be much more contained next season, we’ll get annihilated by the top teams otherwise Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dylanisabaddog 4,746 Posted May 5, 2019 Just now, AJ said: We have often operated with far too many attacking players (vrancic, leitner, McLean etc.) this season, but it works. Farke will already be preparing to be much more contained next season, we’ll get annihilated by the top teams otherwise Please no! That sounds like Chris Hughton revisited. I couldn't stand another season like his last in the Premier League. We will definitely get hammered once or twice but on the other hand we once came 3rd with a negative goal difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AJ 1,218 Posted May 5, 2019 I’m not suggesting Farke will be that conservative! He will, of course, stick to him game plan! I’m just suggesting we may invest in some more deep sitting midfielders to let the attackers do their jobs. I cannot imagine Farke turning this side into defensive drab! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Badger 2,389 Posted May 5, 2019 (edited) Thanks DDJ. Suggests something about the vulnerability to counter attack. Is it possible to get half season statistics as my perception is that we have been better in the second half of the season? I can understand the cries for a better CDM, but a large part of the "problem" is the way that we get forwards and try to overload the opposition at home. The first half of the statistics (i.e. "best away defensive record in the league") suggest that we don't have a CDM problem away from home, so perhaps being a bit unfair on TT and AT - it may just be due to the way we play at home! Although not opposed in principle to an "upgrade," I think that it could be unfair to "blame" the current incumbants. Be interesting to see how we get on with no recognised CDM. Edited May 5, 2019 by Badger Highlighted a point Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Disco Dales Jockstrap 1,891 Posted May 5, 2019 6 minutes ago, Badger said: I can understand the cries for a better CDM, but a large part of the "problem" is the way that we get forwards and try to overload the opposition at home. The first half of the statistics (i.e. "best away defensive record in the league") suggest that we don't have a CDM problem away from home, so perhaps being a bit unfair on TT and AT - it may just be due to the way we play at home! Although not opposed in principle to an "upgrade," I think that it could be unfair to "blame" the current incumbants. Be interesting to see how we get on with no recognised CDM. Thanks for your reply Badger. Defo no blame attached to individuals - it's a team game after all. Plus Tettey has long been my favourite player; I've always felt he's never got the credit he deserves. That said, I'm not sure his knees will last a full PL season and I'm not sure TT is a good enough specialist DM to do the job. TT has many many great assets but Tettey lives and breaths DM - I'm sure when he's tucked up in bed he probably dreams of covering space and fouling opposition forwards. 50 minutes ago, Coneys Knee said: We need to find the next Kanté so to speak Yes please! OTBC 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Badger 2,389 Posted May 5, 2019 5 minutes ago, Disco Dales Jockstrap said: TT has many many great assets but Tettey lives and breaths DM - I'm sure when he's tucked up in bed he probably dreams of covering space and fouling opposition forwards. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites