Do we fade after half time?

[Michael Starr 571]

Looking at the last three games specifically. I''m just beginning to wonder whether there may be an issue with burn-out or focus. The last three games saw us hanging on against Sunderland to scrape a 2-1 win having been 2-0 up and comfortable first half, then we all know what happened at Swansea having been 3-0 up, and now we see a 2nd half collapse against Villa. Why are we making things difficult for ourselves? In all three games we took the lead and yet had to fight until the death to come away with something. Are we not able to kill off teams? Has anybody else noticed this?

[Lets be aving you! 0]

Spot on about burn-out.

[Thirsty Lizard 3,215]

I think it may be a sign that some of the players are beginning to get fatigued. I certainly thought last night that Pilkington in particular and to a lesser extent Holt, BJ and Snoddy looked to be not quite at 100 % in their energy and commitment levels as the game wore on.

Hughton has kept a settled team for the last couple of months which obviously has brought us great rewards, but the potential downside is that players may start to lose their edge.

It''s a difficult balancing act between keeping a settled team and making sure that players don''t burn out and I have confidence in Hughton getting it right.

[K Lo 246]

Yeah, Spurs last for 80 minutes, we last for 45.

[drurys testamonials V 15 0]

Yep. Some players more than others who aren''t as fit as they should be.

[TCCANARY 263]

I think we stay the same but the others get better.

We should work on our half-time regime, I rememer a episode of Jossies Giants (written by the late great Sid Waddell)  where they went into half time losing and the manager said "Get plenty of sugar in the tea", they came out and won the game. If anyone has a tape of that episode I think they should send it to Chris Hughton.

 

[SwindonCanary 457]

A big turn around from the famous last 5 mins being Norwich time !

[Fromage Frais 14]

This is another reason why we need more pace upfront.

when we defend a lead more pace would cause the opponents to defend deeper and reduce the pressure.

Against us teams can press as we get fatigued. In the last few games I am sure if we had a very fast finisher he would have bagged a few on the counter making the results a lot more comfortable.

[flecky76 0]

Err, what about Everton away where we came from behind?

Man Utd 2nd half?

Aston Villa away 2nd half?

Or have I missed something?!

[nutty nigel 7,902]

[quote user="flecky76"]Err, what about Everton away where we came from behind? Man Utd 2nd half? Aston Villa away 2nd half? Or have I missed something?![/quote]

 

Yep, Spurs at home [;)]

[Faded Jaded Semi Plastic SOB 1,220]

I blame it on the "Cross Bar Challenge"........

 

[flecky76 0]

Haha, cheers Nutty! Good point...

[Houston Canary 0]

flecky76 made my point for me. In the previous several games, we''d been ragged in the first 45 and on fire in the last 45. Now we''ve had 3 weak 2nd halves (and WON 2 of them). In every one of those games (maybe no the Villa game which I saw nothing of) the change has been right out of the dressing room, so it doesn''t seem to be fatigue so much as what''s being said and done at the half. Hughton lit ''em up in the former games, and the opposing managers have done so more recently.

 

I doubt we''re any more fatigued than the teams we''re playing.

 

. 

[city4eva 241]

[quote user="flecky76"]Err, what about Everton away where we came from behind? Man Utd 2nd half? Aston Villa away 2nd half? Or have I missed something?![/quote]

Yes but thats not the point....you know lots on here just need to moan...after all we are only 12th in the prem and a massive 4 points off 4th spot, its just not good enough