reading the EDP today

[beelsie 0]

Reading the EDP today; Snodgrass remarks regarding player would-be intentions for the following games of the season, they maybe just hot air or well meant, if carried out to a degree where the difference shows on the pitch.  I watched the game and like so many other observers can point to many improvements that may need addressing, a warning sign of how a player’s attitude may be counter productive when playing the game.  Four seasons ago in Worthingtons’ time he often said players must 0earn by hard, work the right to play.  This means to be ready to be in the faces of the opposition.  One aspect is the off ball running; that is, not looking for space and being available to the ball player so he has some options may be two for his delivery. There are too many times when the ability to read the oppositions stance when he is making his delivery to a team mate if read correctly one can often be at the point of destination as the ball arrives at the opposition players foot or head.  This leads to stopping the opposition from being so effective.  We at these last few games are too much on the back foot. At present I feel we are not hungry enough. OTB City, and Best New Years wishes to all

[lake district canary 4,531]

You see this kind of thing all the time in the modern game.   A player "waits" for one of his teammates to do something with the ball, rather than make runs, find space, support, etc.  

One of the reasons why teams from lower divisions do well - and us over the last three seasons - is that we make up for a shortfall in skill levels by shear enthusiasm and desire.       The problem is that as soon as that level drops off, the shortcomings are exposed.   That has happened afew times this season with Norwich.      The way to return to the kind of results we were getting during our good run is to get that enthusiasm and belief back as soon as possible.      Against Liverpool we looked as if we gave in - not what we want to see.     Luton was just another case in point. A team who believed they are better being beaten by a team who played with enthusiasm and desire.