Long break.

[lake district canary 4,830]

A good time for the team to work on a few things away from the pressure cooker.    But what will they be working on?   To my mind the team don''t gel once the ball is out of defence and show a lack of confidence and directness going forward.   We often end up losing the ball easily anyway - so we might as well be more direct and if we lose the ball, at least we''ve tried to be positive with it.   

The runs of Pilkingon or Bennett when they are in the team come to a stop too easily a lot of the time, and Garrido doesn''t get forward enough for me.   I wonder if its just a lack of communication sometimes.     Also,  Snodgrass and Martin don''t seem to work as well together as Snodgrass and Whittaker - Whittaker''s  goal at Swansea was sensational.    That is what we need - more directness.  Whittaker is more like Baines in that he charges forward when he gets the opportunity.    Martin is terrific too, but not so positive  - and there is only one right back position in the team. 

Tettey needs to drive on and Johnson needs to get forward more and link in with the wide players - like they did at Swansea away and Sunderland at home.   

So they have work and get the new players involved too.   A slight change in tactics / formation in the offing?    Are we going to see Wes taking a lesser role to allow Becchio and/or  Kamara in?    Its going to be an interesting time in training - more competition for places - and a better squad.  

Roll on Everton - its going to be a cracker.

[AJ 1,358]

The main problem is with the current squad Hughton''s tactics are too systematic. Just watching Tettey surge forward always makes me wince, because as soon as the ball is lost or he passes it, he rushes back to sit in front of the back four.

And therein lays some of the problem, we are too defensive and don''t throw people forward. The amount of times Garrido or Snodgrass have whipped in a cross lately and the only person in the box is Hoolahan, who isn''t going to do too much damage.

I actually liked how Becchio stayed more central, he was in the box and won most of the headers that came his way. Maybe if Holt didn''t drop so deep we''d have more chance of scoring.

Either way, we''ve scored 3 goals in 9 games or something ludicrous like that. So in my mind hopefully they are seriously working on our goalscoring tactics, technique and ability.

If we don''t score against Everton despite the reinforcements then we are in massive trouble.

[ROBFLECK 134]

Agree with the above. Both the OP and AJ mention things I have thought about... I really hope we can field a Holt - Becchio pairing against Everton...or do you think Kamara will get a bfull debut?

It''s not easy to see CH fielding such a side though... Everton are a strong team so ... He will focus on the defensive side first I reckon (this is no criticism). I think the break has come at a good time for us...

[Stig 0]

Can''t argue with any of that at all, I''m really hoping that they are doing intensive attacking training. Looking back on videos of Holt from the Championship and early premiership you can see the capability is there. A lot of our players are capable of picking out a shot from distance and smashing it in, but like you both said I think it''s a lack of confidence in the build up.

[Aggy 944]

Holt is everywhere. That has it''s pros and cons - you love to see a lone striker putting himself around, chasing lost causes and trying to hold the ball up for the team. However, when you see Holt put in a cross (and he''s a very good crosser in fairness!) but there''s nobody in the box you see the cons of such a lone striker as well.

Now, I''m not saying this is necessarily what I think we should do, but does anyone think we could drop Hoolahan from that "in the hole" position, and play two upfront? I am a massive fan of Hoolahan, so I''d prefer to try and keep him in the side, but this could be an option to change to, or to try in some games - let Holt run around as much as he wants, let Becchio be a poacher in the box and you''ve not really sacrificed too much of the midfield''s defensive shape, so Hughton shouldn''t be too upset about his defence!

[Salopian 1]

The long break could achieve a number of things, but principally helping the new players to settle in, They have to learn how their colleagues play, and show management and colleagues their own strengths.

This is especially true of Kamara. People with pace want to be able to use it and not receive the ball behind them or with back to goal. I hope too, that CH will be able to experiment a little with different farmations (- we are becoming predictable and therefore stoppable) and also see how far players can play in other ways. Two weeks will give him more opporunity than he had pre-season, because of relatively late signings. It would also be good if he can find out how a full-fit Butterfield could fit in.

Above all, several days in the sun will be much better for training than outside in the cold at Colney or indoors there. There must surely also be an opportunity for mental refreshment. We tend to forget about this side of the game.

[Sussexyellow 55]

[quote user="lake district canary"]A good time for the team to work on a few things away from the pressure cooker.    But what will they be working on?  

To my mind the team don''t gel once the ball is out of defence and show a lack of confidence and directness going forward.   We often end up losing the ball easily anyway - so we might as well be more direct and if we lose the ball, at least we''ve tried to be positive with it.   


The runs of Pilkingon or Bennett when they are in the team come to a stop too easily a lot of the time, and Garrido doesn''t get forward enough for me.   I wonder if its just a lack of communication sometimes.     Also,  Snodgrass and Martin don''t seem to work as well together as Snodgrass and Whittaker - Whittaker''s  goal at Swansea was sensational.    That is what we need - more directness.  Whittaker is more like Baines in that he charges forward when he gets the opportunity.    Martin is terrific too, but not so positive  - and there is only one right back position in the team. 


Tettey needs to drive on and Johnson needs to get forward more and link in with the wide players - like they did at Swansea away and Sunderland at home.   


So they have work and get the new players involved too.   A slight change in tactics / formation in the offing?    Are we going to see Wes taking a lesser role to allow Becchio and/or  Kamara in?    Its going to be an interesting time in training - more competition for places - and a better squad.  


Roll on Everton - its going to be a cracker.






[/quote]

 

The right back berth against Everton is going to be a difficult one because Everton direct a lot of their attacks down the left through Baines. So I would not anticipate much adventure for that game. However I agree if we are to be more positive we do need to get our full backs forward more.

 

Elliot Bennett played Baines really well at CR last season - his speed really told then and I feel there is a case for including him on the right for this game. Which of course brings up the old problem of where do you play Snoddy. Perhaps this could be the opportunity to experiment with playing him in the hole.

 

OTBC

[GJL Mid-Norfolk Canary 2,035]

[quote user="lake district canary"]A good time for the team to work on a few things away from the pressure cooker.    But what will they be working on?  

To my mind the team don''t gel once the ball is out of defence and show a lack of confidence and directness going forward.   We often end up losing the ball easily anyway - so we might as well be more direct and if we lose the ball, at least we''ve tried to be positive with it.   


The runs of Pilkingon or Bennett when they are in the team come to a stop too easily a lot of the time, and Garrido doesn''t get forward enough for me.   I wonder if its just a lack of communication sometimes.     Also,  Snodgrass and Martin don''t seem to work as well together as Snodgrass and Whittaker - Whittaker''s  goal at Swansea was sensational.    That is what we need - more directness.  Whittaker is more like Baines in that he charges forward when he gets the opportunity.    Martin is terrific too, but not so positive  - and there is only one right back position in the team. 


Tettey needs to drive on and Johnson needs to get forward more and link in with the wide players - like they did at Swansea away and Sunderland at home.   


So they have work and get the new players involved too.   A slight change in tactics / formation in the offing?    Are we going to see Wes taking a lesser role to allow Becchio and/or  Kamara in?    Its going to be an interesting time in training - more competition for places - and a better squad.  


Roll on Everton - its going to be a cracker.






[/quote]

Their sun tans ?!?  

[Number 9 0]

Hughton spent 90 mins on Saturday repeatedly shouting out '' PASS! ''

I''m guessing they will be practicing passing.

That might help Snoddy have something productive from his driving runs, passing to a team mate rather than trying to run into brick walls.

[shefcanary 2,950]

I still think one of the bigger issues facing Hughton is that without "proper" reserve team football, he cannot call on those on the edge of the squad to come on and get straight into a match.  Last night for instance the U21''s only had 2 with first team experience.  Surely the club should be having more of those behind closed door reserve matches that they used to have last season?  If nothing else it gives Hughton a chance of mixing things up a bit more and getting a sense of what can work tactically against real opposition. 

 

To be honest I would have preferred the invevstment in this four day break to have been in a couple of "behind closed door games" and a couple of trips to a suntan booth. 

[GJL Mid-Norfolk Canary 2,035]

[quote user="shefcanary"]

I still think one of the bigger issues facing Hughton is that without "proper" reserve team football, he cannot call on those on the edge of the squad to come on and get straight into a match.  Last night for instance the U21''s only had 2 with first team experience.  Surely the club should be having more of those behind closed door reserve matches that they used to have last season?  If nothing else it gives Hughton a chance of mixing things up a bit more and getting a sense of what can work tactically against real opposition. 

 

To be honest I would have preferred the invevstment in this four day break to have been in a couple of "behind closed door games" and a couple of trips to a suntan booth. 

[/quote]

The opportunity is there in U21 games to field 3 overage players in each match. How many times have we taken advantage of that this season?, maybe twice?. If we''re not using the system to our full advantage we can have no complaints if players are ''cold'' when called up i.e Luton.

[Aggy 944]

Sussex - Whittaker got skinned alive by Baines at Goodison, the first half especially. Admittedly he got no cover from Snodgrass whatsoever, but Hughton''s either got to tell him to get forward and pin Baines in his own half, or swap him for someone with a bit more defensive nouse in my opinion. Martin or even whack R Bennett there with instructions not to venture forward but just sit and soak up the pressure.

[Number 9 0]

Sam Delaney on Talksport this pm, the cocktail bars get rather lively when so many PL teams go over there at once.

[PKC 0]

The last long break saw the start of our long unbeaten run so we can but hope.

[York Canary 29]

[quote user="Aggy"]Sussex - Whittaker got skinned alive by Baines at Goodison, the first half especially. Admittedly he got no cover from Snodgrass whatsoever, but Hughton''s either got to tell him to get forward and pin Baines in his own half, or swap him for someone with a bit more defensive nouse in my opinion. Martin or even whack R Bennett there with instructions not to venture forward but just sit and soak up the pressure.[/quote]A lot of people get skinned by him to be fair. Also, wasn''t that one of his earliest games? He seemed to improve every game from what I saw of him. That run and goal against Swansea was awesome too. Undefeated with him and went off against West Brom when we were winning I believe. I do like the guy a lot. Looks very steady...but then so is Russ! Probably our best position for equal cover and quality

[ZLF 335]

[quote user="York Canary"][quote user="Aggy"]Sussex - Whittaker got skinned alive by Baines at Goodison, the first half especially. Admittedly he got no cover from Snodgrass whatsoever, but Hughton''s either got to tell him to get forward and pin Baines in his own half, or swap him for someone with a bit more defensive nouse in my opinion. Martin or even whack R Bennett there with instructions not to venture forward but just sit and soak up the pressure.[/quote]

A lot of people get skinned by him to be fair. Also, wasn''t that one of his earliest games? He seemed to improve every game from what I saw of him. That run and goal against Swansea was awesome too. Undefeated with him and went off against West Brom when we were winning I believe. I do like the guy a lot. Looks very steady...but then so is Russ! Probably our best position for equal cover and quality
[/quote]

 

I think it was his 3/4th game - It was the villa game that Martin was injured in.

 

It was one of Whittakers worst performances for us,  and he was definitely not helped by snodgrass simply not tracking back as well as he usually did - several times he gave baines and miralles (?) too much time and space,  standing watching.   Both have significantly improved since though.    Martin does not deal well with directness or pacel,  but I would stick with the man holding the shirt - we have been defensively solid recently.

 

Will be a tough game and I for one will be happy to get a draw.

 

[Sussexyellow 55]

[quote user="ZippersLeftFoot"]

[quote user="York Canary"][quote user="Aggy"]Sussex - Whittaker got skinned alive by Baines at Goodison, the first half especially. Admittedly he got no cover from Snodgrass whatsoever, but Hughton''s either got to tell him to get forward and pin Baines in his own half, or swap him for someone with a bit more defensive nouse in my opinion. Martin or even whack R Bennett there with instructions not to venture forward but just sit and soak up the pressure.[/quote]

A lot of people get skinned by him to be fair. Also, wasn''t that one of his earliest games? He seemed to improve every game from what I saw of him. That run and goal against Swansea was awesome too. Undefeated with him and went off against West Brom when we were winning I believe. I do like the guy a lot. Looks very steady...but then so is Russ! Probably our best position for equal cover and quality
[/quote]

 

I think it was his 3/4th game - It was the villa game that Martin was injured in.

 

It was one of Whittakers worst performances for us,  and he was definitely not helped by snodgrass simply not tracking back as well as he usually did - several times he gave baines and miralles (?) too much time and space,  standing watching.   Both have significantly improved since though.    Martin does not deal well with directness or pacel,  but I would stick with the man holding the shirt - we have been defensively solid recently.

 

Will be a tough game and I for one will be happy to get a draw.

[/quote]

 

Agree with pretty much everything that has been said here. I do not think either Whittaker or Russ will do well against Everton unless they are given some cover. Hence my suggestion of playing Elliot Bennett on the right just for that one game. He played well in that role at CR at Easter. His speed allowed him to track back with Baines even when he gave him a couple of yards start and I recall him tackling well and coming away with the ball on a number of occasions. It might just be one of those match ups that works and could do a lot for Elliot''s confidence.

 

Won''t happen though because as we know Hoots does not do change.

[Sussexyellow 55]

Aggy - just reread my earlier comment which I can see is ambiguous. My suggestion of getting full backs forward was intended as a more general response to the OPs original point, with a warning that this might be foolhardy against Everton so not to expect it to happen for that game.

[CJ 1]

I fear the real problem CH has is that the game he plays is all too predictable, when we came out against Fulham with Becchio replacing Holt Fulham manager did not have to change any of his tactics. It was only when the unpredictable happened in last 5 mins that the defence looked worried thanks to KK.CH MUST mix it up more I fear he is being out thought by the oppo at moment after our long undefeated run work was clearly done on what made us tick.I would have brought Whittaker back in for example simply because we do not lose when he plays and the rest of team know it!  I personally think R Martin looks a real handful up front and given a chance say as a sub could perform. I hope while they are away they work on having more than one plan, otherwise going to be long season. I think CH tactics somehow stifle the whole team in to playing negatively. Against Fulham we should have took more risks in second half earlier sub and go for it, we needed more time in possession in oppo box to score than we got, maybe even get a pen that way! I suspect if you timed how long we are in their box would not be pleasant reading recently, eg we only get a few corners most matches because of that.CH needs to work on getting ball in box and holding it rather than almost getting nose bleed when we there and snatching at half chances

[Aggy 944]

I wasn''t really intending to disagree with your initial post, sussex. In fact I was pretty much agreeing, but also adding in that Whittaker got skinned alive by Baines - much for the reasons you mentioned (lack of cover from Snoddy) and those mentioned above - one of his earlier games for us.

I only mentioned Whittaker going forward in a vague (and extremely unlikely) hope of attack being the best form of defence. If we tried to pin Baines into his own half for large periods, then he may not have the same impact. Risky strategy, I know, and one that we are unlikely to try, even at home.

As such, and bearing in mind Whittaker is only just coming back from injury and hasn''t played first team footy for a while, I think it''s got to be Martin at right back, or a centre half who would offer nothing going forward but maybe a bit more defensively. Bennett in on the right wing is a possibility as well.

[Dubai Mark 0]

Good thread this and no personal insults being tossed around.

When I think to hard about this type of subject I realise just how hard it must be to be a football manager at this level, plus not having had a tenure as England manager makes it harder.

Anyway, the one thing I am hoping for from this break, is that now CH has signed a couple of different front men, they will work on a 442 option that can be used effectively when needed.....like a home match vs Everton when the 3 points are crucial prior to a trip to Old Trafford, I get a feeling this will actually happen, particularly as I understand from comments I read (not sure where?) that had Holt not been injured for Fulham we were going to go with two up front.

Also, just a bit of news from the Abu Dhabi training camp..........the UAE Canaries have been given the OK by CH to attend a training session tomorrow afternoon, its at the National Stadium in Abu Dhabi...but unfortunately I cant attend due to work commitments...perhaps we will then have some inside information on what routines they were running through....as if!

City are certainly not the only team on a break here in the UAE, with City in Abu Dhabi....I''ve also heard that QPR, Sunderland and West Ham are definately here in Dubai for a few days, Big Sam was spotted in his speedos in the back of a taxi ......and I would guess there are more teams here too ...as I''m hardly the most informed person in Dubai. 

 

[Mr Jenkins 0]

Big Sam in his speedos in the back of a taxi, you don''t really want to think about that for too long.

As far as formations are concerned I know that CH has been very rigid in the way we set ourselves up but I do believe that his options have been very limited, in his mind, by the choices he has available up front. Clearly he was not impressed with the strike force he inherited, Kane had a long term injury so was out of the picture ( fortunately out of the picture as it turned out) Jacko clearly doesn''t fit and neither did Morro. I hope and expect him to try two up front with the squad now at his disposal, and look forward to some good performances.

[Mister Chops 7]

[quote user="lake district canary"]Long break.[/quote]Oh you tease, getting my hopes up like that.

[The Voice Of Reason 0]

When I see the initials LDC I immediately think of Lake District Cheese, puts a whole new perspective on his comments. :-)