The first half yesterday was arguably the best performance of our season so far. Villa started well and although they didn't have lots of possession they looked confident, compact and pressed our team well. Infact until we scored they looked incredibly hard to break down.
What I liked about the performance in particular was the patience the team showed. They didn't panic and try and rush things, they simply kept hold of the ball and waited for the right opportunity. I think too often this season we have lost the ball easily, especially away from home.
Hyypia and Carragher at the back have been criticised for using too many long balls. But yesterday I think they mixed up the distribution well, some long some short and to feet. With both Crouch and Kuyt upfront, it was similar to the first choice strike force we had last season... with two strikers who are able to hold up the ball. I thought both did well and the holding up play was very good. This takes pressure off our defence, gives the team more possesion for our key players to influence the game more (Gerrard and Alonso etc) and most importantly get the right balance between attacking as a team and defending as one.
In the first half Gerrard and Garcia stayed wide the majority of the time. This strecthed Villa's team and gave more space to the strikers. With Kuyt roaming round Crouch it gave Villa numerous problems defensively. The team passed the ball well, crisply with pace and it was too much for them to handle.
When we were at our best last season we had two big players upfront, we were playing as a team and I think we saw very similar signs yesterday. Maybe this was because all of them expect for Kuyt were in the squad last season and the more new players we play, the more time it will take to get the right balance. I think Crouch and Kuyt could be a very handy strikerforce and might be the best to get the best out of the team, allowing us to control games more. If we control games, we will make more chances and hopefully get more wins. Personally I still think the pace of Bellamy is vital away from home and I don't think we have got the tactics right on the road. We have been playing alot deeper, with the emphasis of hitting teams on the break... we did it last season at times with Cisse and now we are seeing it with Bellamy. I personally don't like the fact we are inviting pressure and I think it is one of many reasons why we are struggling away. Bellamy is a far more complete player than Cisse was and I think we can employ the same tactics away from home, that we are at home.
When we hold the ball upfront well, giving our team lots of possesion we look a far better team and moire confident team. This way we control games and we don;t search for that match winning pass all the time. I think a more patient build up away from home could enable us to find the balance more easily.
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