Has our passing improved ?

Over the last few games I've noticed that our passing has greatly improved.The off the ball runs have been excellent, always seems to be an option for the man in possesion.This is a major part of our new found confidence,the players can actually see their quality,and they now believe they can overcome anyone or anything.

Thoughts?

Confidence.

When we have played well under Rafa our passing has been excellent.

When we've not been getting good results, it all gets a bit scrappy. Also, when Crouch was in the team we'd hit too many long balls when we were struggling - not his fault, but it did seem a problem at times.

I'd say the passing is improved.  But as CH says - no Crouch anymore makes a difference.  Kuyt, Keane and even Torres are all better with the ball at feet.

While Riera can ping in a decent cross he also does some really nice short passes together when he brings the ball in.

While Riera can ping in a decent cross he also does some really nice short passes together when he brings the ball in.

Agree although he does look a little lightweight and short of match fitness at the moment.I don't think he has completed 90 minutes as of now ?

At the start of the season - we were still playing too many long balls - hence our performances were sh*te but we were still getting the results.

Confidence and self-belief has now kicked in.

Also Riera and the form of Alonso has helped our passing.

No question about it our passing is so much better. I the game against Man City in the second half was a proper display of pass and move!!!!! We have always said Alonso is a great passer of the ball but just one great passer of the ball is not enough! Now we have 2 more great passers in Keane and Reira. Its beautiful to watch and its geting results!!!!

Keane brings creativity in front the opponet's goal box
Alonso is no doubt a pass master. Gerrard has fantastic long balls too.
The team plays more as a team now than they did last season. I'm happy with the squad except for the fact that Riise and Finnan are gone and we still have Voronin haha

Keane brings creativity in front the opponet's goal box
Alonso is no doubt a pass master. Gerrard has fantastic long balls too.
The team plays more as a team now than they did last season. I'm happy with the squad except for the fact that Riise and Finnan are gone and we still have Voronin haha

I agree it has. This struck me when we just conceded the second and instead of reverting back to the hoof ball, EVERYONE kept it on the ground, passed it around, waited for the opening and made great runs, even Jamie kept the ball on the ground for once. Was very impressed and it kicked on in the second.

 I agree that the passing has improved even more now that riera has come into the side even kuyts passing has got better i just wish he would work on his first touch!!

Not only has our passing improved but movement off the ball has greatly improved. Having Gerrard in a deeper role has benifited the whole team. Last season i felt Gerrards decision making when passing was not right. He tried too many long passes forward that ended up with the opposition or out of play. He seems to have worked on this. Also Benitez is sticking with the same formation so the players are getting used to playing regulary together. Lets just hope they can keep it going for a good title challenge this year.

Watching the game yesterday against Spurs i felt we passed the ball better then ever before. It was a real joy to watch. Its strange  when we play sh*te and win and then we play excellent passing flowing football and we lose. Frustrating or what.