[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=36136.msg953563#msg953563 date=1254233276]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=36136.msg953538#msg953538 date=1254229618]
[quote author=Fox link=topic=36136.msg953503#msg953503 date=1254226909]
I can't see how playing more attacking has influenced what goals we have let in when 90%+ of them are from corners and free kicks
Rafa will play with two non scoring CMs against bigger teams which will give us less goalscoring options again
Unless Aqua fella is more of a goal threat than Alonso was we will have the same problem as last year, struggle to score at home against defensive teams over the season
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That's almost a good point, the counter to that is the best means of defence is attack and we can only concede set pieces in dangerous areas if we are having to defend in our half
regards
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Not really. I think Vlad & Fox have missed something here. The reason we have conceded more goals from set pieces (9) than open play (0) is that we are now more susceptible to the counter attack since we spend a greater amount of time in the opponent's third of the pitch, which includes having Johnson and Insua in areas where they are unable to defend a break. This leads to more fouls etc. in our half by exposed defenders which may not have been necessary in previous seasons under Rafa.
So do we not commit ourselves as much as we are doing and tighten up defensively ? Or do we continue as we are, content that we can outscore the opposition ? It may well be this that Rafa is working on as much as better organisation when defending set pieces.
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I think it's twofold Froggy, we've always had an Achilles Heal defending balls into the box, particularly from setpieces. The system might work eventually but there are definitely drawn out periods of uncertainty, either though unfamiliarity, lacking genuine aerial threat or a real issue in getting to grips with the style of marking.
Maybe it's being exposed more now due to us attacking more and conceding more fouls, as you say, but it's always been an issue and while Insua and Johnson have proven themselves in terms of transforming our attacking play, I definitely think there's been some sacrifice of our defensive ability.
Arbeloa was a good, underrated defender who knew when to tuck in and create a three in the middle to restrict space, we don't really have that at the minute from our fullbacks.
