There has been a bit of talk about how well we've started the season, formations, clean sheets, etc. So I thought I'd chuck a few things out there as to why we've started so well (other than scoring more goals than the opposition). Here are my top 5 Stallion attributes for why we're on top of the world.
Communication
For 2 games in a row, our communication has been good. Players seem to know what everyone is doing around them. Passes are being made because the person on the ball knows who is on. The opposition are being tracked when we're defending, even those pesky late runners who come in the back door or on the edge of the box. All of that is down to communication - each person letting the rest of us know what he's up to, in defence and attack.
Patience
The last game epitomised this but it was present against Nth Wellington as well. In attack it is using the easy option instead of looking for the miracle ball. Passing backwards and take our time working the ball instead of looking to turn and beat the man everytime.
Off the ball more people are making themselves available for the pass back instead of rushing past the player and leaving them with no option. It is notable that of our 6 goals to date 50% of the assists have been away from goal (Aaron's 2 and Rob's). I could also include the penalty because Gus was running away from goal when he got chopped, and at a stretch the 2 oggies were at least supposed to be parallel to the goal line.
I'd be fascinated to know the number of consecutive passes we've had because I'd think it would be far higher this season than last.
Accuracy
Firstly, and most obviously, the shooting - at least by some in the team. Chance's are being created and they're being taken - as long as it's Aaron doing the taking.
However another example of accuracy is our passing and defence. Some good runs are being rewarded by some excellent passing. Some of this has to do with the above point, our passes are easier and people are making themselves available so they are reaching the target more often. But this notwithstanding there are some very nice direct balls being sent to feet and finding the right player.
Accuracy in defence is not about tackling but in keeping our feet and not allowing them to play. In the defensive 3rd we are swarming the man on the ball. The opposition is not given time and when we inevitably get the chance to clear it we do. So far no lame passes, no miss kicks. At the moment when we get the chance to clear it's gone.
Commitment
People are working hard, getting back in defence, tracking people, making tackles. Nough said
Power
The 2 oggies epitomise this point. Both crosses but hit with power that a deflection results in a goal. There have been some solid crosses going on that was only looking for a touch at the end of it and more goals would have been scored. The strikers are holding the ball up extremely well waiting for support and pushing off all comers. In the attacking 3rd that is what needs to keep happening - playing with intent.
In defence the same has been happening. Jason getting up and dominating the tall guy to a header against Nth Welly, Nick's hassling play and Lloyd getting back up after being decked are all examples
That is my top 5. Interested to hear what others think
3 comments:
And you were worried about doing a crap match report! Nice analysis. Agree with all your points. I reckon all you have said also equals more playing for each other. There has been much less getting upset when someone screws up and just hauling arse to help out and recover. There always seems to be someone about and willing to get you out of a tough situation
Hard to judge the quality of the opposition though. Something we have noticed in the central midfield is that we seem to be marking marking smaller, more skillful guys than last season - nowhere near as physical, we haven't been getting swamped in there (as happened with the magpies pre-season). Might change. Plus we are yet to play a young, fast side (according to the Wainui guy at the pub this could be Brooklyn).
Brooklyn young and fast? Must be a different team to the one we battled 4-5 years ago.
I think it's just a change in mentality as well. We are now looking first to the ball to feet through the middle of the park. There is also greater understanding in the final third of moving the ball and not taking pings from anywhere in kooie (with a couple of exceptions...I promise not to let my preseason goal get to my head anymore and will only try and shoot from outside the box if there is no passing option!). Scoring 6 goals over two games is pretty unheard of for us, and if I had been more clinical on a couple of occasions it could have been a lot more. I for one certainly feel better about making a run knowing that there is a good chance of the ball getting to me, as opposed to years gone past where the ball never used to make it forward consistantly. I think we're all loving our football at the moment, and even though it's only two games in, I'm loving looking at that table!!
Yeah agree with your comments too Tangi, I also think that you've been huge for us at the back. From what I've seen I'm gonna have to lift my game/standards to get back in the team. All the Stallions are playing well but it's only the start of the season. The commitment, determination and will to play for one another is evident and I can't wait to get on the field to have some of that action. Remember if we do go behind at anytime don't dog one another or lose the plot, but fight harder for one another.
Get stuck in this weekend lads, I won't be there as I'm in Melbourne.
Much love my Stallion brothers.
Post a Comment