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This rant is not just based on tonight's FA Cup tie against Southampton, but on this season in general.
A disclaimer before I begin - I'm a very pleased with tonight's 0-3 result and the chances we are creating give me reason to be very optimistic.
Still.....
We have been creating a lot of nice chances this season, bu have failed to make them pay.
The main reason for this is the decision-making of our attacking players.
It would seem to me that they are taking turns to be selfish or unselfish at the wrong time.
When there's a good chance to play a through ball for a team mate, we see the player with the ball hesitate and look for a more "specteculr" / "impressive" option.
In the case of Nani, he seem to run into trouble on purpose. Where a simple touch would take him past an opponent and into acres of space, he insists on running closer to the opponent and ultimately loses the ball.
IN the penalty area, we see players shooting when they should be passing and passing when they should be shooting.
We see them trying to play in their "amigos" when another team mate is much better placed and would have a much better chance.
We see players of all age doing silly flicks and tricks, when simple passes are more appropriate. Giggs would be a good example here.
I could go on, but think I've let out most of the steam I had.
What gives me hope, is the type of football we can be capable of and the thought that when these young players finally get over themselves and REALLY, REALLY start playing for the team, we're going to see some smoking hot football.
I mean, we're going to see some truly inspirational football like from the 90's.
Right now, our attacking players are relatively young, so when they learn when to do what skill and when their passing and reading of the game, as well as team mates' movement becomes better, it truly going to be samba time.
Till then, I'll try to remind myself of the future potential while i'm being frustrated by our young reds.
A disclaimer before I begin - I'm a very pleased with tonight's 0-3 result and the chances we are creating give me reason to be very optimistic.
Still.....
We have been creating a lot of nice chances this season, bu have failed to make them pay.
The main reason for this is the decision-making of our attacking players.
It would seem to me that they are taking turns to be selfish or unselfish at the wrong time.
When there's a good chance to play a through ball for a team mate, we see the player with the ball hesitate and look for a more "specteculr" / "impressive" option.
In the case of Nani, he seem to run into trouble on purpose. Where a simple touch would take him past an opponent and into acres of space, he insists on running closer to the opponent and ultimately loses the ball.
IN the penalty area, we see players shooting when they should be passing and passing when they should be shooting.
We see them trying to play in their "amigos" when another team mate is much better placed and would have a much better chance.
We see players of all age doing silly flicks and tricks, when simple passes are more appropriate. Giggs would be a good example here.
I could go on, but think I've let out most of the steam I had.
What gives me hope, is the type of football we can be capable of and the thought that when these young players finally get over themselves and REALLY, REALLY start playing for the team, we're going to see some smoking hot football.
I mean, we're going to see some truly inspirational football like from the 90's.
Right now, our attacking players are relatively young, so when they learn when to do what skill and when their passing and reading of the game, as well as team mates' movement becomes better, it truly going to be samba time.
Till then, I'll try to remind myself of the future potential while i'm being frustrated by our young reds.