Defending from the front - work rate

[Flasher]

This is the first time in years that I feel we are defending from the front, at pace. The work rate of the likes of Bellamy, Kuyt, even players like Gonzalez and Pennant is superb.

 

Gonzalez in particular is excellent at winning the ball back if he makes a mistake. He never gives up.

 

It's been a long time in my eyes since we played this way, and having the pace in the team is an obvious reason for it happening now, but long may it continue. It makes such a difference.

 

I've always felt that we struggle when teams put us under pressure with their attackers when we've got the ball in defence. It's great to see us doing the same now. It will take a lot of pressure of the back four and Alonso/Momo.

 

Having said that, I thought Gerrard's running up top left Alonso exposed a bit too much against West Ham. Need to find the right balance there.

[Guest Paris 81]

Good post. I thought Bellamy was terrific and his work rate and tracking back was superb. And now with Kuyt we have two players who love to defend from the front which takes the pressure off the midfield and defence

 

I'm not too worried about the Gerrard and Alonso partnership just yet. They are both still not at peak match fitness and the defensive side of their game and workrate will improve when they are back to full fitness.

 

Plus, when you have a more attacking approach you are always going to be left a little short in midfield against decent counter attacking sides. You just hope then that your defence is good enough to cope.

Edited August 30, 2006 by Paris 81

[The Hitman]

Just like Rushie used to!!