[Albion] The Villa Goal - Defending set pieces

[Swansman]

While the defending on corners and free-kicks been bad generally this season, I thought it generally looked very good yesterday and this goal does not change it. When you defend against 12 corners and 18 free kicks, occasionally you'll concede a goal no matter how good you are.

 

[portslade seagull]

Staying rooted inside the 6 yard box is how Ryan plays with regards to corners and free kicks, Not sure this can be coached out of him now. As others have said can see Sanchez getting more games

 

[London Irish]

The Villa goal yesterday, it was Webster's player who was left free and I've seen various comments of 'why didn't he go with him', 'Webster needs to wake up' etc

However, Webster was deliberately blocked by a Villa player coming in the opposite direction from an offside position, meaning his player, who was onside, got away. This has happened more than once this season and is, I believe, perceived as a weakness and worked on by the opposition in training. (Particularly teams like Villa, who will throw themselves to the floor every opportunity).

So, what do we do to counter it ?

Play defenders who don’t get bullied so easily?