What did Gordon Strachan mean?

[Thunder Bolt]

EXACTLY

Plan A = retain possession of the ball and work an opening. Exploiting that opening includes the option of a HOLLYWOOD pass as well as an easier ball to someone 10 yards away.

We do mix it up and we did do last season as well. I wish some people would recognise that it's not the style of football that means we haven't scored tons of goals, it's the inept finishing.

We haven't lost a game where we scored first this season.

 

[Stat Brother]

We haven't lost a game where we scored first this season.

Which cuts both ways, but not winning when they score first goes right back to THE Donny game.

 

[Rich Suvner]

Which cuts both ways, but not winning when they score first goes right back to THE Donny game.

Incredible if that is true.

The good thing about playing either Swansea or Arsenal in next round is that they will likely give us some time on the ball - the bad thing is that they will probably use it more incisively than us when they have it - I'm thinking of the pace and movement that Liverpool had at the Amex last season, with Bellamy, Kuyt and Suarez. They should've been out of sight in the first half. That Prem quality against our lack of pace in defence can be deadly.

 

[Stat Brother]

Incredible if that is true.

Believe it man!

 

[Turkey]

I think those taking issue with Gordon are being very over sensitive. I didn't think it was meant as a criticism at all. We're very good at what we do, that's a compliment. To stop a team playing there way applies to any time. Besides, short memories people, he was massively pro new stadium live on tv for our play off final. Decent chap.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Switching right to left in a controlled long pass is different, but a general punt forward is not going to keep much control. I'm not putting my across at all well here!

That was well put! And a controlled long pass is only of value if you have players with a good first touch to receive it. That control by van Persie on Saturday was sublime.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

I think those taking issue with Gordon are being very over sensitive. I didn't think it was meant as a criticism at all. We're very good at what we do, that's a compliment. To stop a team playing there way applies to any time. Besides, short memories people, he was massively pro new stadium live on tv for our play off final. Decent chap.

I agree. He always strikes me as a decent chap. And I think he knows his onions.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

That was well put! And a controlled long pass is only of value if you have players with a good first touch to receive it. That control by van Persie on Saturday was sublime.

Much like the Greer Hollywood ball through to Bridge. That was controlled brilliance, as was the Giggs ball to Van Persie as you say. I don't know if you saw any of the Mansfield vs Liverpool game, but if you watched the Mansfield approach to the long ball game... Smack it into an area and make sure someone is chasing it. I'm sure there are plenty of managers still out there who believe that is the way, passion, desire, hard running etc... And there is deffinitely a time for that, Burnley at home last season for example! But generally speaking, I love watching our team be so organised, so good tactically and everyone knowing how we're trying to play. Unlike Newcastle who were individuals.

 

[Arthritic Toe]

Don't forget - this is the guy who thought Adam Virgo was worth 1.75M quid, which says a lot about his judgement.