Originally Posted by Neil G
Possession stats can be misleading. How much ball retention consists of playing the ball sideways and backwards, whoever we're playing against?
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That's why i said it wasn't conclusive.
Originally Posted by Neil G
I know that, at least up until our winning run this season, I've found myself getting just as exasperated as I did under Houllier at seeing the man on the ball isolated and most of our players stood still instead of making a meaningful run. I find this particularly frustrating because of Rafa's emphasis on player fitness. Surely if our players have more stamina they should be able to run more off the ball when we're in possession, just as they do to close the opponents down when we're not?
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I haven't noticed this to the same extent as you. Generally speaking I think our movement and passing is better than it was under Houllier. As I said, in the new system the attacking four of Torres, Gerrard, Babel and Kuyt all have good movement off the ball, in my opinion, and the full backs get forward to support when they can. I would agree that the movement and effort was poor during the period when we were drawing at home and playing in the FA Cup games, and Marseille at home was the worst I've ever seen us play under Rafa, but in general I think this aspect of our play is steadily improving. Whether we improve to the level required to overhaul the Mancs and Chelsea is another question.
Finally, I think some uncharacteristically sloppy goals have been conceded, particularly from set pieces, and this has contributed to our downfall this season, e.g Aston Villa and Tottenham at home.