Really interesting watching that tonight and imagining how Boro might have coped.
Both Boro and Sunderland try to play football but the patterns of play are miles apart. In fact, I would argue that it was hard to see what exactly they were trying to do - other than get the ball to Roberts, Diallo or Clarke. Who then dribble aggressively. These 3 have individual talent (arguably more natural talent than McGree, Chuba and Forss?) but there was no structure to their play or movement. It all seemed to be off the cuff, as a result they couldn't build play or exert control. When Luton pressed them, they just didn't know what to do.
The big difference with Boro is that we have 3 or 4 different passing rotations that we use continuously. So when the pressure is applied, we have the 'muscle memory' to regain control of a match - the Sheff United game was a prime example. The occasions that Steffen takes his time with the ball as he waits for our players to get in position, or when McGree drops into 10 to receive passes from the centre half or when Chuba drops to receive the ball from Smith and create a triangle with CM and RM. Everything up to the final third is planned. Yes, sometimes it can look laboured but when we play with intent it can click like a machine.
I hope we beat Coventry tomorrow and Luton try to press us like they did Sunderland - we will pick them off all day long.
Both Boro and Sunderland try to play football but the patterns of play are miles apart. In fact, I would argue that it was hard to see what exactly they were trying to do - other than get the ball to Roberts, Diallo or Clarke. Who then dribble aggressively. These 3 have individual talent (arguably more natural talent than McGree, Chuba and Forss?) but there was no structure to their play or movement. It all seemed to be off the cuff, as a result they couldn't build play or exert control. When Luton pressed them, they just didn't know what to do.
The big difference with Boro is that we have 3 or 4 different passing rotations that we use continuously. So when the pressure is applied, we have the 'muscle memory' to regain control of a match - the Sheff United game was a prime example. The occasions that Steffen takes his time with the ball as he waits for our players to get in position, or when McGree drops into 10 to receive passes from the centre half or when Chuba drops to receive the ball from Smith and create a triangle with CM and RM. Everything up to the final third is planned. Yes, sometimes it can look laboured but when we play with intent it can click like a machine.
I hope we beat Coventry tomorrow and Luton try to press us like they did Sunderland - we will pick them off all day long.
