Thanks Tim - love these articles. I have some random thoughts prompted by this.
Completely agree with the premise - the xg doesn't lie.
The reliance on one striker feels wrong in current times. We've seen the "expert" debate about the men's team needing a "No 9", despite them scoring 91 goals. In modern times from George to Arsene to Mikel, the answer has always been goals from midfield and defence (set pieces). Despite two of the most legendary strikers during that era, goals from others was notable (think Adams and Freddie). I think (Beth apart), the goals from midfield/wide is a big issue. You and Jamie have spoken at length about the imperative for set piece conversion. This is where I'd start.
The other thought is if you keep "the striker" quiet, or deny them service, the goals quickly dry up. We've seen in-game changes made by Jonas that have nullified Bunny Shaw despite her starting games strongly. It's different with Sam Kerr, but then again - she's different.
An additional concern within the Women's game is managing "load". Any team that wants to compete on all fronts (whilst having players committed to numerous international fixtures), must have this managed correctly, which also precludes relying on one.
Finally (apologies for length), Viv's impact at Arsenal is legendary, but apart from one season the team still finished 3rd each season under Joe.
Noel had a point though, the show had to go on and accommodating the mercurial singer/single-point-of-failure is a thing of the past.
I am going to need Katie McCabe to be delivering some She's electric levels of performance as she does at the Emirates. This team can't be putting out anymore stop crying your heart out levels. I wonder if cockiness is essentially the problem. The Kerr and Shaw style of 9 need an unshakeable cockiness to their scoring. Russo doesn't seem to have that yet.
Are we saying Jonas's Conti Cup wins are the footballing equivalent of Be Here Now, in that they were initially lauded, now they feel over rated to the point of detriment, but in 20 years via a retrospective they will be considered generally fine?
Whatever (pun possibly intended...) I just hope for everyone's sake Lessi isn't partaking in beer and crack benders to the same degree that Liam did back in the day. That would be suboptimal in our WSL title quest for sure
Thanks Tim - love these articles. I have some random thoughts prompted by this.
Completely agree with the premise - the xg doesn't lie.
The reliance on one striker feels wrong in current times. We've seen the "expert" debate about the men's team needing a "No 9", despite them scoring 91 goals. In modern times from George to Arsene to Mikel, the answer has always been goals from midfield and defence (set pieces). Despite two of the most legendary strikers during that era, goals from others was notable (think Adams and Freddie). I think (Beth apart), the goals from midfield/wide is a big issue. You and Jamie have spoken at length about the imperative for set piece conversion. This is where I'd start.
The other thought is if you keep "the striker" quiet, or deny them service, the goals quickly dry up. We've seen in-game changes made by Jonas that have nullified Bunny Shaw despite her starting games strongly. It's different with Sam Kerr, but then again - she's different.
An additional concern within the Women's game is managing "load". Any team that wants to compete on all fronts (whilst having players committed to numerous international fixtures), must have this managed correctly, which also precludes relying on one.
Finally (apologies for length), Viv's impact at Arsenal is legendary, but apart from one season the team still finished 3rd each season under Joe.
Noel had a point though, the show had to go on and accommodating the mercurial singer/single-point-of-failure is a thing of the past.
I am going to need Katie McCabe to be delivering some She's electric levels of performance as she does at the Emirates. This team can't be putting out anymore stop crying your heart out levels. I wonder if cockiness is essentially the problem. The Kerr and Shaw style of 9 need an unshakeable cockiness to their scoring. Russo doesn't seem to have that yet.
Yes I think there’s a lot to that. I think you need to know you’re the front person.
Are we saying Jonas's Conti Cup wins are the footballing equivalent of Be Here Now, in that they were initially lauded, now they feel over rated to the point of detriment, but in 20 years via a retrospective they will be considered generally fine?
Whatever (pun possibly intended...) I just hope for everyone's sake Lessi isn't partaking in beer and crack benders to the same degree that Liam did back in the day. That would be suboptimal in our WSL title quest for sure
Yes, no meth snorting on the side of the stage please, haha!