I really like the way we split our central defenders either side of Craig Gordon’s box at a goal kick. It induces teams to press us higher than they otherwise would, which opens up the game and allows us to build a quick break, but we’ve not got it right yet.
With his central defenders wide on the wings 6 yards from the goal-line, Craig will pass to them, but increasingly opponents push two attackers wide to cover this option. This forces Craig to seek one of our fullbacks, both of whom take up positions on the wing, near the halfway line.
This play is not a good use of the ball as possession is often lost. Worse, it’s lost while the opposition have men forward.
The space in front of the 18 yard box is crucially important. One of both of our central mids need to be there – close enough to collect a short pass and move it on. Look out for this happening. You’ll see a reticence in Craig to play short passes in a dangerous area, and in Scott (and whoever else) to want the ball in this position.
It’s dangerous, but when it works it’s transformational. Our old pal, Unai Emery, has built an impressive managerial career on getting this specific play right (it doesn’t lie behind any of PSG’s current woes).
Marking referees at corners
Another standard play against Celtic in recent months has been clearly visible when we defend corner kicks. Several Premiership teams are putting a player right in Craig Gordon’s midriff. Even before the kick is taken, the keeper is shoved and obstructed.
Craig always makes this situation highly visible. Theirs is shouting and shoving back. Arms flay, indignation peaks. But still, referees must be checking their Facebook status.
We are now unrecognisably better at defending corner kicks than we were a year ago, but if the keeper is fouled and the ball delivered into his zone, there is real danger. Two officials are employed to watch this area of play, how do we make one of them pay attention?
Craig answered this question last night by buying a yellow card for a necessary protest; a small price to pay in order to wake a dozing official from his slumber. Maybe if, as well as marking opponents at corners, we put a man on the referee, who could point and shout when the incident first arises?
Ridiculous, I know, but it might actually be effective.
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Out Sam 3.40 Doncaster to stop my disappointing run.
Good luck everyone.
Good morning all,COO STAR SIVOLA 3.25 Chelts .
Bet enough coo’s ,here’s another.hh
Good day and good luck to all.
16:35 Cheltenham
Drumcliff
Many clouds 2.15 Cheltenham
Cheltenham 12.35
More Buck’s
Cannae get beat
Auvergnat. 2 50 Cheltenham.
Caid Du Berlais in the 340 at Donny please HH
Shantou Flyer in 1.10 Cheltenham
sennockian star 3:35 Lingfield
Lads,
an amazing day’s racing ahead at Cheltenham, and I fancy that Old Guard could run a big race in the 16:00 (currently 28/1, and e/w the first 4 with Skybet), but my nap is another horse from the Paul Nicholls’ stable, with Sam T-D on board :
Romain de Senam (Doncaster 13:55)
Good luck everyone…
Cheers, fleagle1888
Regal encore
1-10 Chelt
Burren life 4.00 nass
Wholestone 3.25 Cheltenham
4.35 Cheltenham
John Constable
Best of luck to all
Cheers GFTB
Cheltenham 16:35
Drumcliff is a non-runner so I will take Byron Flyer in the same race.
14:35 @ Naas – Haymount – NAP!
Good luck everybody.
WILLIAM HENRY 3:25 Cheltenham…
Regards & Hail Hail
TBM
CONGRATULATIONS TO GWEEDORE CELT. HOPE YOU HAD A BUNDLE ON IT!
I missed the off,it’s a Saturday,company,hard to be ignorant all the time.
I missed the off for my back-up too,CAUSE OF CAUSES,so I’m going for
BIGBADJOHN 340 Don
We all remember the choon. There’s a 45 of my Dad’s kicking about somewhere. Oul’ git(!).
TOP OF THE GAME 3.25 C
Kotkikova in the Cheltenham 16;00 For Me
Good Luck to all
Hail Hail.
Cheers BMCW, I’ve been backing him for the last couple of years including getting him at 50’s for the National after he had disappointed in the Gold Cup. Sad to see that his never say die fighting spirit contributed to his death today.
GWEEDORECELT
Aw,no,seriously?
That is awful. I won and lost a few quid via a horse who had a great time doing what he does best. I’m really sad he won’t be in the National,for instance.
Hemmings will be struggling too. An owner whose horses are his babies.
I remember similar about ten years ago when the winner of The Eider at Newcastle,over 4m,collapsed after the finish. Hellish going,that day.
BMCW
Yes, a sad day for all those involved with Many Clouds and also for racing in general. As we know horses with that kind of attitude and fight are worth their weight in gold. It looks like I’ll need to search for another National horse.