The shooting issue

[alwaysaclaret]

There was a clear instance last night where a shot would absolutely have been a better option, Jadon Anthony had a clear shot on but chose to pull the back into a melee of player's, he was about 8 yds from goal, OK a bit of a tight angle but on the run and surely would have got a decent shot off. Yes other instances also, both him and Edwards are just passing too many opportunities up imo, countless times where a shot would surely have been a better option than to try a pull back into a crowded area, it's just not working imo to continue without occasionally mixing it up and getting a shot off, other teams do it, and on lot's of occasions the ball is in the back of the net, it's the difference in having 3 or 4 more wins on the board instead of the typical 0-0 we witnessed last night. OK, of course lot's get blocked, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Darnhill Claret]

Perhaps a classic hindsight post.
Difficult to argue against, as he didn't manage to pick out a teammate.
I think our greatest achievement at Derby, was not to concede, despite not seeming to have a player who is aerially dominant. A truly battling defensive display. Up front we played a little narrower than usual. Foster's introduction might have gone some way to resolving that issue but we'll never know not.

[alwaysaclaret]

Perhaps a classic hindsight post.
Difficult to argue against, as he didn't manage to pick out a teammate.
I think our greatest achievement at Derby, was not to concede, despite not seeming to have a player who is aerially dominant. A truly battling defensive display. Up front we played a little narrower than usual. Foster's introduction might have gone some way to resolving that issue but we'll never know not.

As it turned out agree it was probably our greatest achievement not to concede, given Derby's plan and aerial dominance etc, but this shooting thing has gone on all season, how many times on the turf throughout the season have we been screaming shoot, yes I get that Parker wanted to put he's stamp on how he wanted to play and to instill that mindset through the squad etc, but that's done so to speak and as the season has progressed and especially at this stage of the season we need to be taking the chance to gamble when it comes. Also agree foster may have given us that bit extra we needed had he not got injured. There's also a school of thought that the 0-0s are what stands us apart from the rest, but there's 5 games left, time to gamble and pull the trigger imo.

[blatherwickstattoos]

We will need some better attacking players in the summer if we go up. Sergent from Norwich for me

[Dark Cloud]

Old issues surfaced last night (imo) and hopefully it's only a one off, temporary blip, but it's the issue we had, largely pre Edwards, where teams turn up with some very big units who are strong, tough, resilient, uncompromising and very physical and we struggle to make any real impact and simply appear far too lightweight. It's happened so many times this season. There's a reason why we haven't scored a goal in 180 minutes+ against either Derby or Preston (for example) and several other poorish, also ran teams. Last night it did take Derby about 30 minutes to find their feet and that was our opportunity, but we didn't capitalise and after that we were simply bullied pretty much all over the pitch (I actually thought Anthony had gone off after the first 30 minutes!) The teams who actually try to play proper football , with better players are perversely the ones we've been better against, because you will never out play this Burnley team (not withstanding Sunderland at home!). Edwards is our key to games like last night and he couldn't cope with their physicalilty either was poor unfortunately and that meant it turned into another of our "never score if we play all week" games.

[Goliath]

We will need some better attacking players in the summer if we go up. Sergent from Norwich for me

Sergeant flopped in the prem. It'd be a hell of a risk to spend the 10 to 20 mill it'd cost to see whether it'd be any different this time

[dibraidio]

There were definitely occasions where a player shot when a team mate was better placed and calling for the ball.

[warksclaret]

For me one issue is we have two camps in the starting 11-those consistently good every game ie Trafford, Esteve, CJ, Cullen, Anthony,and to some degree Roberts. Then we have the other camp who are inconsistent and key in this group is Brownhill. When he is on his game he usually scores and we win , however Josh can go several games and be out of the game each time .To a lesser degree Pires, Laurent, Edwards, Fleming, Foster all in this category too. This is in no way a criticism, more an observation, as I appreciate players have good and off days

[Ampth7]

Attacking is the hardest part of the game to get right and there is no doubt that we have toiled in attack at various points throughout the season. The high number of 0-0’s support this statement.

I think that because we are so disciplined and rigid, with everyone working hard to defend we do sometimes lack an outlet in transition meaning by the time we get up to their penalty area, they are back in defence with everyone behind the ball.

I had hoped Koleosho would help with his speed and directness, but he seems to have lost a yard of pace post injury and clearly his confidence isn’t great just now. A shame really because all the signs pointed to him being too good for this league.

We also don’t seem to have that bit of quality, flair, creativity in midfield to regularly open up a tight defence although Edwards has certainly helped with this. Someone like Ramsey or Tresor would have been perfect for this type of role but I suspect it might be too late for them to make an impact owing to the sheer amount of time they have been out injured. I hope I am wrong because we are going to need someone to step up now that Foster is probably done for the season.

[beddie]

On previous posts similar to this one I’ve mentioned the lack of shots on goal. In a number of games this season we’ve created some brilliant openings in the box but instead of shooting the player decided to pass it, often coming to nothing.

[dandeclaret]

There was a clear instance last night where a shot would absolutely have been a better option, Jadon Anthony had a clear shot on but chose to pull the back into a melee of player's, he was about 8 yds from goal, OK a bit of a tight angle but on the run and surely would have got a decent shot off. Yes other instances also, both him and Edwards are just passing too many opportunities up imo, countless times where a shot would surely have been a better option than to try a pull back into a crowded area, it's just not working imo to continue without occasionally mixing it up and getting a shot off, other teams do it, and on lot's of occasions the ball is in the back of the net, it's the difference in having 3 or 4 more wins on the board instead of the typical 0-0 we witnessed last night. OK, of course lot's get blocked, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

You’re right, whatever they are doing is clearly not working, as they sit (checks notes) level on points at the top of the table.


Definitely not working.

[TopCat]

We will need some better attacking players in the summer if we go up. Sergent from Norwich for me

And me.

[alwaysaclaret]

You’re right, whatever they are doing is clearly not working, as they sit (checks notes) level on points at the top of the table.


Definitely not working.

Yet another eh !!

I'm simply referring to a specific part of our game, that would probably have given us 6 or so more points had we taken a gamble and got a shot in here and there imo.

[claretonthecoast1882]

If just having shots meant you would win more games Sheff Utd fans must be very puzzled.

25 shots they had last night and didn't even draw, they have also scored 1 goal more than us in 41 games.

Sometimes you just don't win.

[fidelcastro]

I think we can tell who the posters are that screech "SHOOOOT!!!" at games every time a player is within 35 yards of goal!

[alwaysaclaret]

We will need some better attacking players in the summer if we go up. Sergent from Norwich for me

Agree, but not sure Sargent is the answer, although possibly that bit more of an out and out striker than either foster or Flemming.

[Woodleyclaret]

We need to shoot when near not playing this tippy tappy rubbish then loosing the ball

[alwaysaclaret]

If just having shots meant you would win more games Sheff Utd fans must be very puzzled.

25 shots they had last night and didn't even draw, they have also scored 1 goal more than us in 41 games.

Sometimes you just don't win.

Or maybe their just not on target, but if you don't have a go you'll never know, especially when your about 8 yds out.

[Vino blanco]

I said at the end of last season that we needed two new strikers. I said the same in the summer transfer window, then said the same in the January window. I hope you don’t find it boring if I say the same goes for next season, whatever division we are in.

[jojomk1]

If just having shots meant you would win more games Sheff Utd fans must be very puzzled.

25 shots they had last night and didn't even draw, they have also scored 1 goal more than us in 41 games.

Sometimes you just don't win.

You're not going to win if you don't have a go at shooting

We have drawn 16 games this season and scored just 4 goals in those 16 games

Just hope that stat doesn't come back to haunt us

[exilecanada]

You're not going to win if you don't have a go at shooting

We have drawn 16 games this season and scored just 4 goals in those 16 games

Just hope that stat doesn't come back to haunt us

It's been quite obvious for some time all those draws would come back to haunt us eventually. If we'd won just 3 of those draws against teams near the bottom we'd be sitting pretty.

[exilecanada]

This tippy tappy football drives me crazy, I've lost count how many times I've screamed 'shooooot' at my telly. Edwards is one of the worst offenders, he always wants to beat one more man rather than taking a pop at goal.

[alwaysaclaret]

This tippy tappy football drives me crazy, I've lost count how many times I've screamed 'shooooot' at my telly. Edwards is one of the worst offenders, he always wants to beat one more man rather than taking a pop at goal.

Just the same as Koleosho, beat the man, step back and try to beat him again and inevitably lose the ball, so frustrating.

[boyyanno]

It's been quite obvious for some time all those draws would come back to haunt us eventually. If we'd won just 3 of those draws against teams near the bottom we'd be sitting pretty.

What a bizarre comment.

[dandeclaret]

It’s like when people in the ground shout shoot, then groan when the shot goes wide……. You didn’t mean shoot did you? You meant score…..

[Claretnick]

Another bizarre thread!
What's haunting us?
Are we joint top and 2 points clear of 3rd place and at least guaranteed to be in the play offs?
Or am I missing something?

[Turftalkers mentor]

What a bizarre comment.

It’s true that 12 no score draws now had we been more adventurous and won three or four we would have had he job practically done by now

[Elizabeth]

The psychology in this is really straightforward. I'll explain it to those who are wondering why there has been so much emphasis on yesterday's scoreline.
Fans who yearn for their club to be promoted worry that one 0-0 result will inevitably lead to more 0-0 results that will result in no promotion
This is more common when their club has a recent history of past 0-0 results .
It's a difficult task to re-assure these types that the past does not dictate the future.
I do think we should shoot more but I always think that

[boyyanno]

It’s true that 12 no score draws now had we been more adventurous and won three or four we would have had he job practically done by now

Why stop there? Had we have won 10 more we could be on the beach already.

[alwaysaclaret]

Another bizarre thread!
What's haunting us?
Are we joint top and 2 points clear of 3rd place and at least guaranteed to be in the play offs?
Or am I missing something?

Just as bizarre a comment, have you read the thread through, and the original post ?

Point being, had we taken a shot when in a position to do so, we could and should be a few points better off imo, yes of course we are where we are, and if we're honest, most would have bitten your hand off so to speak if offered that at the beginning of the season, but a few shots instead of persistently trying to find a man in a crowded 6 yd box would have potentially given us 3 or 4 wins instead of the 0-0 draws we've got. I've specifically mentioned in particular an instance of Jadon Anthony being within about 8 yds of goal last night, on a tight angle with a clear shot at goal, yet instead put the ball into a crowded area with a close to zero chance of anyone getting on the end of it. What's bizarre about a thread highlighting that, and other such instances of the same thing throughout the season.

[alwaysaclaret]

The psychology in this is really straightforward. I'll explain it to those who are wondering why there has been so much emphasis on yesterday's scoreline.
Fans who yearn for their club to be promoted worry that one 0-0 result will inevitably lead to more 0-0 results that will result in no promotion
This is more common when their club has a recent history of past 0-0 results .
It's a difficult task to re-assure these types that the past does not dictate the future.
I do think we should shoot more but I always think that

Absolutely a fair point, but could definitely end up being the difference come the end of the season.

[Conroy92]

People keep saying this about the draws and citing them as reason we won't go up.

Yet If we do go up, will it not be true that the draws saw us over the line.

Id suggest before people start blaming the draws, they wait to see what happens.

[Conroy92]

Just as bizarre a comment, have you read the thread through, and the original post ?

Point being, had we taken a shot when in a position to do so, we could and should be a few points better off imo, yes of course we are where we are, and if we're honest, most would have bitten your hand off so to speak if offered that at the beginning of the season, but a few shots instead of persistently trying to find a man in a crowded 6 yd box would have potentially given us 3 or 4 wins instead of the 0-0 draws we've got. I've specifically mentioned in particular an instance of Jadon Anthony being within about 8 yds of goal last night, on a tight angle with a clear shot at goal, yet instead put the ball into a crowded area with a close to zero chance of anyone getting on the end of it. What's bizarre about a thread highlighting that, and other such instances of the same thing throughout the season.

Your completely wrong. Points on the board is better than therotical different results. Those points gained see us above Sheffield united. That's all that matters. Right now. We are above them. Had they been wins, yes, we could be higher. Had they been losses, yes, we could be lower.

[CoolClaret]

It’s true that 12 no score draws now had we been more adventurous and won three or four we would have had he job practically done by now

It doesn't quite work like that though.

What makes you think that being more adventurous in those games would have resulted in wins and not draws? Not to mention, chasing wins with multiple tweaks early in the season wouldn't have set us up for where we are now in our shape/play style.

Rock 'n' Roll football doesn't win leagues.

[alwaysaclaret]

Your completely wrong. Points on the board is better than therotical different results. Those points gained see us above Sheffield united. That's all that matters. Right now. We are above them. Had they been wins, yes, we could be higher. Had they been losses, yes, we could be lower.

Doesn't make me completely wrong.

[BleedingClaret]

There was a clear instance last night where a shot would absolutely have been a better option, Jadon Anthony had a clear shot on but chose to pull the back into a melee of player's, he was about 8 yds from goal, OK a bit of a tight angle but on the run and surely would have got a decent shot off. Yes other instances also, both him and Edwards are just passing too many opportunities up imo, countless times where a shot would surely have been a better option than to try a pull back into a crowded area, it's just not working imo to continue without occasionally mixing it up and getting a shot off, other teams do it, and on lot's of occasions the ball is in the back of the net, it's the difference in having 3 or 4 more wins on the board instead of the typical 0-0 we witnessed last night. OK, of course lot's get blocked, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

We are proper shot shy

[Wile E Coyote]

The psychology in this is really straightforward. I'll explain it to those who are wondering why there has been so much emphasis on yesterday's scoreline.
Fans who yearn for their club to be promoted worry that one 0-0 result will inevitably lead to more 0-0 results that will result in no promotion
This is more common when their club has a recent history of past 0-0 results .
It's a difficult task to re-assure these types that the past does not dictate the future.
I do think we should shoot more but I always think that

from a heavily wine stained manual I assume, utter gibberish.

[Elizabeth]

No, in fact it's from the heavily stained bedwetters manual. You may or may not have a copy.

[Guppyspotter]

Yes we might have had more wins rather than 0-0 draws and gained more points but what effect would that have made in turning those 0-0's into losses. It's fine speculating on one side of the game but without the same analysis on what the opponents would have achieved is fatuous nonsense.

[alwaysaclaret]

Yes we might have had more wins rather than 0-0 draws and gained more points but what effect would that have made in turning those 0-0's into losses. It's fine speculating on one side of the game but without the same analysis on what the opponents would have achieved is fatuous nonsense.

Best to stick with the 0-0 draws then, and potentially miss out on promotion, and then we'll be really screwed as we're £81m in debt, Pace can walk away any time he likes debt free, the club is left with the debt. Point being, in terms of survival going forward, we HAVE to go up. Yes, wrong thread, but just saying.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Let's hope we shoot loads tomorrow, regardless of the result, league position or going further clear of 3rd.... let's just shoot.

Bit of Mike Bassett culture 4-4-2, bang it forward and shoot from anywhere

[Rileybobs]

Someone should have written Scott Parker a letter to advise him to win the games that we ended up drawing. Think how many more points we’d be be on now if we had won all of those games. Fortunately for us as things stand Wilder also didn’t get the memo and stupidly lost to Millwall on Tuesday when they could have just won.

[dandeclaret]

Best to stick with the 0-0 draws then, and potentially miss out on promotion, and then we'll be really screwed as we're £81m in debt, Pace can walk away any time he likes debt free, the club is left with the debt. Point being, in terms of survival going forward, we HAVE to go up. Yes, wrong thread, but just saying.

You surely judge the season as a whole, not just on the nil nils. In sport, there's never a perfect season. if every team made the right decision all the time, it wouldn't be sport. Stop your panic, and enjoy a team that gives it's all, and is in a very good league position.

[blatherwickstattoos]

Sergeant flopped in the prem. It'd be a hell of a risk to spend the 10 to 20 mill it'd cost to see whether it'd be any different this time

Was a teenager in a very poor team. He’s come on loads. Norwich have scored more goals than us this season too.

[alwaysaclaret]

You surely judge the season as a whole, not just on the nil nils. In sport, there's never a perfect season. if every team made the right decision all the time, it wouldn't be sport. Stop your panic, and enjoy a team that gives it's all, and is in a very good league position.

Of course, as in "it wouldn't do for everyone to be the same".
But we're only in a very good position if promotion comes to fruition, such is our financial position, re alks buy out. But then I could also pose the question, how much of the promotion money goes towards paying off the debt. The financial situation is the overriding issue, hence my concerns about whether 3 or 4 0-0 draws could have been wins had we have had a few more shots on goal if and when in a position to do so.

[boyyanno]

Of course, as in "it wouldn't do for everyone to be the same".
But we're only in a very good position if promotion comes to fruition, such is our financial position, re alks buy out. But then I could also pose the question, how much of the promotion money goes towards paying off the debt. The financial situation is the overriding issue, hence my concerns about whether 3 or 4 0-0 draws could have been wins had we have had a few more shots on goal if and when in a position to do so.

But maybe we wouldn't have scored other goals and therfore achieved different results if our attacking plan was shoot on sight as opposed to try and work towards creating a clear cut chance?

[alwaysaclaret]

But maybe we wouldn't have scored other goals and therfore achieved different results if our attacking plan was shoot on sight as opposed to try and work towards creating a clear cut chance?

Aye reight then.

[It Is What It Is]

Far too many shots ballooning over the bar this season.
If you keep your head above the ball when you shoot, pure physics dictate that the ball will have more chance of hitting the goal than the top tier of JM stand.
Told that at junior school in 1959... physics doesn't change

[Conroy92]

Personally Im disappointed alwaysaclaret wasn't given the job ahead of Parker. Just think where we would be winning every game. I'm wondering if the club can bring him in for the rest of the season so he can tell the players to disregard parkers style and shoot on sight.

[boatshed bill]

Not enough diving headers for my liking