Early thoughts

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Only a friendly yes, but early observations:
-Parker set the team up in a 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 formation. One deep lying midfielder (Kilkenny) picking the ball up from deep to start making the play. Two midfielders in front playing in what I suppose you would call the traditional ‘number 8’ role.
-It was evident that SP wants the team to play with great intensity as a high pressing unit. While out of possession the team pushed up very high, when possession was lost the emphasis was on multiple players swarming the opposition to win the ball back as quickly as possible. It’s clear he wants the centre backs to push high and to be comfortable carrying the ball into midfield.
-the emphasis on the ball was on playing in small triangles in the wide areas to create an opening. Most/all of the opportunities we created were a result of combination play between the full back, the wide forward and the advanced midfielder on that side. He seemed to want the full backs to push very high up the pitch in order to create the opportunity for these triangles to develop.
-in terms of individual performances, Anthony really stood out for me. A lot of the players were (understandably) quite rusty, often taking a poor touch or holding on to the ball for too long. Anthony’s weight of pass and timing of when to release the ball was pretty spot on, this lead to a number of opportunities in the opening half. I like the fact that although he clearly has the ability to beat an opponent, his first inclination seems to be to find a team mate in a better position.
-The other stand out players for me were Ibsen Rossi, calm, composed and quick. He looked very comfortable and a couple of the long passes he sprayed were a joy to behold. Kyle Taylor also looked promising, getting very involved and constantly looking for the ball. Some very promising performances from the under 23s. All be it only a friendly against very ordinary opposition. A few of the senior pros looked a little rusty but is to be expected first game of pre season. I saw enough early signs today that Parker’s footballing philosophy has the potential to be entertaining if the players buy into it.
 
Only a friendly yes, but early observations:
-Parker set the team up in a 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 formation. One deep lying midfielder (Kilkenny) picking the ball up from deep to start making the play. Two midfielders in front playing in what I suppose you would call the traditional ‘number 8’ role.
-It was evident that SP wants the team to play with great intensity as a high pressing unit. While out of possession the team pushed up very high, when possession was lost the emphasis was on multiple players swarming the opposition to win the ball back as quickly as possible. It’s clear he wants the centre backs to push high and to be comfortable carrying the ball into midfield.
-the emphasis on the ball was on playing in small triangles in the wide areas to create an opening. Most/all of the opportunities we created were a result of combination play between the full back, the wide forward and the advanced midfielder on that side. He seemed to want the full backs to push very high up the pitch in order to create the opportunity for these triangles to develop.
-in terms of individual performances, Anthony really stood out for me. A lot of the players were (understandably) quite rusty, often taking a poor touch or holding on to the ball for too long. Anthony’s weight of pass and timing of when to release the ball was pretty spot on, this lead to a number of opportunities in the opening half. I like the fact that although he clearly has the ability to beat an opponent, his first inclination seems to be to find a team mate in a better position.
-The other stand out players for me were Ibsen Rossi, calm, composed and quick. He looked very comfortable and a couple of the long passes he sprayed were a joy to behold. Kyle Taylor also looked promising, getting very involved and constantly looking for the ball. Some very promising performances from the under 23s. All be it only a friendly against very ordinary opposition. A few of the senior pros looked a little rusty but is to be expected first game of pre season. I saw enough early signs today that Parker’s footballing philosophy has the potential to be entertaining if the players buy into it.
We conceded two unnecessary goals against pretty poor quality opposition though, which is a worry. Especially because there was a sense of dejavú about it. As if nothing at all has changed in that regard. I’d like to see us looking capable of keeping a clean sheet but today we looked far from solid. Hopefully Cookie coming back soon will help. I’d still like to see us splash out on CCV though !
 
I don't think you can judge that friendly as there didn't look like many first teamers on the highlights. Who scored Anthony, Surridge and whose the guy with the long hair got 2?
 
I don't think you can judge that friendly as there didn't look like many first teamers on the highlights. Who scored Anthony, Surridge and whose the guy with the long hair got 2?

Kyle Taylor. Impressive pre season two seasons ago but on loan last season. May benefit from another loan season at next level up from southend (L1)
 
Not much point judging on the basis of this game.

interesting that Scott Parker said it was the first game for some but second for others. Assume another behind closed doors friendly somewhere.
 
Not much point judging on the basis of this game.

interesting that Scott Parker said it was the first game for some but second for others. Assume another behind closed doors friendly somewhere.
In terms of the score line then yes I agree. But regardless of the quality of the opposition, it is still interesting and valid to make initial observations about the way Parker set up the team in and out of possession as it is likely to give a good indication of what he wants to implement going forwards.
 
We conceded two unnecessary goals against pretty poor quality opposition though, which is a worry. Especially because there was a sense of dejavú about it. As if nothing at all has changed in that regard. I’d like to see us looking capable of keeping a clean sheet but today we looked far from solid. Hopefully Cookie coming back soon will help. I’d still like to see us splash out on CCV though !
I think that’s harsh tbh. A game like this is all about trying to implement the new style in a game with no risks attached to it. He is trying to implement a new philosophy, and mistakes like this are probably essential to the learning process.
 
I think that’s harsh tbh. A game like this is all about trying to implement the new style in a game with no risks attached to it. He is trying to implement a new philosophy, and mistakes like this are probably essential to the learning process.
Pre season friendly s are about trying things, improving sharpness and fitness. Results mean bugger all. Not bothered if we lose 10-0 in every friendly or win 10-0
 
Didn't think that there was much difference in our out of possession play last night than how we played under Woodgate tbf......there was obviously much more emphasis on playing out from the back though and the full backs were a lot higher .... although that might have something to do with the quality of opposition
The one thing I found disappointing was the standard of passing..... it's all very well working hard off the ball but you still need to have some composure when we have it....a lot of our play looked quite rushed..... hopefully that will improve once the players get a bit sharper.
Anyway looking forward to Monday.
 
Something was said on AFCB TV that, for some of the lads, that was the second game of preseason.

What was the first game, I think I missed it.?
 
We conceded two unnecessary goals against pretty poor quality opposition though, which is a worry. Especially because there was a sense of dejavú about it. As if nothing at all has changed in that regard. I’d like to see us looking capable of keeping a clean sheet but today we looked far from solid. Hopefully Cookie coming back soon will help. I’d still like to see us splash out on CCV though !
I honestly can't believe that at £5m we haven't signed him yet. Maybe he's just not a Parker type signing
 
Didn't think that there was much difference in our out of possession play last night than how we played under Woodgate tbf......there was obviously much more emphasis on playing out from the back though and the full backs were a lot higher .... although that might have something to do with the quality of opposition
The one thing I found disappointing was the standard of passing..... it's all very well working hard off the ball but you still need to have some composure when we have it....a lot of our play looked quite rushed..... hopefully that will improve once the players get a bit sharper.
Anyway looking forward to Monday.
There was definitely a lot more emphasis on pressing as a unit while out of possession than under Woodgate. On this showing anyway.
 

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