Fantastic performance last night. You can see the team is beginning to gel and become more familiar with the style of play Steve is implementing. Here’s to a good season ahead!
A very good performance, but Poole didn't work hard mentally, and that is required to be consistent. Previous games consisted of players sticking to a plan, creating well thought out openings. This one, showed players who just had the impression, that things would come good automatically. They all switched off towards the end, and could've lost it. Plymouth never switch off, but when you give them time to deal with individuals, they will stop you playing. All 11 should've been playing as a team; creating problems and making them chase the ball. There were no powerful charging runs from midfield, nor the quick link up play, which opened up defences. To win, you have to work as a team. Individually, you can't go through the 90 and be as effective. This could get worse.
Poole are enjoying a purple match, and showing the best form in the league. Players are now uncompromising, in terms of wanting possession, but the work ethic and creativity among the entire team puts any other side at a disadvantage. When Poole dictate the pace, other sides can't match them. Beaconsfield weren't as bad as their manager said. They play a passing game, which relies more on technique than a player's will to win the ball. The defence had no answers, and weren't up for the battle, although the forward play was good, but wasteful. They have to realise the position they're in, and points are vital. The defence never looked confident about winning the ball off attackers, and the forwards seem to think passing the ball to their main striker was enough. They need to become fearless in defence, and move the ball around better upfront. They have a great chance to outplay Plymouth, but Winchester won't be as relentless as Poole. They like to keep hold of the ball, but the defence has to outwork and be better. A different test, but if they do their jobs, gaps will open up for the midfield to play in the forwards. Beaconsfield are very good from midfield upwards, but the defence are like a team from the league below.
That performance was driven by the dire need for points, but if the same attitude isn't shared by all 11, it will be certain relegation. Poole had more energy and wanted the ball much more, but the entire side ran Winchester ragged, and gave a football lesson in class. The chances created were sublime, but another repeat needs all 11 at the same level of motivation. Poole have the players and the game, but do they have the mental toughness to continue when things don't come so easy. It needs all 11. Only 10 and you'll lose.
Problem Poole have af present, is the players all appear they aren't permanent, so team cohesiveness is missing. They never stop attacking, but this allows gaps at the back, and the weakness in team.is in defence. You are leaking goals, and too much attacking.There's your problem.
Poole can make the game against Plymouth either easy or not possible. They will sit back for 90 mins, and have the ability to make quick one touch passes which can open.up any side. Your team will have to dominate their box, because they are near impossible to break down. If Poole try to play past them in defence, simply, you will lose. The game will either be won or lost inside their own penalty box. This is where they make penetrating passes from. They are quick and will catch you out. This team wants opponents to attack them deep. They are well organised, and set a trap. They will double up and win back possession. This team's defence is like the Arsenal one under Wenger.
