Agree with this entirely and he also has the instinct to run through the high press line and travel with the ball up the pitch, which also negates the high press pressure. Hopefully that skillset can be worked on with the other defenders.

This is the secret to bypassing the press. You have 3 options, the short pass, the long pass or step up when they are pressing the pass rather than the person with the ball. You can’t just plod along with one option out the three because you will get found out.

Teams will sit back if they think they cannot successfully press you. Southampton were over us like a rash which put us under pressure. Kouyate doesn’t really inspire you as someone to receive the out ball either. I’m hoping we can get Macca or maybe Eze in alongside Gallagher and Hughes who are all confident on the ball.

could be triplets, separated at birth!

"It was a Team effort, I guess it took all players working together to lose this one"

So from the point CB was introduced, we played 4-4-2?

any indication of that going forward ? or a plan B when we need to get a goal?

-------- JB
JW -- JT -- MG -- TM
JA -- MH -- CG -- WZ
----- CB -- OE

"It was a Team effort, I guess it took all players working together to lose this one"