Analysis of the goals conceded against Everton (9/12)
Pienaar’s goal – a long ball forward is flicked on, and Lloris shouts and comes to claim it. Caulker clears straight to an Everton player (Naismith) and, after another attempted clearance, Everton force the ball wide to Coleman. His cross falls nicely for Pienaar to plant his header into the far corner.
As a long ball is flicked on, Lloris screams at his defence and comes to claim the ball.
Caulker panics and clears the ball. Could this be related to what we were saying last week about the chopping and changing of Lloris and Friedel, two goalkeepers who would behave very differently in this situation?
Naismith attempts to get the ball back into the box; it is cleared by Vertonghen, but straight to Naismith again, who forces it wide to Coleman.
Dempsey has tucked in, meaning that Coleman is unmarked. Vertonghen comes out to meet him, but he is able to stand a cross up.
Pienaar meets it on the charge, untracked by Walker and Sigurdsson (?).
His header is low and powerful and bounces up awkwardly to beat Lloris and go into the bottom corner.
Jelavic’s goal – another long ball is flicked on in acrobatic fashion by Vellios, and Jelavic sneaks in behind Gallas to strike low and first time beneath Lloris’ grasp.
Everton take a quick throw-in and Gibson has space to receive the ball.
Gibson launches a long ball into the box towards the substitute, Vellios.
Vellios competes and helps the ball on…
…and whilst Gallas raises his arm to appeal for offside, Jelavic beats the trap and finishes first time beyond Lloris.
He is afforded far too much room by Gallas and Walker and his first time effort goes in, despite Lloris getting desperately close to saving it.
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Obviously he's young and will make mistakes while learning, but he's not very comfortable on the ball- tends to wallop it into touch even when there's time to get it under control and distribute, like Kaboul/ Vertonghen would.
Agree that his distribution hasn't been so good lately, but think it's harsh to say he's not comfortable on the ball - I think he's generally very good at bringing the ball out.
Irrespective of who is in goal, if the keeper shouts that he is going to claim it, then you as a defender need to listen and trust your keeper. I blame Caulker for the first with no blame to Loris and obviously Gallas for the second.
Basically that's just really bad luck that they a) managed to get the first cross in and it was decent, b) the guy got that jammy connection on it so it flew right across the penalty spot, c) Jelavic is a good finisher.
The bigger problem is this withdrawing and not closing down these long balls before they're delivered. When their midfielders/wingers get to stop the ball, look up, and place their crosses - time after time - you're going to get punished.
It's not as if it's the first time, either: as has been pointed out, elsewhere, if all the games this season had finished after 80 minutes, we'd be top of the league...
Generally, I feel we have a problem defending so deep and giving our opposition a chance and it has lots to do in my opinion of the zone you allow play at critical parts of a game. In this light, Spurs allow the opposition to play in their last quarter(box area)in the last 10 minutes instead of pushing away from their box. This is fundamental problem. If you defend so deep and allow in crosses into your box, the opposition will have a chance and until this is sorted, we stand to see more goals conceded in the last 10 minutes and spoil whatever work you have done all through the game.
Most good teams will play the last 10 minutes in the opposition half and nullify the opposition in the midfield. Siggy and Huddlestone have a big problem defensively and don't hold onto the ball. Adebayor never troubled the central defenders and when Lorris kicked out the defenders were unchallenged and easily started another attack. If this is sorted, we will be back on top as the guys are playing well and should be winning more games easily.
Can't wait to see Benny back and Vetonghen in the middle with preferably Kaboul. Not sure long term injuries ever come back the same. but how's about:
Lloris, Walker, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Benny
Lennon, Sandro, Parker, Bale
Adebayor,Defoe
Bench: Caulker, Dawson, Friedel, Townsend, Carroll, Huddlestone, Falque