Hoofball - instruction or preference?

[Brownie]

I love the way Arsene says "Yeeess", when he's agreeing with a reporter but doesn't think the point is in the least bit surprising or something to make a big deal about.

 

[monty]

Maybe they just dont trust young Jack.

But the defenders we have couldnt really be considered ball players. Lescott was comfortable on the ball and could run with it, but Yobo and Distin are just old fashioned defenders, I doubt Moyes instructs his players to hoof it into space.

that would explain why they do it, the space they hoof it to contains no blue shirt

 

[ToxtethBlue]

I've mentioned it before but it really is only Rodwell who comes towards the ball when we have possession and even he doesn't do it enough. He's the only player who can collect it, turn and actually distribute in deeper positions.

Both Cahill and Fellaini look for the ball in advanced positions which leaves and massive gap between the defensive midfielder and the two attacking players. Moyes should be instructing one of them to sit in and play alongside Rodwell as a two, instead of them both going forward and trying to win headers, which is ridiculous to be honest.

If you want to build and retain possession then we really do need two midfielders looking for the ball, like we did with Arteta and Neville last season, two players making angles for fullbacks and giving options to centre backs. It worked a treat, and Phil Neville uses the ball far better than people give him credit for.

But alot of it is to do with Moyes, our play from throw ins and set pieces especially. Everytime we get a set piece in the opposition half we just swing it into the box, even when the short option is there and there is a chance to build some momentum and string a few passes together.

Our throw ins are always forward and we always look for that flick on. We very rarely make short throws to feet or throw it back to the centre backs and start again, so to speak. There's no risk taking, it's percentage football really.

I heard a few posters saying they wanted us to be more direct a week or two ago, it really isn't the case, we are far too direct as it is. Against a side that's half decent in possession we really where exposed, as a fan who's interested in how we play it was a bit embarrassing to be honest, I've got to say.

 

[Neiler]

Think it was part of the game plan last night, batter them for the game - old English style - it worked in the first half to be fair - but they had it sussed in the second.

We didnt take our chances, simple as we could have been three up by half-time.

With all the doom and gloom lets not forget that the first half was a very good performence.

 

[Axlswhk]

Lescott was comfortable on the ball and could run with it, but Yobo and Distin are just old fashioned defenders, I doubt Moyes instructs his players to hoof it into space.

Distin did not hoof as much when he's at Portsmouth. I suspect Moyes gave some instruction about hoofing. Its like if this and that option is not available then hoof it, I'm not blaming you if you lose possession.
Unless Moyes don't mind, I just can't see him ignoring such poor approach.

 

[ForeverEverton]

You would think all of our players were able to play the ball on the floor, and playing the long ball with one upfront just does not make sense.

I agree I hate the hoofball with a passion, I dont want us to turn into the next Bolton or Wimbledon that every supporter hates due to the physical and lack of footballing ability

Bring in Tony Mowbray

 

[Muggins]

Maybe they just dont trust young Jack.

But the defenders we have couldnt really be considered ball players. Lescott was comfortable on the ball and could run with it, but Yobo and Distin are just old fashioned defenders, I doubt Moyes instructs his players to hoof it into space.

Lescott was never comfortable on the ball and could only just about run with it.

He has been terrible for City, it makes me so happy.

The rest i agree with.

 

[chicoazul]

Distin did not hoof as much when he's at Portsmouth. I suspect Moyes gave some instruction about hoofing. Its like if this and that option is not available then hoof it, I'm not blaming you if you lose possession.
Unless Moyes don't mind, I just can't see him ignoring such poor approach.

You got contacts inside the dressing room or you posting absolute tosh there pal?

 

[Axlswhk]

Like I say, I suspect. It's very hard to prove it one way or the other.
It's poor, ineffective and we lose possession more often than not. It's plain obvious and I'm surprise Moyes let it continue for so long. I guess theres some sort of endorsement from him in order to prevent silly mistake from overpassing at the back.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

I still can't believe people where happy with the first half display, it was very, very average. We barely strung 10 passes together, went long and Benfica looked on a different level - it was like a Premier League side playing a Championship side.

Distin isn't a hoofer, if there's an option infront of him he'll make that short pass. For the majority of the game his only passing option was Baines to his left and occasionally, Rodwell infront of the back four.

Yobo and Distin's defending was poor on the day but I can't really blame them for our distribution, the movement infront of them was shocking.