Quote Originally Posted by Mark_Ross View Post
If only it were that simple. I don't claim to understand how goals are made or have any great insight.

However, one thing occurs to me - watching games at various levels down the years. The team dominating the possession passes it around endlessly, going from side to side, back a bit then forward a bit, side to side, and so on again. There is no way through. It seems like the defenders have it all covered.

Suddenly there is a spark! Somebody creates an opening. How does this happen? Perhaps they spot a chink in the defensive armour. Perhaps wearing them down mentally & physically is a part of this, but making that opening is about skill (obviously), vision, speed of thought & co-ordinated action.
Agree, with both Durham Pie and Mark_Ross. However, I think passing the ball forward is the easy bit.

Receiving a ball in central midfield, turning in a tight space, and spotting the offensive opportunities is one of the hardest things in football. A few names who have more than most in this regard: Matty Palmer, Mark Draper or Don Masson. I'm sure others can name many more.

Balancing this with the need for energy in midfield, makes it all the harder to get the right balance.

Nothing against any of our current midfielders, but since losing Matty Palmer, we haven't got the right blend.