Quote Originally Posted by kill_the_drum View Post
How have Forest proved that?
They?re 7th behind 6 teams that all play through the lines!
Villa were in the bottom 3 when Emery took over. He took virtually the same squad into Europe playing possession based football Vs the direct approach that Gerrard had them playing.
Our style has not been the issue. Ultimately, the only thing that matters is how many times you stick the ball in the net Vs how many times the opposition do it.
We had 24 chances Vs Cheltenham and lost the game. No other style of play is going to create more chances. We just didn?t have the minerals at each end of the pitch, over the course of the season, to get us in the top 3.
Forest were expected to struggle. They haven't got the players to play in the same way as City, so instead have looked at an alternative which exploits the attributes of their squad. It's been very effective. Up until 12-18 months ago, I'd say there was no doubt that Man City were the team to replicate. Now, I'm not so sure. 70% possession and poor form Vs 30% possession and consistently good results. Our possession game has been ineffective and boring to watch as well as nullifying our most potent attacking threats.

Regards the chances stat, I take that with a pinch of salt purely because I've watched every Notts game this season and the data can make a very dull and toothless performance look more palatable. Of the chances recorded, how many were actually clear goal scoring opportunities?

I'd argue our style is very much the problem. We lack tempo and bravery on the ball. We always slow everything down, allowing the opposition to re-group and get back in position. We have some genuine pace and attack minded players, but our style feels like we're driving a Ferrari with the handbrake on.