What I can’t understand

[5under1and]

We go 1 up last night and then spend the next 80 minutes defending it
Why did we sit back ( same as PSG) we had just beaten both sides 4-1
I have always thought that defending and not having the ball was more energy sapping that having the ball
Why did Wilson spend most of the time just outside of our penalty area surely if you have a striker you want him on the halfway to occupy at lest two of their defenders and not letting both sides replace a defender for an attacker during the game
Sorry for being so naive and no I don’t think I could do a better job that Eddie Howe

[Tutfoster1892]

Because.... and I have noticed this difference from last season... we lack the killer instinct against the top clubs to try and finish teams off..

Look at Liverpool, PSG, Milan.... a goal up and then we sit back.. as soon as I see pacey players being brought on when we are defending a lead I know whats coming (Chukwueze / Mudryk / Nunez)

We have no plan B against pace.. this is what we need to be improving... squad depth and players that can come on from the bench to make an impact

My take anyway...

[Zippity]

It's to do with belief, I think.

We have a great team ethic and mentality but not a winners' mentality.

That was never more evident than the game against Liverpool. We should have been out of sight but, with each missed chance, you could almost see the confidence being replaced by doubt. And, when players start to doubt, they play it safe, pass backwards, sit deeper, concede possession...and the other team can sense that and, if they're any good, exploit it.

I agree with Tut, too-we don't have enough pace in the defence or midfield to deal with opposition pace. Hopefully it's something we'll address in the next couple of windows.

[5under1and]

Unfortunately it reminds me of those days under the Fat Mans ownership when if we were up against a top team we would park the bus in front of our goal and hope

[Jammy89]

Aye, fair points all.

That mentality will shift with time I believe.

I think once we win something, we'll see that entire mentality shift and we will win something as we bring more and more quality in.

[toptoon]

We cannot counter attack.

[tinostongue]

We cannot counter attack.

But that was our hallmark not long ago, we’ve lost the pace out of the team from the bench. Gordon can’t do it all himself

[ex_pat_magpie]

But that was our hallmark not long ago, we’ve lost the pace out of the team from the bench. Gordon can’t do it all himself

That's the point. Most counter attacks usually occur down the wings and our wingers are burnt out being overworked all season.

[Marat18]

That's the point. Most counter attacks usually occur down the wings and our wingers are burnt out being overworked all season.

Thats how we beat Villa.
At Stamford Bridge without Gordon and Miggy having day off we were toothless.
Surely, Hall couldnt do any worse?

[5under1and]

Sorry just to ask again
Why did Wilson spend most of the time just outside of our penalty area surely if you have a striker you want him on the halfway line to occupy at lest two of their defenders and not letting sides replace a defender for an attacker during the game