The thing about pressing, or any of this stuff that is happening now it was always present, things just spread more now and people are more aware. We never had this much access to football being played globally. People were flabbergasted when Conte won with 3 at the back. Brasil played the same formation in 2002. People are giddy about Gegenpressing, Sacchi did that from the 87 season on. Nothing new under the sun, except online people finding about stuff they never knew.
I think you are somewhat under estimating how smart these kids are man. They are reading first touch and body positions, running positions etc at like 11/12 and running defensive system based on it. Not to talk too much shit about the old days, but I don't see much space for 40 yard driven diagonals that Pires used to be able to play to Ljungberg these days. Hell even our 4-4 with Liverpool it's insane the level space that was available like semi-pro levels of space. We regularly see 5v5s in the space between the edge of the 18 yard box and the the side of the pitch. Imo I think we are waiting for the next systemic solution and until then we are back to long ball percentage play and tactical tweeks. I'm not optimistic positional play is basically just geometry and it seems like every sport has just kinda ended up with the 4 Fs, Find, Fix, Finish and Follow-up.
So, Soton have been spying on their opponents? Did I get that right? (I don't feel like reading articles)
It’s been around a long time, I ran into at the youth level 30 years ago and I’m certain it’s been around much longer than that, but when you bring on two more sets of fresh legs the press becomes more effective and teams can often press effectively for an entire game.
I agree We don’t progress the ball quick enough through the lines Only Miles seems to have that in our team
The two clubs that pretty much bought their trophies (City and Chelsea) seem to be the one in most trouble. The ones who made their money organically, based on their history, merchandizing, etc (Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd) are all surviving okay. The bought ones take short cuts it seems. Get good quick.
WOW this explains the whole Southampton spy story.This seems to me like it was a fully planned operation 😂I do think Southampton could be in trouble 😳🤯 pic.twitter.com/vFDduNx1g6— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) May 13, 2026
The issue but I am hopeful is when Saka, Kai and MO came back, add Trossard to the mix, we all just asked for a strong end to the season and all is forgiven. They have each contributed individually but not together at the same time. Saka vs Fulham & Athletico, MO vs WHU etc. It's like every game has a different hero and I am happy we get the points but it is really concerning. The league is ours but this will pose questions at the UCL final vs a multi-faceted PSG.
This is not an area that I'm very well-versed so I'm truly curious, how has Kroenke used his wealth to significantly influence the US gov?
Nah not at all, one of my friends coaches MLS NEXT we talk all the time. I'm not a nostalgia guy. The game is programmed and more athletic. They just don't teach kids to make in game decisions on their own and that's fine Im sure something will happen but what that is who knows.
Ouch, at best I see it's going to be a points deduction if they win the final. At worst, Middlesborough instead of Soton in the final?
There are pictures of the spy, its some dude with an iPhone. "Ran with all of his equipment" hahahahahahahaha
It'll make a travesty of the playoffs. Soton (if guilty) shouldn't really be allowed to be promoted. But it's coming so late in the season they probably can't deal with the punishment quickly enough.
Shitty 2-0 Palace at 40' We might need the visitors to keep their cool, and not let it get much worse.
If Palace can't contain that city lineup, that has hardly any defense, they've fallen well below where they used to be.
The EFL's caught between a rock and a hard place here. If they don't allow Soton to be promoted, a lawsuit might fly (though justified they may be). Then again, even if they ask the PL to deduct points off of them if they were promoted, Middlesborough might sue anyway.
As stated on the BBC page: Those who were on the field tonight just gave Glasner a reason to keep them out of the UECL final.