A Pressing Problem

[CrosspoolClarets]

Great article on The Athletic about all PL teams bar Villa doing far less pressing this season. Good read for subscribers. Given that it is such a crucial part of our tactics, may be the most important thing for us to correct (as well as taking chances).

https://theathletic.com/2249701/2020/12 ... sing-less/

[Bosscat]

These guys have pressing problems

https://youtu.be/7fd6NBQ8ego

[CrosspoolClarets]

Spoiler - article is good for our midfield, not so good for Woody up top.

[dpinsussex]

I thought this thread was going to be about your broken iron

[huw.Y.WattfromWare]

Sky commented on our pressing v. Everton, first half. Maybe that’s why the second half was, in general, theirs.

[JohnMac]

I thought we pressed very well first season in the PL under Dyche and again when winning the Championship but apart from spells in games have been nowhere near the same standard since, declining season by season

[FactualFrank]

It begs the question - why don't we press more?

It's true that if you press all game, the chances are that players will tire towards the end, but I thought we were super-fit?

[jojomk1]

Given the age of some of our squad they are just not physically up to the pressing game
In addition our midfield generally sit back behind the ball rather than press

[Quickenthetempo]

I thought we pressed very well first season in the PL under Dyche and again when winning the Championship but apart from spells in games have been nowhere near the same standard since, declining season by season

Danny Ings is as good a presser there is out there, it's natural to him.

Jay Rod can be very good at it, like he was at Old Trafford last season.

[FactualFrank]

Given the age of some of our squad they are just not physically up to the pressing game
In addition our midfield generally sit back behind the ball rather than press

Valid point regarding the age. The midfield sitting behind the ball isn't a reason not to press though.