Was reflecting on TNS’ general play yesterday. I dont think they were fantastic going forward, but their positional sense was excellent. Just so difficult to play though.
more to the point, I thought that was the best I’ve ever seen deal with the press when playing out from the back. They invited our front three onto the defence then the keeper would very precisely put the ball over the top of them, and onto the left side of our midfield (ie away from Henderson and towards Spencer and McCann) which they won every time.
it depends on patience, accuracy of clearances, and of course is easier when we’re chasing a game. But it meant the front 3 did a lot of unproductive running and kept the pressure off their defence.