Smal

Also, when you look at outright defensive output I think that context helps too. I do agree that we defend deeper more often now, but when we engage our high press it is as effective - if not more effective - than ever really. Perhaps dropping deeper more often is more efficient as well because: xG allowed p/90: 22/23: 1.14 (2nd best in league) 23/24: 1.52 (8th) 24/25: 1.36 (8th) 25/26: 0.87 (2nd, would be good enough for 1st in any of the 3 prior seasons, but Paellanonceball is at 0.65 this season ). Indicates we are exceptionally good defensively despite our continued very average possession. All of our issues are in possession this season, for me. Our xG p/90 over those 4 seasons is at: 22/23: 1.83 (4th) 23/24: 1.99 (4th) 24/25: 1.67 (7th) 25/26: 1.27 (9th)

Thought this was somewhat interesting seeing as the narrative seems to be that we don't press anymore. PL only. Average distance of NUFC's defensive actions (tackles, interceptions) from their own own goal in meters. Higher number indicates higher press: 22/23: 47m (5th highest in PL) 23/24: 46.6m (6th) 24/25: 47.45m (7th) 25/26: 47.8m (3rd) The differences here are negligible really, but this season's press is the highest outright. Opposition's pass completion rate in their own 2/3s of the pitch. Lower indicates more effective NUFC press: 22/23: 75.5% (2nd best in PL) 23/24: 80% (6th) 24/25: 80.4% (3rd) 25/26: 78.7% (2nd) Not quite as disruptive as 22/23, but still more effective than 23/24 & 24/25. Opponent's unsuccessful passes, lost dribbles, or bad touches near their goal. Higher values indicate more effective NUFC press: 22/23: 27.3 (5th highest in PL) 23/24: 25.9 (9th) 24/25: 22.7 (12th) 25/26: 26.6 (1st) Similar story here too. NUFC's possession could've been a factor with this one but actually isn't because any differences there are negligible (52.3%, 52%, 51.2% and 51% average across the seasons respectively). Here is a graph of PL pressing efficiency this season:

I think he'll get better with a run of games. Really hard to judge someone when they aren't in the team for long periods.

just seen Ballard’s tackle on MOTD that was only given a yellow the officials in this country are absolutely hopeless

be a mint christmas if it needs amputation like

I think if he continues playing like this we’ll perhaps consider him as our best player by the end of the season. Won absolutely everything yesterday, and then it just looks so easy for him in possession. He is obviously great at left back, but when I watch him play and see someone like Caicedo on the same field, I see a lot of similarities between the two in terms of their skills. I think long term he could be that rare player who receives the ball under pressure in midfield and progresses it, and wins duels out of possession too like Caicedo does. He played there his whole youth career so it’s not like it’d be a new position for him either.

he was really bad in the 5 months after signing. Was only after the under 21 Euros he started performing.

As much as I think he’s been terrible and worse than my already low expectations, he’s clearly playing with zero confidence and I was shocked how vitriolic the home fans were whenever he messed up. Needs some love.

Was invited to a box today, so first time at SJP for me in 17 years . Thought we played really well. Hall and Miley playing like they were on beginner mode, game looked so easy for them.

in his one good season (23/24) he got 10 yellow cards in the PL. He’s had two since in a season and a half. I’m not saying yellow cards are a good thing in isolation of course, but it gives you an idea of how he’s nowhere near as aggressive as he was back when he was performing.

Also, would be quite happy to see Miley get some more game time at full back I think? It helps us in possession quite a lot because he’s very reliable, extra height at set pieces, and if he can add that versatility to his game long term it’s a big bonus. Defensively a bit sus but he has Thiaw next to him who covers a lot of space (like Konate and Matip have done for TAA in the past).

I get the point but KWP looked done last season and I’ve not seen anything to convince me otherwise this season. A player of that mould is what we should be looking for in January though. A Manquillo upgrade.

thought he was largely at fault for their goal but he was playing out of position and was great after that, and he deserved his goal. Was as disappointing as anyone at the weekend but should be playing every game now imo.

atmosphere has sounded decent last 20

get in. Play him every game.

Elanga is even worse with zero confidence

this ref

surprised we haven’t seen any Murphy long shots against this keeper, like

Tinooo

would love to see Woltemade and Wissa together for a bit

keeper is dodgy as owt

if that’s not a yellow I’m not sure what is

Think we’ve been decent but we’re struggling in our own half both in build-up and defensively. Have said it before but I don’t think you can play Willock and Ramsey in the same midfield, and it’s exaggerated further with Bruno being the 3rd man as well. Runners aren’t getting tracked because there’s not an ounce of defensive presence from either of them. I don’t think either are playing badly on an individual basis, it’s just a poor tactical choice imo.

Tino in the final third just makes me laugh at this point. Free possession for the opponent.