The second half yesterday was a remake of the second half v Stoke

a season ago when we were one up. Pulis tactic - pump the ball to the edge of the area (no further) and get in the faces of the defenders and pick up the cleared balls. Keep the ball in the air so we can't play our game.
In the face of that we again defended well.
I don't see our lack of prowess in the second half as down to us deliberatly dropping off - more down to the clear change of tactics for CP. It's impossible to play our game when the ball is in the air constantly and is lumped back every time the ball is cleared. There are two teams in every game and sometimes the way you play is dictated to by the opposition.

Other thoughts, I can't get the criticsm of Elmander - thought he had a good understanding with Hooper, he worked tirelessly and was integral to our best moves, including the goal.

Posted By: Pixelman, Dec 1, 12:28:30