The pressing thing is really pleasing. I'd ever really..

bought into this "pressing game" business when the likes of Southampton were praised for it. I just thought it meant getting in people's faces and tackling them which I saw as a natural part of the game. But i get it now.

I also used to get hugely frustrated at the way we stood off opponents and let them have the ball and run at us, particularly under Hughton in the prem. I remember in particular that game away at spurs last season where they were basically allowed to play unopposed and understandably whipped us.

Obviously you have to get the balance right (which is why Tetts sweeping up behind the pressers is key) but pressing teams higher up the pitch is not only seeing us recover possession more and making the opposition give it away more but also gives us a chance to recover if the first tackle is missed because its higher up the pitch. Saturday reminded me a bit of the second half of the England v Wales rugby match in that Wales were trying to attack but couldn't really get into danger areas to put us under real pressure. previously, we were having to making tackles in our own penalty area which left no margin for error at all. Now we are making them 35-40 yards out which at least gives the option of a cynical foul!

Posted By: Jim, Feb 16, 11:52:59