Interesting article and a fair conclusion. My biggest issue with modern defending is the wimpy tackling, players are terrified of going in strongly for fear of bitter recriminations. Whether we like it or not this attitude is now spreading to the fans. Example: Opposition player slides in and sends our player flying but wins the ball, a fair tackle maybe but the whole crowd is up in arms and baying for a booking. I'm not calling for a return to the days of Bremner and Chopper Harris but there should be a degree of leniency from referees bar obviously bad and cynical fouls.
I really enjoy listening to Neville's analysis when he's a pundit. If we ever get an experienced manager, I'd love us to approach Neville to be his no2.
I really enjoy listening to Neville's analysis when he's a pundit. If we ever get an experienced manager, I'd love us to approach Neville to be his no2.
Over the last half-century the long-term trend in goals-per-game has been sharply downwards, then flat, from 3.7 goals per game or so in the late 50's/early 60's levelling out at 2.6 per game played. There's been some small uptick recently but it's not possible to declare a trend yet.