AU's defensive strategy

[Stuckey]

Once the possibility of a place in the Hyundai A-League finals had disappeared, the club set a new goal for the remaining three A-League and six ACL games. That goal was to improve our defensive action, the cornerstone of most successful sides. The strategies employed have been successful to date having only surrendered one goal in two ACL matches and a total of three against three A-League finalists - Brisbane Roar, the Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Heart. At the same time the Reds have scored six in recording two wins, two draws and a loss. Whilst we face significant challenges in the remaining ACL Group Stage matches, so far the strategies have shown improved results.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/ade ... date/46473

[Stuckey]

IMO I don't think the club has to explain themselves on this one. Sure the MH game wasn't one of the ages but as the article says we have lost one match since playing this way and that was against the HAL premiers. The results are speaking for themselves and I am shock anyone was upset by the Gamba game!

[bpowell454]

I think it's working well against tough opponents and looked alot better against CCM/Bris/GAMBA/BUN than Melbourne Heart who didn't really to seem to have any ideas even against alot of reserves players.

Only problem with this style- you have to put away your chances because they don't come by very often. If we had a few more set pieces against MH it may have been a different story.

[shinAUFC]

I dont mind it,

defensive does not mean boring. If they wanna be a defensive club so be it aslong as they explode on the counter and run at defenders im happy

[Stuckey]

I dont mind it, defensive does not mean boring. If they wanna be a defensice team i dont mind aslong as they explode on the counter and run at defenders i wont mind

The counter against Brissy always comes to mind for me. More of that and I can't imagine any fans will be unhappy!

[View From The Top]

That goal against Brisbane was one of the best ever AU goals - I'd put it up there with Paul Reid's goal against Gold Coast last year from Flores' perfectly weighted unsighted flick/lob while surrouinded by defenders. What was disappointing against Heart was the total lack of ambition and an almost pathological fear of crossing the half way line.

[Stuckey]

That goal against Brisbane was one of the best ever AU goals - I'd put it up there with Paul Reid's goal against Gold Coast last year from Flores' perfectly weighted unsighted flick/lob while surrouinded by defenders. What was disappointing against Heart was the total lack of ambition and an almost pathological fear of crossing the half way line.

I think thats a little harsh on a squad with the average of 22 I reckon. You can't judge Kossie or this squad on that performance. The was a training run really.

[sevengoals]

Offence wins games.
Defence wins Championships.

Clean sheets all the way!

[View From The Top]

That goal against Brisbane was one of the best ever AU goals - I'd put it up there with Paul Reid's goal against Gold Coast last year from Flores' perfectly weighted unsighted flick/lob while surrouinded by defenders. What was disappointing against Heart was the total lack of ambition and an almost pathological fear of crossing the half way line.

I think thats a little harsh on a squad with the average of 22 I reckon. You can't judge Kossie or this squad on that performance. The was a training run really.

Yes it was a training run for Heart. Our players took the part of the witches hats. We were lucky we weren't destroyed.

[Stuckey]

Lucky MH's attacks break down in the final third 99 times out off 100? yes!

[spaceCowboy]

Lucky MH's attacks break down in the final third 99 times out off 100? yes!

Exactly! Its not luck that they didn't create enough goal scoring opportunities.