Yes, Bolton might have been fortunate when we consider chances missed and chances made. but they manage to repeat this good luck so often that we all know that it's got a bit more to it. Most sides who fail to beat them will feel robbed, particularly teams with better all round quality like Liverpool who will be allowed 70% of the play but find scoring difficult. Bolton will usually pinch a goal or two, often from corners or free kicks. We all know their methods of deep defence, packed last third and double cover everywhere. The question is, how do you beat it? Raffa seemed to think the best way was to copy it ,which I am not alone in finding negative. But having taken that view why not play the side most likely to make it work?
The Weakest Link 621I think you should look at what I said. Most sides will be aided by luck when winning competitions, particularly cups. and even the title winners Chelsea enjoyed a touch...
The Weakest Link 622I shouldn't have to repeat it again, but understand.......It's great that Liverpool got the rub of the green in the final and it said a hell of a lot for...
Benitez is now almost spoilt for choice and we will all have views on individual positions, but IF starting with a sole striker against Bolton. it has to be Crouch. You don't get far trying to play 'through' that Bolton defence to the sharp darting type of strikers like Kuyt. and the system would have been more likely to succeed with, easy to find, Crouch ,which is not suggesting he is a better player, but just a better choice in that line up. I also doubt if there will be any other match where it would be more useful to have played SG central and at the heart of that dour midfield battle, and I don't understand why Raffa sees this as the right tactic for getting out of trouble but not the one for putting Bolton in it?
My choice? Far more positive. Stevie G central with 2.........yes two....natural fast wide men plus 2 strikers from the start. not as a panic measure. Take the space they seem so willing to give and challenge them to get out of their own half. You need to make 12 half chances against sides like Bolton to get one or two goals and the best way is wide pace and endless crosses.....a football clichZ and maybe not very pretty. but effective and more likely to produce 3 pts and that is exactly what's needed for a side with serious title ambitions, particularly after recent away defeats, two of them and a draw due to too little too late.
Crbutt, idiotic decision gave Bolton the chance for the first but it was matched by the defence to the free kick. Bad luck?........certainly.....but in the long term luck is only of relevance to sides who need it.........not to league title winners.
LC
