22 Nov 2014 22:32:44
What a three points, shorn of a defence and a point that will be missed is that LvG has asked young players to step up and they did but more importantly he asked the team to be more tactically aware. For the first time I can remember we had a team that was flexible tactically, ok it wasn't great for half an hour but we did adapt. I always felt the key was getting DiMaria with pace through the middle and once we went in front Arsenal looked beaten.
What is interesting is that DeGea is fast becoming something of a psychological barrier to other teams. Back in the late seventies I remember Peter Shilton gained a reputation for being unbeatable, psychologically teams knew they got past the Forest defence but couldn't beat Shilts and I think right now DeGea has that.
Today was not great but actually in a way it was a classic United Arsenal game, loads of Arsenal possession but play tight and catch them on the break. Take a look at our defence, McNair and Blackett and we still won, it takes some guts to do what LvG did today, change tactics so dramatically and it worked. The team grew during the game, we were awful at the beginning, I don't think they believed in it themselves but actually started to realise during the game they could win. If I was an Arsenal fan I would wonder how their belief could fall apart when they go a goal down.
Tactical flexibility is something we have needed and we are starting to appreciate, it is a trait in great teams and when people talk about philosophy it us also about be able to adapt. The team out there learnt to adapt.

We are not going to win the league but at the beginning of today's game I think there was some concern in the players, at the end, I think they believed, game on.

1.) 22 Nov 2014
22 Nov 2014 23:17:09
Great post that, I don't think people realise how flexible we've shown ourselves to be this year, 40 injuries to deal with but here we are sat in forth place, blooding youngsters on a weekly basis changing formations to suit who we play. Getting the best out of the squad we have fit! I would call that good management. At the moment there isn't another club which could cope with injuries we have and still be challenging for a top 4 place. I hope we can kick on from this now, LVG is making a team that plays for each other, this better than we had last year by a million miles. C'mon reds

{Ed004's Note - Look at how badly Dortmund are struggling with their injuries. Just to put it into perspective}

2.) 22 Nov 2014
Good post red man

3.) 23 Nov 2014
Great point about De Gea getting in the heads of the opponents now. He has been superb, and his confidence must be soaring.