12 Mar 2026 14:33:47
Watching the City v Real game last night, and wondering what modern coaches have against crossing the ball.
Coaches like Pep, Arteta, and Slott have complained about the difficulty in beating a low block, but don't even try to whip crosses into the striker.
Last night was a prime example. Real sat back, allowed City possession in their half, and hit on the counter. City have the most prolific goal scorer in the world up top. Yeah, Haaland likes balls over the top to run on to. But if the opposition is set up to prevent this, surely you'd look to get down the line and get crosses in for Haaland to get on the end of?
Doku clearly had the beating of Trent. Yet every single time he got past him, he cut back inside, allowing Valverdi to cover. Haaland could have walked off the pitch and nobody would have noticed. What's the point in playing him if all he gets to do is watch the other players pass rge ball around the box behind him? Same with Gyrokes. Bringing in a 6ft plus powerful striker and not even attempting to get crosses into him, baffling.
I mean, I'm not advocating the Moyes style when he was here, but at least try a few crosses if the more intricate stuff isn't working.
12 Mar 2026 17:53:10
Yep, fully agree. Something or someone needs to radically change and upset the apple cart. Same crap being served up week in, week out, with all teams.
LFC fan in peace.
12 Mar 2026 19:06:53
How many times have I talked about crossing the ball? We have a tall CF. We need to attack the space between pen spot and 6 yard line.
12 Mar 2026 19:48:48
Same here, Red Man. I searched 'cross the ball', and the number of times people have said the same thing. It's just as bad over here in Oz. Playing the ball out from the back at a largely pedestrian pace, trying to walk the ball into the net.
CTFB!!!!!
12 Mar 2026 21:18:13
Danny, I was reading that and just gearing up to mention the stick Moyes got for the Fulham game. Then I saw your last paragraph. ?
12 Mar 2026 21:18:42
Have to say, I totally agree. A number of times last season, I posted the very same thing about the complete lack of crosses/service to Rasmus Hojlund.
I have noticed the very same thing this season with Benjamim Sesko, you know, our 6'5'' centre forward who is excellent in the air!
12 Mar 2026 22:30:29
Against Newcastle, Sesko received not a single pass inside the box.