Ballwatching from crosses

[bob12345]

It seems to be the one mistake from amateur football which is equally prominent at the top level. When the ball is about to be crossed in even the most experienced of defenders lose their men.

Today that was the biggest factor in our loss. Taking McCormack out of the equasion, our defenders all played well - Murray, Bamba and Hanlon all excellent in the air, tackle and generally in open play. However, all three guilty of ball watching with at least one of the goals. If you watch the second goal Murray is tight to Fortune one second, completely lost him the next. You can find scapegoats for each of the goals.

However, after the game I switch it over to the Manc derby only to see Scholes afforded acres of space from a cross without having to make any special run. And I am sure you all have the image of three Bayern internationals watching on as they all leave Nani the freedom of the box.

Should teams be employing specialist defensive coaches? Using psychology to force players to not leave their man? Does zonal have its merits?

It wasn't the only factor today. And the reason it was decisive is because Celtic got in a lot more crosses from a lot better angles and had far greater numbers in the box. However, it is an interesting debate.

[Simkin911]

I wouldn't blame McCormack for the 1st goal. The defence should be expecting to deal with crosses into the box all day long. End of story - the marking in the box was very poor. Ball watching, as you say.

And it's pretty basic stuff really. No specialist coaches required really.

[bob12345]

I agree that it should be basics - but how come so many at the top level, who are international class defenders, still do it?

[sahib]

Would you accuse a tennis player who is beaten buy a lob of ball watching? Sometimes players are just caught out of position by a good cross. If we inhabited an Alan Hansen world of perfect defenders we would never see any ruddy goals.

[Wembley67]

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I agree that it should be basics - but how come so many at the top level, who are international class defenders, still do it?

You may think it is basic but its clearly not if world class defenders get caught out from time to time.