Slow death of the screamer

[theonlywayisup]

Just watching the goals in the video linked below, I really miss the shots struck from well outside the box. How many of the goals in the video would not have happened today with players encouraged to pass rather than shoot. That said, many of the goals were scored by some exceptional ball strickers, such as Drogba, Scholes, and Lampard.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/7ruba7shs4/the-slow-death-of-the-screamer

That said, Miko almost scored a screamer last time out.

[Trinity Hibee]

Stunning selection of goals and all from the same month. You wouldn’t see that in a season now

[Jones28]

Great era of football.

Is it something to do with the footballs themselves perhaps? Mind the Jabulani for the 2010 World Cup, it was heavily criticised at the time IIRC because of its unpredictability.

[Unseen work]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example

[eastmainsmsh]

It’s no the same anymore all tactical

[gbhibby]

What annoys me is free kicks in and around the box that are wasted by getting played out wide or players hitting the ball straight into wall.

[Dmas]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example

I enjoy English football still but defo get your point it’s more about the system that individual brilliance now, was having a chat with my boy the other night (made me wonder if I’ve become ancient after) but I was saying you had lots of brilliant players back in 90s early 2000s who could win you a game at the drop of a hat, now your looking at full backs playing in midfield and as you say the death of the winger who will have you off your seat

[gbhibby]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example

Agree was watching a Man City game and Haaland in the first half of the game only had 5 touches of the ball. There was also a game where the first shot on target from either side was not until the 70th minute.

[easty]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example

I don't think English football is boring at all. City, Arsenal and Liverpool all look good so far. Newcastle not playing great but still picking up points. Brighton and Bournemouth look decent. Relegation could come to quite a few teams, could be tight down the bottom.

We're only 3 rounds of fixtures in, and there's been plenty excitement in my opinion.

Brighton beating Man Utd was great, they've got a 31 year old manager, that's exciting, they've started really well. 8 goals in Wolves v Chelsea. Everton chucking away a 2 goal lead in the 87th min to lose 3-2 at home to Bournemouth. Erling Haaland has 2 hat-tricks in 3 games. There hasn't been a goal-less game yet, only 3 of the 30 games have only had 1 goal.

[Jones28]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example

I rarely get the chance to watch English games but always find the Championship more enjoyable than the PL. Highlights will do for me.

[Smartie]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example

I find it a tough watch as well tbh... and have grown to prefer a less refined version of the game. I actually love the Friday night Scottish games, that's the only non-Hibs football I regularly watch now, even then I watch it less as I often have commitments with my kids on Friday nights now.

There was a clip of Arsenal vs Chelsea on facebook the other day from about 2005. It feels like yesterday but the football was drastically different. It was, admittedly, quite a scrappy passage of play but there was a much more traditional feel to it - players clearing their lines, clearing headers just being sent back the way they came and possession changed hands umpteen times in the clip. These were teams who were amongst the best in the country and across the continent at that time too.

Fads come and go, I suspect football's boom and glory years might just about be on the wane.

[MWHIBBIES]

I don't think English football is boring at all. City, Arsenal and Liverpool all look good so far. Newcastle not playing great but still picking up points. Brighton and Bournemouth look decent. Relegation could come to quite a few teams, could be tight down the bottom.

We're only 3 rounds of fixtures in, and there's been plenty excitement in my opinion.

Brighton beating Man Utd was great, they've got a 31 year old manager, that's exciting, they've started really well. 8 goals in Wolves v Chelsea. Everton chucking away a 2 goal lead in the 87th min to lose 3-2 at home to Bournemouth. Erling Haaland has 2 hat-tricks in 3 games. There hasn't been a goal-less game yet, only 3 of the 30 games have only had 1 goal.

Spot on.

Very few boring games in the premier league.

[Phil MaGlass]

Almost stopped watchin english fitba, pretty boring fair for the most, shame, the games were more alive a few years back,cant beat a good Scottish, game apart fae anyone playing the glesga 2.

[Not In The Know]

It’s no the same anymore all tactical

Statistically shooting outside the box is not a good option...

[Unseen work]

I don't think English football is boring at all. City, Arsenal and Liverpool all look good so far. Newcastle not playing great but still picking up points. Brighton and Bournemouth look decent. Relegation could come to quite a few teams, could be tight down the bottom.

We're only 3 rounds of fixtures in, and there's been plenty excitement in my opinion.

Brighton beating Man Utd was great, they've got a 31 year old manager, that's exciting, they've started really well. 8 goals in Wolves v Chelsea. Everton chucking away a 2 goal lead in the 87th min to lose 3-2 at home to Bournemouth. Erling Haaland has 2 hat-tricks in 3 games. There hasn't been a goal-less game yet, only 3 of the 30 games have only had 1 goal.

Agree there’s plenty goals etc, I just find it all a bit too tactical now a days, I prefer/preferred watching football where players had a real freedom and took risks

As much as I love the analysis side of things too, it’s almost making it impossible for managers and players to be successful or be at clubs any length of times too imo.

[Carheenlea]

The less stat driven game.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/MWpL5jYEPudkakfY/?mibextid=WC7FNe

[hibsbollah]

I find it a tough watch as well tbh... and have grown to prefer a less refined version of the game. I actually love the Friday night Scottish games, that's the only non-Hibs football I regularly watch now, even then I watch it less as I often have commitments with my kids on Friday nights now.

There was a clip of Arsenal vs Chelsea on facebook the other day from about 2005. It feels like yesterday but the football was drastically different. It was, admittedly, quite a scrappy passage of play but there was a much more traditional feel to it - players clearing their lines, clearing headers just being sent back the way they came and possession changed hands umpteen times in the clip. These were teams who were amongst the best in the country and across the continent at that time too.

Fads come and go, I suspect football's boom and glory years might just about be on the wane.

I watched the same clip the other day. Only 19 years ago but that kind of furious pingpong passage of play is inconceivable in an Arsenal Chelsea game of today.

[Pretty Boy]

Statistically shooting outside the box is not a good option...

I think that is a huge part of the issue.

Stats have become so prevalent in football, among both fans and those actively involved in the game, that they play a huge part in dictating how the game is played. Players are acutely aware of the emphasis placed on stats by coaches and those in charge of recruiting and they adapt their game accordingly becoming increasingly risk adverse as a result. The days of 'putting it in the mixer' from a corner or free kick in the opposition half are behind us because the stats say it has a lower chance of a positive outcome than a well rehearsed short routine. The stats are correct of course but who doesn't love a ball whipped into the box and a big CB thumping it home with his napper?

One of the best players I ever saw live was Paul Scholes. He was sublime to watch and seemed to control a game from first to last at his peak. I don't think I ever consciously saw or sought out a stat about his pass completion percentage (I bet it was pretty good though), how many duels he won or how high his ball recovery percentage was. I didn't need it either because I had eyes and could see he was an unreal footballer. Stats seem to be increasingly used to try and turn an art form into a science or to justify why a player obviously not contributing is or vice versa. Most people with a brain don't need to dig into the minutiae to judge such things, it's like something that should have been a useful accompaniment to human judgement has become the main driver of said judgement.

[Carheenlea]

Even if the stats suggest a long range shot doesn’t offer a high conversion rate, quite a lot of those shots end up being tipped over the bar or deflected for a corner, deflected fortuitously into the path of a teammate (how many goals have Hearts scored like that..?) or even deflected into net?

Maybe the stats suggest a corner presents less chance than a ball worked wide so winning corners is maybe discouraged as well.

[hibsbollah]

Even if the stats suggest a long range shot doesn’t offer a high conversion rate, quite a lot of those shots end up being tipped over the bar or deflected for a corner, deflected fortuitously into the path of a teammate (how many goals have Hearts scored like that..?) or even deflected into net?

Maybe the stats suggest a corner presents less chance than a ball worked wide so winning corners is maybe discouraged as well.

Only 4% of corners result in a goal (from the same direct passage of play). I remember reading that stat many years before the current prevalence of short corners. A different stat probably existed relating to keepers clearing their lines resulting in lost possession, years before teams started changing their styles. Analytics have changed everything but takes awhile i think.

[theonlywayisup]

I recently watched a Manchester City match and whilst the quality of the passing was top class, the entertainment value was very boring. They constantly probed sideways, backwards, sometimes forward until an opportunity was created. IIRC Haaland's first touch in the 21st minute resulted in the opening goal.

Great for City, but it's painful watching other teams trying the same thing. There are times I shout at the telly, just get the ball into the box. But no, it's back to the probing for a better opportunity.

Great for statisticians, boring for the football fanatic.

[Not In The Know]

I think that is a huge part of the issue.

Stats have become so prevalent in football, among both fans and those actively involved in the game, that they play a huge part in dictating how the game is played. Players are acutely aware of the emphasis placed on stats by coaches and those in charge of recruiting and they adapt their game accordingly becoming increasingly risk adverse as a result. The days of 'putting it in the mixer' from a corner or free kick in the opposition half are behind us because the stats say it has a lower chance of a positive outcome than a well rehearsed short routine. The stats are correct of course but who doesn't love a ball whipped into the box and a big CB thumping it home with his napper?

One of the best players I ever saw live was Paul Scholes. He was sublime to watch and seemed to control a game from first to last at his peak. I don't think I ever consciously saw or sought out a stat about his pass completion percentage (I bet it was pretty good though), how many duels he won or how high his ball recovery percentage was. I didn't need it either because I had eyes and could see he was an unreal footballer. Stats seem to be increasingly used to try and turn an art form into a science or to justify why a player obviously not contributing is or vice versa. Most people with a brain don't need to dig into the minutiae to judge such things, it's like something that should have been a useful accompaniment to human judgement has become the main driver of said judgement.


He was tremendous! The great Barcelona teams of not so long ago used him as an example in training videos!

[itslegaltender]

English Premier league football is nothing but a franchise tourist league. its lost its soul.

[easty]

English Premier league football is nothing but a franchise tourist league. its lost its soul.

That kind of statement just means nowt to me. What does "lost its soul" mean?

Yeah, it's a business and the money is ridiculous, but so's the money in TV and I still enjoy that. Stranger Things apparently costs £25m an episode to make.

My "English team" is Bradford, so I don't have horse in the EPL race, but on the pitch in the EPL you have some of the best players in the world, and as far as I'm concerned they're there wanting to win, not just turning up to jog about and collect the wages. I enjoy it.

[Smartie]

Spot on.

Very few boring games in the premier league.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

None of us who are finding it increasingly dull have the right to tell you think likewise.

The opposite is also true though.

[Scouse Hibee]

I don't think English football is boring at all. City, Arsenal and Liverpool all look good so far. Newcastle not playing great but still picking up points. Brighton and Bournemouth look decent. Relegation could come to quite a few teams, could be tight down the bottom.

We're only 3 rounds of fixtures in, and there's been plenty excitement in my opinion.

Brighton beating Man Utd was great, they've got a 31 year old manager, that's exciting, they've started really well. 8 goals in Wolves v Chelsea. Everton chucking away a 2 goal lead in the 87th min to lose 3-2 at home to Bournemouth. Erling Haaland has 2 hat-tricks in 3 games. There hasn't been a goal-less game yet, only 3 of the 30 games have only had 1 goal.

Spot on, anyone that says it’s been boring so far this season simply hasn’t watched it. It’s been tremendous entertainment so far.

[HoboHarry]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example
I still watch English football but even my wife commented on how many games I'd given up on part way through in the last year. To be fair though it's hard to watch some of the lower teams after watching Liverpool for example in full flow, so maybe there are unrealistic expectations.

[easty]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

None of us who are finding it increasingly dull have the right to tell you think likewise.

The opposite is also true though.

You're entitled to your opinion of course. In the same way I think Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are crap, you're entitled to not enjoy the English Prem.

What's not a matter of opinion is the quality of footballer in the EPL. It can be argued that the Italian or Spanish or German leagues are better, but that aside - the EPL is absolutely awash with top quality footballers. Some of the worlds best, playing the greatest sport in the world.

But, like I said, nobody has to like it.

[HoboHarry]

Spot on, anyone that says it’s been boring so far this season simply hasn’t watched it. It’s been tremendous entertainment so far.
I've watched it plenty, it's the only league I have access to, and I haven't found it exciting in general terms. Some exciting individual games for sure but overall, nah, not in my opinion anyway.

[Haymaker]

I think that is a huge part of the issue.

Stats have become so prevalent in football, among both fans and those actively involved in the game, that they play a huge part in dictating how the game is played. Players are acutely aware of the emphasis placed on stats by coaches and those in charge of recruiting and they adapt their game accordingly becoming increasingly risk adverse as a result. The days of 'putting it in the mixer' from a corner or free kick in the opposition half are behind us because the stats say it has a lower chance of a positive outcome than a well rehearsed short routine. The stats are correct of course but who doesn't love a ball whipped into the box and a big CB thumping it home with his napper?

One of the best players I ever saw live was Paul Scholes. He was sublime to watch and seemed to control a game from first to last at his peak. I don't think I ever consciously saw or sought out a stat about his pass completion percentage (I bet it was pretty good though), how many duels he won or how high his ball recovery percentage was. I didn't need it either because I had eyes and could see he was an unreal footballer. Stats seem to be increasingly used to try and turn an art form into a science or to justify why a player obviously not contributing is or vice versa. Most people with a brain don't need to dig into the minutiae to judge such things, it's like something that should have been a useful accompaniment to human judgement has become the main driver of said judgement.Nail and Head, Sir.

Sent from my SM-A426U1 using Tapatalk

[gbhibby]

I think that is a huge part of the issue.

Stats have become so prevalent in football, among both fans and those actively involved in the game, that they play a huge part in dictating how the game is played. Players are acutely aware of the emphasis placed on stats by coaches and those in charge of recruiting and they adapt their game accordingly becoming increasingly risk adverse as a result. The days of 'putting it in the mixer' from a corner or free kick in the opposition half are behind us because the stats say it has a lower chance of a positive outcome than a well rehearsed short routine. The stats are correct of course but who doesn't love a ball whipped into the box and a big CB thumping it home with his napper?

One of the best players I ever saw live was Paul Scholes. He was sublime to watch and seemed to control a game from first to last at his peak. I don't think I ever consciously saw or sought out a stat about his pass completion percentage (I bet it was pretty good though), how many duels he won or how high his ball recovery percentage was. I didn't need it either because I had eyes and could see he was an unreal footballer. Stats seem to be increasingly used to try and turn an art form into a science or to justify why a player obviously not contributing is or vice versa. Most people with a brain don't need to dig into the minutiae to judge such things, it's like something that should have been a useful accompaniment to human judgement has become the main driver of said judgement.

At the end of the day the only stat worth looking is goals. You don't always win games by having more possession and more passes than the opposition. I have started watching some EPL games but decided to do something more exciting like cutting the grass or washing the car.

[GreenGray]

You're entitled to your opinion of course. In the same way I think Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran are crap, you're entitled to not enjoy the English Prem.

What's not a matter of opinion is the quality of footballer in the EPL. It can be argued that the Italian or Spanish or German leagues are better, but that aside - the EPL is absolutely awash with top quality footballers. Some of the worlds best, playing the greatest sport in the world.

But, like I said, nobody has to like it.

I think the main issue is that yes the league has the best players in terms of quality, but I just think they are so restricted now, on the pitch and off of it. As others have said tactics and stats are most important which has resulted in duller games. Players rarely express themselves, the modern winger rarely takes on a man, it is all about passing.

There was a good chat about this on the Overlap last week. Everybody think they have to play like Pep but not everyone has the players to do it. Also, Pep isn't just about retaining possession, his team try to get forward. Most teams just pass around the back now, I think centre backs have more touches than anyone now, mental.

Combine that with the over-commercialisation of the Premier League and things like VAR, it is no surprise that people are losing interest.

[ekhibee]

Players like Riordan, Griffiths and Sauzee come to mind straight away, and Zitelli too (the one against AEK Athens).

[Keith_M]

Statistically shooting outside the box is not a good option...


Perhaps in isolation but a lot of goals are scored in the second phase; from rebounds, failed clearances, etc.

Trying to walk the ball into the net, as seems to happen a lot now, is not always a great tactic.

[Tambo]

The players are like robots and most of the time not allowed to express themselves, a few characters still about though.

Totally understand the game is evolving, really can't understand why teams want to persist with trying to play like the top teams when they clearly don't have the players to.

[CapitalGreen]

Last season saw the more goals scored per game in the English top flight than any season since 1965.

There was also only 11 0-0 draws - 20 years ago in 2004/05 there were 41 0-0 draws, a 75% reduction.

As someone else said the only stat that matters is goals and anyone under the age of 65 watching top level football now are likely seeing as many if not more goals scored on average than at any point during their lifetimes.

[Baader]

There are very few original thinkers and innovators in football management and coaching. It just follows cycles and trends set by the most successful coaches. The tiki taka and the high press two recent examples. The clamour to appoint Spanish managers after Pep emerges, German ones after Klopp's success. I wonder if we'd have considered Montgomery if it weren't for Postecoglu's success at Celtic although get that Ange didn't come directly via the A League.

Too often it seems to me most coaches just try implementing the style of a top coach in the hope it works for them too. I remember Heckingbottom when he arrived at Hibs saying we would be paying the "high press." What I seen on the pitch wasn't a high press at all. The bare minimum to even attempt that is your players need to be fitter than their opponents. Our players didn't even look fit under him. Maloney and Montgomery similar I felt - just soundbites and trying to adopt the philosophy of their successful peers without having the tools to do it. If a coach got success at a club playing one at the back you'd soon have a whole load of others trying it too. Good managers adapt to working with what they have, not something Maloney or Montgomery seemed to understand.

[wookie70]

Football has collectively forgot that if you don't shoot you don't score. It is more like chess in shorts these days and probably because some boy with a laptop sampled some data and made an absolute out of a possible. Graham Taylor at Watford did the opposite back in the day where his data/philosophy said you get the ball into the box as often as possible and do your passing in the opponent's half. Personally whatever data is right the football with a ZX81 doing the number crunching was a miles better watch than the slow boring nonsense we have to watch these days. It is also very monotone with no Crazy Gangs etc playing completely different styles and using their strengths. Basically money has taken over and the game is now designed so the most expensive players can thrive as they are at the most expensive clubs. Barring the fans football is pretty much a completely corporate affair imo at least at the top levels. Down the leagues it is still a clash of styles and brawn over brain etc

[Musselbound]

Football is just becoming a bit boring isn’t it, especially in England.

Everyone wants to play like pep or Klopp and think they can completely dictate possession etc

I loved the 2000’s in the premier league, get the ball wide to wingers and let them run at players and have shots from far out.

I hate this Jack Grealish (as an example) sort of winger where he just looks for fouls and passes it back or looks to keep possession

It’s at the point now where I don’t watch English football and would rather put on a Scottish championship game instead of a Man United game for example

Agree with most of your points. I'm hoping that Spain winning the Euros with 2 entertaining wingers will have a positive effect on the game overall. That remains to be seen.

[hibsbollah]

Agree with most of your points. I'm hoping that Spain winning the Euros with 2 entertaining wingers will have a positive effect on the game overall. That remains to be seen.

:agree: France-Spain this summer was actually a brilliant clash of styles. Nothing between the players, barely a weakness in either squad. And it pitted a kind of tiki-taka 2.0 with added tempo and direct wingers in Spain, vs. ‘If you’re bored, watch something else’ French Deschamps caution counting on a genius up top. Thats one of the reasons i prefer watching international tournaments to the top club sides against each other; you’re far more likely to get an interesting clash of styles.

[The Modfather]

Last season saw the more goals scored per game in the English top flight than any season since 1965.

There was also only 11 0-0 draws - 20 years ago in 2004/05 there were 41 0-0 draws, a 75% reduction.

As someone else said the only stat that matters is goals and anyone under the age of 65 watching top level football now are likely seeing as many if not more goals scored on average than at any point during their lifetimes.

Would part of the increase in goals not be because of VAR watching all the off the ball tussles and penalties given because defenders aren’t allowed to have arms anymore?

I enjoy a counter attacking style, with box to box midfielders driving forward with the ball and wingers hitting the byeline. I think that style is now extinct. Stats have a place, but the prevalence of stats has also seen us all complaining about the midfield for years while simultaneously talking about how the likes of Newell and JDH were among the top players in the league at various metrics, or Campbell’s minutes to goals was among the best in the league etc etc.

[Paul1642]

Players like Riordan, Griffiths and Sauzee come to mind straight away, and Zitelli too (the one against AEK Athens).

A Benji & Zemmama (two of my all time favourites) highlights real just showed up on my X newsfeed before seeing this thread.

The football was absolutely class but the death of the screamer is only half of the equation. The death of players beating their man is also noticeable. It really is a possession and passing game now and I agree with those on here that feel that’s not a good thing in terms of entertainment.

[Alfred E Newman]

Even today’s commentators pour scorn on a long range attempt.
A drive from 20yds is met with “ a bit ambitious that, never going to threaten the goalkeeper from there”

[Smartie]

Is it really about the death of wingers and beating a man though? I still see a fair bit of that from most teams tbh (notably not Clarke's Scotland for example, but they feel like an outlier).

It looks more to me like the stretching of teams with the side to side passing, waiting for the opportunity to get the ball to a winger to beat a man and deliver a cross - as this is probably the statistically best way to score. Against a packed defence and whilst you wait for the chance to present itself, it can get quite dull. It's the breaking up of this with either a through ball or a shot from distance - which you'd get with greater frequency a decade ago, that is probably the biggest change.

[Alfred E Newman]

Is it really about the death of wingers and beating a man though? I still see a fair bit of that from most teams tbh (notably not Clarke's Scotland for example, but they feel like an outlier).

It looks more to me like the stretching of teams with the side to side passing, waiting for the opportunity to get the ball to a winger to beat a man and deliver a cross - as this is probably the statistically best way to score. Against a packed defence and whilst you wait for the chance to present itself, it can get quite dull. It's the breaking up of this with either a through ball or a shot from distance - which you'd get with greater frequency a decade ago, that is probably the biggest change.

You are right about wingers. It's hard to watch this link and not think it was more entertaining then
https://youtu.be/g-PfpEFkuko?si=9f7Zua0QVgPrpteV

[hibsbollah]

You are right about wingers. It's hard to watch this link and not think it was more entertaining then
https://youtu.be/g-PfpEFkuko?si=9f7Zua0QVgPrpteV

What a nice surprise seeing Cropley in action. Best too of course. And some unbelievably heavy pitches by today’s standards!

[McSwanky]

De Bruyne likes a shot. Outlier?

https://youtu.be/n9VsUeQ2YxQ?si=ttjjY0qCS8ToR34r

Sent from my Pixel 8a using Tapatalk

[Caversham Green]

Statistically shooting outside the box is not a good option...

Presumably that only takes account of actual goals scored. There's also the possibility of gaining a corner, deflections or scoreable rebounds to consider. Plus the morale boost (or deflation if you concede one) of seeing a screamer hit the net.

[Tyler Durden]

The complaints about EPL teams "all playing like Man City" or all playing the same is pretty daft. If you look at some of the top half for example, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Spurs, Man U, Newcastle........ none of those teams play the same way. They all have slightly different styles and strengths.

Go back to the 90s and virtually all the teams played 4-4-2 aswell, nobody complained then.

With this whole debate and the "Barclaysmen" trend on Twitter, there's a large element of nostalgia and remembering the best bits of how things were 20 years ago. Nothing wrong with that, but football was brilliant then and it's still amazing now IMO.

[Dan Sarf]

"The most impressive thing is that Slot has come in - understated and cool - and they have slightly changed the way they play as it is not so frantic," says BBC pundit Chris Sutton.
"They were great to watch under Jurgen Klopp but there seems to be greater control."


Boo. Give me frantic every time :greengrin

[Itsnoteasy]

"The most impressive thing is that Slot has come in - understated and cool - and they have slightly changed the way they play as it is not so frantic," says BBC pundit Chris Sutton.
"They were great to watch under Jurgen Klopp but there seems to be greater control."


Boo. Give me frantic every time :greengrin

And disnae thump his chest like an out of control 🦍

[wookie70]

"The most impressive thing is that Slot has come in - understated and cool - and they have slightly changed the way they play as it is not so frantic," says BBC pundit Chris Sutton.
"They were great to watch under Jurgen Klopp but there seems to be greater control."


Boo. Give me frantic every time :greengrin

Controlled to me is a negative word in this context, at least in terms of spectator enjoyment. I think why I liked football far more in the 70s and 80s is that it was frantic. Hard tackles, not that much cheating and rolling around. There was always something happening. If a top team has a bye kick now you could nip for a pie before the ball got near the other teams box.

[theonlywayisup]

Talking of screamers, imagine if a Ronaldo had done this. However, this was by the substitute goalkeeper chucked on by Arbroath and played as a forward.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ULne_8WwXes

[easty]

Controlled to me is a negative word in this context, at least in terms of spectator enjoyment. I think why I liked football far more in the 70s and 80s is that it was frantic. Hard tackles, not that much cheating and rolling around. There was always something happening. If a top team has a bye kick now you could nip for a pie before the ball got near the other teams box.

Yet if Hibs started to go against the grain, and were punting our goal kicks up the park every time, this forum would be going nuts at how crap we are, and how we’re just giving the ball back to the other team.

[theonlywayisup]

Yet if Hibs started to go against the grain, and were punting our goal kicks up the park every time, this forum would be going nuts at how crap we are, and how we’re just giving the ball back to the other team.

Like we did against Kilmarnock, when almost every goal kick was punted upfront to the wings by the goalkeeper.

[Gloucester Hibs]

Duran for Villa - that’s how you do it! 🚀

[CapitalGreen]

Duran for Villa - that’s how you do it! 🚀

Brilliant game of football

[theonlywayisup]

Duran for Villa - that’s how you do it! 🚀

Now, that's a screamer.

[JimBHibees]

Duran for Villa - that’s how you do it! 🚀

What a goal that was

[Lago]

What a goal that was
A real screamer :aok:

[Lendo]

Duran for Villa - that’s how you do it! 🚀


https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1111274297030552&id=100044439759406

[hibee_girl]

Newcastle have just scored two in the last 5 minutes :greengrin

[Donegal Hibby]

One of my favourite hibs goals ….

https://www.google.com/search?q=josh+campbell+goal+against+rangers&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-ie&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:27fdc0ce,vid:t9KlB6Pg2mo,st:0

[gbhibby]

https://youtu.be/McyYtVJP1mk?si=-vE5BO12lIqIZmhJ

Take a bow son take a bow.

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