When I played Central League (about 100 years ago) as a GK, there was no holding and when going for the high ball I was encouraged to go through any attacker between me and the ball. GK were (possibly) over protected in those days, we got away with murder really.Jessie Merino
FU BLU
Will this new standard for contesting the ball be applied evenly across the competition?
There are standards ?
When I played Central League (about a hundred years ago), I was instructed to mark opposition strikers at corners by standing on their feet. Seemed to work. Same as it ever was.
Clogged with Italiano vs Griffiths chat? This is the Italiano thread!mjp2
For that pic of the lead up to the first goal someone posted above, I hadn't realised how Edwards had opened up play for AFC with the run back he was making, putting AFC players onside. It looks like he'd have been better helping out challenging the man with the ball and keeping all the AFC pass options off side.
I thought that despite the loss, the pens and the red we were far more competitive this match than the last couple. And, as others have said, stuck at it well. I'm far happier with our play (notable exception being the turgid Macarthur game) than last season. And I think this high line will improve. Edwards second game in the system and he got caught out. Others are still adjusting also.
Hopefully we continue to get better. Jame's red and Hughes' injury won't help. Mostly seasons good or bad fortune with injuries is a big factor.
(And, again, we've had a thread clogged with Griffiths vs Chief when I'd say primarily injuries - and squad balance - was the problem last year)
He really needs to get a victory in one of the next two home games to maintain touching distance to the top six and two wins to give it a chance of making it.
Because thereafter things are going to get very tricky on the road outside NZ.
100%, just heard Eze on the radio saying exactly that, next two games are must wins if we want to be anywhere other than mid to bottom of the table.
He was also (as was Oluwayemi) on the TVNZ sports bulleting in the 6pm news couple of days ago - separately but in the same segment. Shame that TVNZ put together our 2024/25 highlights package as a background to the story. Did not look great TBH. But both Oluwayemi and Eze were in fighting spirit, Eze saying game against the Jets is a must win, no ifs and buts.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
Not really, different seasons different scenarios. Italiano was simply pointing out that AFC had all the advantages of not having to travel to Aus for a extended period, which is something the Nix never had! And the only reason its occurred now is due to one team pulling out late and the women's Asian champs in Aus.
Not really, different seasons different scenarios. Italiano was simply pointing out that AFC had all the advantages of not having to travel to Aus for a extended period, which is something the Nix never had! And the only reason its occurred now is due to one team pulling out late and the women's Asian champs in Aus.
yeah ok - I think he said what kind of competition allows this many home games in a row - well he has his answer, but it doesn't seem to be a problem anymore, no-one from Auckland FC coaching staff is bringing it up.
once again the context here is key! the reason most clubs this season has a run of home games is down to one club pulling out of the comp - again it is all teams who have this run, not just one in their first season. Which was the issue. It was pretty clear that AFC's early run of games last year being in NZ was manufactured by the league - one can only assume it was to pander to the big money owner as no other team has ever had that kind of gift in their first season.
once again the context here is key! the reason most clubs this season has a run of home games is down to one club pulling out of the comp - again it is all teams who have this run, not just one in their first season. Which was the issue. It was pretty clear that AFC's early run of games last year being in NZ was manufactured by the league - one can only assume it was to pander to the big money owner as no other team has ever had that kind of gift in their first season.
I understand the context and why it's happened this year - and while I might not agree with the reasons it happened last season my point here is regardless of how it's got to this point the A-League has never really been a home and away type draw (albeit never this extreme) so perhaps in hindsight he would have been better off not focusing on it.
It has always been a home and away draw, with the rare occasion of back to back home or away trips. Even when we had the three games against certain random teams the usual mode was home one week away the next.
It has always been a home and away draw, with the rare occasion of back to back home or away trips. Even when we had the three games against certain random teams the usual mode was home one week away the next.
I didn't mean they didn't try and do home and away - i'm sure someone like Dale has stats on this, I just feel like it's pretty fluid the last three or four seasons - could be wrong.
Anyway - I'm not super anti Chiefy - I just think he came out of that looking a bit silly, I think he is pretty astute generally but I think the derbies seemed to rattle him a bit last season.
It has always been a home and away draw, with the rare occasion of back to back home or away trips. Even when we had the three games against certain random teams the usual mode was home one week away the next.
Would disagree with that, there has rarely been a proper home and away draw since we have been in the A League. Its a fact most seasons we have had extended periods away from home and that fact has probably caused more angst over the years than any other issues combined. The reasons have been many and varied but i have serious doubts we have ever had any extended periods of home away fixtures
I recall Becker talking about the importance last year of having games on the same day and the same time when requesting their matches predominately on a Saturday at 5pm.
So people know heh it’s a Saturday, let’s go to the football - and a routine develops.
It would help even more if a regular home and away draw developed, so the punters would know it’s every fortnight.
Definitely something the A league needs to work on.
Can’t really see how it’s so hard, when most leagues throughout the world manage it with more games and mid week activity.
AP Think one of the main issues here and in Aussie is that many of the stadiums are multi use. So there are often a number of events wanting to use them.
As far as I remember I've never called for the sacking of a coach before... But sadly he has to go. He's too arrogant and too inflexible. We'll never out perform our limited roster if our coach can't ever out - manoeuvre his counterpart.
Exactly look at the back 5 he had to put out- no payne, hughes, james. LKH isnt good enough to start an aleague game let alone anchor the defence. Look how callan elliot breezed past him in the derby.
Chiefy may be a little head strong and i hope he learns from Ange but his squad is very limited and riddled with injuries.
Exactly look at the back 5 he had to put out- no payne, hughes, james. LKH isnt good enough to start an aleague game let alone anchor the defence. Look how callan elliot breezed past him in the derby.
Chiefy may be a little head strong and i hope he learns from Ange but his squad is very limited and riddled with injuries.
BS you obviously havnt taken notice of some of the performances LKH has put in recently. Everyone around me at games has been commenting about how he seems to have come of age and is doing some excellent stuff. Recall a couple of very crucial tackles that snuffed out promising Jets moves. Care to name anyone Elliot wouldnt have breezed past given the circumstances of that attack. You and some others seem to love making over the top criticisms of him.
Whether LKH is god enough to start or not is a moot point, fact is he is starting, and doing a decent job. But last game he was the "senior" CB with a debutant and make shift CB along side with. Not ideal for a 21yr old CB.
Of all things that we could be unhappy with, LKH is nowhere near the top priority. I am delighted he has not been significantly injured to date and continues to put in a good shift week in week out.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
LKH has been much improved. Gets a foot in regularly, has made some good last ditch tackles and seems to be a lot more aggressive in the air. Also, pretty calm on the ball.
Has the makings for a very good CB... I would love a little more aggro personally, but there's no guarantee that having it would make him a better player.
I recall Becker talking about the importance last year of having games on the same day and the same time when requesting their matches predominately on a Saturday at 5pm.
So people know heh it’s a Saturday, let’s go to the football - and a routine develops.
It would help even more if a regular home and away draw developed, so the punters would know it’s every fortnight.
Definitely something the A league needs to work on.
Can’t really see how it’s so hard, when most leagues throughout the world manage it with more games and mid week activity.
When it comes to stadium availability and scheduling between events and other codes the A-League is at the very bottom of the pecking order. Gotta take whats left/available
