What was different?
- Without the ball we had poise. There was no panic. The defense dropped off if they needed to. Each player got into position, looking around and ensuring there weren't spaces. We didn't exert massive energy closing down, but focused more on tight compact positioning and awareness. For me this was the biggest change.
- Each player knew their role. For example Davies was effectively another CB and was there to defend. Aurier free to get forward.
- The front 3 were asked to play on the shoulders of the defenders. That's partly why there were so many offsides. As wham's backline retreated because of the runners, it created more space for Alli and others.
- We were prepared to stay down after challenges and break up their play. Under Poch sometimes we'd get sucked into the opposition's game. Rather than impose our own. I think this tatic is part of us regaining control. Taking time. Re-grouping.
Only small differences. But it is what we needed. Aurier was excellent today, which is really a credit to Poch. He bought him on, improving in each game this season. Mourinho created the structure which helped him today, but Poch helped him to develop a greater defensive focus and gain confidence.
Wham were really poor. Still a lot of development to come from us. Baby steps.