Analysis of yesterday's game??

[Eaglezbeak]

Can anyone who has seen the game yesterday provide a short analysis? Also, how was the line-up, 4-2-3-1?
I'm sorry I had to miss the game yesterday...

Some points I am curious about:
Has Akpeyi overhauled Uzoho?
Was Iwobi a 3rd midfielder playing predominantly on one flank, or was he infront of Mikel and Etebo in a central role?
How did the play change when Onuachu was hauled off?

Akpeyi was not tested but his ball distribution was miles above Uzoho´s distribution. Also I noticed that when Akpeyi or Ezinwa is in goal, the defense seems a lot more organised. It could be a phsycological thing due to Uzohos age and experience, maybe the defenders are more relaxed when they know that they dont have a 19 year old in goal with little experience.
Iwobi played as the number ten in front of Mikel and Etebo. Midfield possession was good as we had two very intelligent footballers running things in the middle, Iwobi was however careless with the ball and gave away possession a couple of times.
Onuachu was a bit disappointing to me, he was always crowded by defenders and did not really do much! Despite his height I did not remember him getting one single header. We really need strikers that can find space and run behind defenders, so that our midfielders can have more options.

The SE failed to utilize Onuachu. THe wingers were not whipping in crosses rather, they attacked. With that rainy condition, putting the ball in the air for Onuachu would have been the best route to goal.

Absolutely

[Flex Swift]

Having now watched the first half and seen Onuachu miss a chance having been put through on goal then Kalu waste another opportunity I hope the nations cup will not reveal Rohr selected two non scoring strikers.

[Damunk]

Having now watched the first half and seen Onuachu miss a chance having been put through on goal then Kalu waste another opportunity I hope the nations cup will not reveal Rohr selected two non scoring strikers.

If they (God forbid) turn out to be two 'non-scoring' strikers, have you got any better suggestions to make before its too late?
I think we are mostly agreed that the selected squad is about the best we have.
So saying 'he selected 2 non-scoring strikers' kind of suggests there are better options he has failed to select.
So who might these players be?

[FATHER TIKO]

Just watched a re-run of the game...

Iwobi's performance as the #10 was the reason SEagles could not sustain enough possession to create opportunities..
As the #10, Iwobi failed to show enough of himself to receive balls; and when he had the ball, he frequently turned over possession...

My perception is Iwobi played 'safe' because of the physicality of the Zimbabweans..(wary of tackles, he avoided holding onto possession, even when he needed to do so)

If Iwobi is going to be our #10 at AFCON, someone please tell him AFCON finals na jungle...as a #10 (who's going to have the ball for lengthy periods of a game) bravery & the dark arts are paramount...

Otherwise, if this version of Iwobi is going to be our #10 in Egypt, we go find goals tire...

[maceo4]

Just watched a re-run of the game...

Iwobi's performance as the #10 was the reason SEagles could not sustain enough possession to create opportunities..
As the #10, Iwobi failed to show enough of himself to receive balls; and when he had the ball, he frequently turned over possession...

My perception is Iwobi played 'safe' because of the physicality of the Zimbabweans..(wary of tackles, he avoided holding onto possession, even when he needed to do so)

If Iwobi is going to be our #10 at AFCON, someone please tell him AFCON finals na jungle...as a #10 (who's going to have the ball for lengthy periods of a game) bravery & the dark arts are paramount...

Otherwise, if this version of Iwobi is going to be our #10 in Egypt, we go find goals tire...

He plays like this every time he plays #10, I dunno why we are so afraid to say he sucks at it...even the much maligned Babatunde Michael from 2014 played the role better and was not a turnover machine. There’s a reason he rarely plays there for Arseanal.

[Enyi]

Just watched a re-run of the game...

Iwobi's performance as the #10 was the reason SEagles could not sustain enough possession to create opportunities..
As the #10, Iwobi failed to show enough of himself to receive balls; and when he had the ball, he frequently turned over possession...

My perception is Iwobi played 'safe' because of the physicality of the Zimbabweans..(wary of tackles, he avoided holding onto possession, even when he needed to do so)

If Iwobi is going to be our #10 at AFCON, someone please tell him AFCON finals na jungle...as a #10 (who's going to have the ball for lengthy periods of a game) bravery & the dark arts are paramount...

Otherwise, if this version of Iwobi is going to be our #10 in Egypt, we go find goals tire...

He plays like this every time he plays #10, I dunno why we are so afraid to say he sucks at it...even the much maligned Babatunde Michael from 2014 played the role better and was not a turnover machine. There’s a reason he rarely plays there for Arseanal.

Iwobi’s performance was down to Mikel....

Mikel is not an outright DM, Etebo is a CM....all wanting the ball and hugging it. That’s Iwobi’s job.

Etebo needs to be benched and a Mikel told to hold back a bit.

Just rewatch the few minutes that Mikel was not on the pitch and u can see that Iwobi grew into that position.

[Flex Swift]

Having now watched the first half and seen Onuachu miss a chance having been put through on goal then Kalu waste another opportunity I hope the nations cup will not reveal Rohr selected two non scoring strikers.

If they (God forbid) turn out to be two 'non-scoring' strikers, have you got any better suggestions to make before its too late?
I think we are mostly agreed that the selected squad is about the best we have.
So saying 'he selected 2 non-scoring strikers' kind of suggests there are better options he has failed to select.
So who might these players be?

It now looks like the goal Onuachu scored against Egypt was a fluke ...... scoring early and not adding to it and now huffing and puffing against the mighty Zimbabwe he was marketed as a prolific striker but the reality is he plays in a poor league and we have kicked out a prolific goal scorer who plays his football in the EPL. I am going to sit back and enjoy the African cup of Nations

[maceo4]

Just watched a re-run of the game...

Iwobi's performance as the #10 was the reason SEagles could not sustain enough possession to create opportunities..
As the #10, Iwobi failed to show enough of himself to receive balls; and when he had the ball, he frequently turned over possession...

My perception is Iwobi played 'safe' because of the physicality of the Zimbabweans..(wary of tackles, he avoided holding onto possession, even when he needed to do so)

If Iwobi is going to be our #10 at AFCON, someone please tell him AFCON finals na jungle...as a #10 (who's going to have the ball for lengthy periods of a game) bravery & the dark arts are paramount...

Otherwise, if this version of Iwobi is going to be our #10 in Egypt, we go find goals tire...

He plays like this every time he plays #10, I dunno why we are so afraid to say he sucks at it...even the much maligned Babatunde Michael from 2014 played the role better and was not a turnover machine. There’s a reason he rarely plays there for Arseanal.

Iwobi’s performance was down to Mikel....

Mikel is not an outright DM, Etebo is a CM....all wanting the ball and hugging it. That’s Iwobi’s job.

Etebo needs to be benched and a Mikel told to hold back a bit.

Just rewatch the few minutes that Mikel was not on the pitch and u can see that Iwobi grew into that position.

Now its Mikel and Etebo's fault, you gooners are something else sha. The boy has been playing like that for the whole year that Mikel was out. He really annoys me in the position, and nobody says anything because he's an Arseanal player. You won't find too many assists he makes from that position, but mainly atilogwu dancing and losing the ball game after game. Anyways, I'm pretty sure he won't be a starter at the ANC with Mikel back anyways, probably be Mikel, Ndidi, and Etebo starting, he can come in and do his nonsense after.

[ANC]

It rained and the pitch was bad, messi would've struggled in that game.

[mcal]

...no trumpeted win about the Nigeria v Zim match. did we lose?

Zimbabwe scored the first zero, then we equalized.

...interesting!

[maceo4]

It rained and the pitch was bad, messi would've struggled in that game.

Yep, its been raining turnovers every game Iwobi has played #10 for SE? Hopefully he picks it up in Egypt...

[FATHER TIKO]

Just watched a re-run of the game...

Iwobi's performance as the #10 was the reason SEagles could not sustain enough possession to create opportunities..
As the #10, Iwobi failed to show enough of himself to receive balls; and when he had the ball, he frequently turned over possession...

My perception is Iwobi played 'safe' because of the physicality of the Zimbabweans..(wary of tackles, he avoided holding onto possession, even when he needed to do so)

If Iwobi is going to be our #10 at AFCON, someone please tell him AFCON finals na jungle...as a #10 (who's going to have the ball for lengthy periods of a game) bravery & the dark arts are paramount...

Otherwise, if this version of Iwobi is going to be our #10 in Egypt, we go find goals tire...

He plays like this every time he plays #10, I dunno why we are so afraid to say he sucks at it...even the much maligned Babatunde Michael from 2014 played the role better and was not a turnover machine. There’s a reason he rarely plays there for Arseanal.

Iwobi’s performance was down to Mikel....

Mikel is not an outright DM, Etebo is a CM....all wanting the ball and hugging it. That’s Iwobi’s job.

Etebo needs to be benched and a Mikel told to hold back a bit.

Just rewatch the few minutes that Mikel was not on the pitch and u can see that Iwobi grew into that position.

I thought Etebo was the reason Zimbabwe didn't find a route to our goal...Etebo battled hard as the enforcer...

Mikel 'hugged' the ball probably because Iwobi was 'hiding' most of the time...
Mikel is always quality(Mikel would never release the ball if there is no available pass; a quality most of our players lack...reason useless speculative long balls are frequent in our game)

Iwobi must offer decent angles to receive passes...he may even need to drop back deep (even inside his own half to receive balls)...as a #10, passing range shouldn't be a problem...It's all about being brave, and a #10 must possess bravery in tons (bordering on arrogance)

JJ Okocha sometimes trekked back to our D and pinched balls off Taribo West (or Yobo) and carry the ball all of 30m back into opposition half...which might achieve 2 things:
a) lure one or two naive opponents to track him, and consequently out of position
b) provide him more space & time with the ball

The most important tools a #10 seeks are time & space...the best #10's find ways to fashion time & space to punish opponents...

We're not going to carve out opportunities against 70% of opposition in Egypt who'll be erecting 2 defensive blocks as Zimbabwe with this version of Iwobi as #10...

Just my tuppence..

[jdizzy]

Is the same Comedian basket Akpeyi or is there s new goalie named Akpeyi that has burst onto the scene?

[deanotito]

But I think people forget that Iwobi isn’t a natural 10. He’s playing there because we have no better option that has been identified. It’s almost like you guys are blaming him for being played out of position

[maceo4]

But I think people forget that Iwobi isn’t a natural 10. He’s playing there because we have no better option that has been identified. It’s almost like you guys are blaming him for being played out of position

Then stop playing him there cuz he’s no good. Mikel isn’t a natural AM either but I’ll take him there over Alex any day.

[1naija]

Can anyone who has seen the game yesterday provide a short analysis? Also, how was the line-up, 4-2-3-1?
I'm sorry I had to miss the game yesterday...

Some points I am curious about:
Has Akpeyi overhauled Uzoho?
Was Iwobi a 3rd midfielder playing predominantly on one flank, or was he infront of Mikel and Etebo in a central role?
How did the play change when Onuachu was hauled off?

Akpeyi was not tested but his ball distribution was miles above Uzoho´s distribution. Also I noticed that when Akpeyi or Ezinwa is in goal, the defense seems a lot more organised. It could be a phsycological thing due to Uzohos age and experience, maybe the defenders are more relaxed when they know that they dont have a 19 year old in goal with little experience.
Iwobi played as the number ten in front of Mikel and Etebo. Midfield possession was good as we had two very intelligent footballers running things in the middle, Iwobi was however careless with the ball and gave away possession a couple of times.
Onuachu was a bit disappointing to me, he was always crowded by defenders and did not really do much! Despite his height I did not remember him getting one single header. We really need strikers that can find space and run behind defenders, so that our midfielders can have more options.

Akpeyi is our best goalkeeper. We can deceive ourselves all we want but it wont change the fact. The people looking for some phantom world class goalkeeper are like people that have a nice but not so nice looking girl but they keep looking for a model when they themselves are not nice looking.

[1naija]

JJ Okocha sometimes trekked back to our D and pinched balls off Taribo West (or Yobo) and carry the ball all of 30m back into opposition half...which might achieve 2 things:
a) lure one or two naive opponents to track him, and consequently out of position
b) provide him more space & time with the ball

Uncle, are you sure you used to watch these games with clear eyes? This is a not a clear eye observation story, at all at all.

[deanotito]

But I think people forget that Iwobi isn’t a natural 10. He’s playing there because we have no better option that has been identified. It’s almost like you guys are blaming him for being played out of position

Then stop playing him there cuz he’s no good. Mikel isn’t a natural AM either but I’ll take him there over Alex any day.

No issues there. But the last time I saw Mikel play in that position, I saw him from a stadium seat, and I can safely say he ain’t no 10...at least not anymore. Maybe African opposition would prove easier than what we saw at the WC, but man, there’s no penetration with Mikel.

[FATHER TIKO]

But I think people forget that Iwobi isn’t a natural 10. He’s playing there because we have no better option that has been identified. It’s almost like you guys are blaming him for being played out of position

Then stop playing him there cuz he’s no good. Mikel isn’t a natural AM either but I’ll take him there over Alex any day.

Mikel was tipped to be 'a natural 10' and actually flourished with the U-20 before Mourinho's influence...

If Mikel's engine was still new, he'd be the SEagles best option as #10...
No current SEagles player utilises space & ball possession better than Mikel...

[theYemster]

Can anyone who has seen the game yesterday provide a short analysis? Also, how was the line-up, 4-2-3-1?
I'm sorry I had to miss the game yesterday...

Some points I am curious about:
Has Akpeyi overhauled Uzoho?
Was Iwobi a 3rd midfielder playing predominantly on one flank, or was he infront of Mikel and Etebo in a central role?
How did the play change when Onuachu was hauled off?

Akpeyi was not tested but his ball distribution was miles above Uzoho´s distribution. Also I noticed that when Akpeyi or Ezinwa is in goal, the defense seems a lot more organised. It could be a phsycological thing due to Uzohos age and experience, maybe the defenders are more relaxed when they know that they dont have a 19 year old in goal with little experience.
Iwobi played as the number ten in front of Mikel and Etebo. Midfield possession was good as we had two very intelligent footballers running things in the middle, Iwobi was however careless with the ball and gave away possession a couple of times.
Onuachu was a bit disappointing to me, he was always crowded by defenders and did not really do much! Despite his height I did not remember him getting one single header. We really need strikers that can find space and run behind defenders, so that our midfielders can have more options.

The SE failed to utilize Onuachu. THe wingers were not whipping in crosses rather, they attacked. With that rainy condition, putting the ball in the air for Onuachu would have been the best route to goal.

I wish they had hired Finidi to come work on the wingers to improve their crosses. They should be taking at least a hundred crosses each per session.

I often visualise the goal JAG scored against Sweden at WC2002 from a peach of a cross by Yobo. That play should be a regular in our repertoire.

[deanotito]

Can anyone who has seen the game yesterday provide a short analysis? Also, how was the line-up, 4-2-3-1?
I'm sorry I had to miss the game yesterday...

Some points I am curious about:
Has Akpeyi overhauled Uzoho?
Was Iwobi a 3rd midfielder playing predominantly on one flank, or was he infront of Mikel and Etebo in a central role?
How did the play change when Onuachu was hauled off?

Akpeyi was not tested but his ball distribution was miles above Uzoho´s distribution. Also I noticed that when Akpeyi or Ezinwa is in goal, the defense seems a lot more organised. It could be a phsycological thing due to Uzohos age and experience, maybe the defenders are more relaxed when they know that they dont have a 19 year old in goal with little experience.
Iwobi played as the number ten in front of Mikel and Etebo. Midfield possession was good as we had two very intelligent footballers running things in the middle, Iwobi was however careless with the ball and gave away possession a couple of times.
Onuachu was a bit disappointing to me, he was always crowded by defenders and did not really do much! Despite his height I did not remember him getting one single header. We really need strikers that can find space and run behind defenders, so that our midfielders can have more options.

The SE failed to utilize Onuachu. THe wingers were not whipping in crosses rather, they attacked. With that rainy condition, putting the ball in the air for Onuachu would have been the best route to goal.

I wish they had hired Finidi to come work on the wingers to improve their crosses. They should be taking at least a hundred crosses each per session.

I often visualise the goal JAG scored against Sweden at WC2002 from a peach of a cross by Yobo. That play should be a regular in our repertoire.

I honestly don't think you need Finidi to do this. They just need drills. Drills on defending corners and on taking crosses. If the coaches in there can't execute that without some ex-world class player, then I'm not sure they're worth what they're being paid.

All they need is drills...over and over again. Ideally, one would hope that our players were self-aware enough to practice on their own and get better (especially with crosses), but I haven't seen any signs of this in the last 5 years.

[maceo4]

Can anyone who has seen the game yesterday provide a short analysis? Also, how was the line-up, 4-2-3-1?
I'm sorry I had to miss the game yesterday...

Some points I am curious about:
Has Akpeyi overhauled Uzoho?
Was Iwobi a 3rd midfielder playing predominantly on one flank, or was he infront of Mikel and Etebo in a central role?
How did the play change when Onuachu was hauled off?

Akpeyi was not tested but his ball distribution was miles above Uzoho´s distribution. Also I noticed that when Akpeyi or Ezinwa is in goal, the defense seems a lot more organised. It could be a phsycological thing due to Uzohos age and experience, maybe the defenders are more relaxed when they know that they dont have a 19 year old in goal with little experience.
Iwobi played as the number ten in front of Mikel and Etebo. Midfield possession was good as we had two very intelligent footballers running things in the middle, Iwobi was however careless with the ball and gave away possession a couple of times.
Onuachu was a bit disappointing to me, he was always crowded by defenders and did not really do much! Despite his height I did not remember him getting one single header. We really need strikers that can find space and run behind defenders, so that our midfielders can have more options.

The SE failed to utilize Onuachu. THe wingers were not whipping in crosses rather, they attacked. With that rainy condition, putting the ball in the air for Onuachu would have been the best route to goal.

I wish they had hired Finidi to come work on the wingers to improve their crosses. They should be taking at least a hundred crosses each per session.

I often visualise the goal JAG scored against Sweden at WC2002 from a peach of a cross by Yobo. That play should be a regular in our repertoire.

I honestly don't think you need Finidi to do this. They just need drills. Drills on defending corners and on taking crosses. If the coaches in there can't execute that without some ex-world class player, then I'm not sure they're worth what they're being paid.

All they need is drills...over and over again. Ideally, one would hope that our players were self-aware enough to practice on their own and get better (especially with crosses), but I haven't seen any signs of this in the last 5 years.

Its so obvious we don't work on set pieces, both defending and taking them given how poor we are at them...

[theYemster]

Can anyone who has seen the game yesterday provide a short analysis? Also, how was the line-up, 4-2-3-1?
I'm sorry I had to miss the game yesterday...

Some points I am curious about:
Has Akpeyi overhauled Uzoho?
Was Iwobi a 3rd midfielder playing predominantly on one flank, or was he infront of Mikel and Etebo in a central role?
How did the play change when Onuachu was hauled off?

Akpeyi was not tested but his ball distribution was miles above Uzoho´s distribution. Also I noticed that when Akpeyi or Ezinwa is in goal, the defense seems a lot more organised. It could be a phsycological thing due to Uzohos age and experience, maybe the defenders are more relaxed when they know that they dont have a 19 year old in goal with little experience.
Iwobi played as the number ten in front of Mikel and Etebo. Midfield possession was good as we had two very intelligent footballers running things in the middle, Iwobi was however careless with the ball and gave away possession a couple of times.
Onuachu was a bit disappointing to me, he was always crowded by defenders and did not really do much! Despite his height I did not remember him getting one single header. We really need strikers that can find space and run behind defenders, so that our midfielders can have more options.

The SE failed to utilize Onuachu. THe wingers were not whipping in crosses rather, they attacked. With that rainy condition, putting the ball in the air for Onuachu would have been the best route to goal.

I wish they had hired Finidi to come work on the wingers to improve their crosses. They should be taking at least a hundred crosses each per session.

I often visualise the goal JAG scored against Sweden at WC2002 from a peach of a cross by Yobo. That play should be a regular in our repertoire.

I honestly don't think you need Finidi to do this. They just need drills. Drills on defending corners and on taking crosses. If the coaches in there can't execute that without some ex-world class player, then I'm not sure they're worth what they're being paid.

All they need is drills...over and over again. Ideally, one would hope that our players were self-aware enough to practice on their own and get better (especially with crosses), but I haven't seen any signs of this in the last 5 years.

I agree with everything you wrote.