Pseudonym wrote:
Having just watched the highlights, it confirmed my sense during the match. I’m astonished how poorly we defended yesterday. We hardly pressed at any time, were disorganised and meekly backed off in every third. No purpose or aggression to our defending.
Many have pointed to Tucker this season (it was Jules’s turn yesterday), but the above issue is where we’re falling down defensively. Don’t blame the back line if the front and middle lines are not doing their defensive jobs.
It was one area we did really well last season.
If this is the kind of performance that Jackson is praising then it’s very disappointing [Ed: I know he has to praise them - like a teacher has to praise primary school kids].
It can still be the back line's fault if they are defending too deep, which doesn't allow the midfield the starting position to press.