Captain wrote:

For those who aren't aware, in Biggus language:

Direct: scrappy and defensive

Tippy-tappy: controlled and attacking

There are variations when he has to shift the goalposts for a particular argument, but that translation should save you about 30mins per day.

Always asumed by 'Direct' biggus meant a quick, incisive to the point style of attacking as opposed to 'tippy tappy' which he views as 100 probing passes that don't go anywhere.

I've have never believed 'tippy tappy' as biggus calls it was ever a style of play. Simply down to having players who couldn't do anything other than pass it sidewards or give it away against packed defences.

In fairness, Biggus has also said that the reason he dislikes 'possession' football is because it requires a high level of ability to execute and we don't bring in those players.

Bumper Rex wrote:

I think some of you guys need to get off Biggus' back. There are plenty of things regarding football I totally disagree with Gus about, but there is no doubt whatsoever that Gus is a top poster. This place would be a whole lot less interesting if there weren't the scale of posters from Kid to Biggus.

Thanks for your kind words Rex.
But it's water off a ducks back, bad news is never rewarded, I've dealt with vilification for years.

otfgoon wrote:

I've have never believed 'tippy tappy' as biggus calls it was ever a style of play. Simply down to having players who couldn't do anything other than pass it sidewards or give it away against packed defences.

Hmm interesting variation Otf, failure by accident rather than by design.

Biggus wrote:

@ Capi, not that Direct= scrappy and defensive
And Tippy-tappy= controlled and attacking I don't.
Thats meaningless nonsense, Spain won the last world cup by being defensive and controlled- I and many others despised them for it but it's impossible not to have grudging respect because at the end of the day it worked and they won.
But I've said that before and if you'd bothered to check instead of just using cliches you thought everyone (well the more lazy) would recognise to mock me.

I read every single one of your posts mate. The description I gave is still accurate.

Biggus wrote:

otfgoon wrote:

I've have never believed 'tippy tappy' as biggus calls it was ever a style of play. Simply down to having players who couldn't do anything other than pass it sidewards or give it away against packed defences.

Hmm interesting variation Otf, failure by accident rather than by design.

Same argument as 'direct' isn't a style of play, it's just a consequence of having players who can't hold the ball up, or play an accurate short pass and move game against the press.

And indeed I think Wenger's approach to tactics hasn't changed much tactically, not nearly as much as the players available. Just as our results have been on a plain.

Our style is very counter-attacking, exploiting space and movement, but when the opposing team decides to just sit back and defend then passing sideways becomes the way it pans out, out of necessity. But "tippy tappy" is something else and isn't our style.

All teams, even Stoke, look to play some sort of possession football during games. What looks exciting with our team so far for me, is that we don't look like conceding every time the other team comes into our half. Not too worried about us scoring. Wenger teams always score a decent amount. You need to be able to defend properly to win something, and so far this season we look stable in our defensive shape.

Utd have won a few titles after hanging about in 8th place or so at the beginning of a season by letting in very few goals and failing to score much themselves while other teams whoop each other 5-0 and end up with nothing in the end.

Winning is great, but not losing is pretty good, too. Maybe this season we'll peak a little later for once, and actually be able to sustain a challenge throughout. You can't do that if you're getting scored against in every game. That's why players like Gervais and Hleb can be very useful. Maybe they don't score, but Helb could keep the ball and Gervais can pin back both an FB and his winger, which makes it all the more difficult to score against us.

Captain wrote:

I read every single one of your posts mate.

I'm flattered Capi, and likewise.

Burnwinter wrote:

Biggus wrote:

Hmm interesting variation Otf, failure by accident rather than by design.

Same argument as 'direct' isn't a style of play, it's just a consequence of having players who can't hold the ball up, or play an accurate short pass and move game against the press.

And indeed I think Wenger's approach to tactics hasn't changed much tactically, not nearly as much as the players available. Just as our results have been on a plain.

Of course no one pumps balls forward hopefully it's too wasteful, theres a world of difference between "a long ball" and "a long pass".
In my opinion greatest and most exciting teams to watch know how to effortlessly alternate between short passes long passes and running with the ball.
Think late 80's Liverpool & Milan, Man U mid 90's and indeed our good selves early 00's.

tippy-tappy is that style of play when your opponent won't

Wenger on Gervinho: 'You know we transform all wingers into centre forwards! I decided to do it during our tour of Asia'

i'm excited to see more of gerv up front. the guy's quality and maybe this is the move that will take him to the next level.

He's got all of the attributes except for consistent finishing. In my opinion, that is easily remedied but some believe differently so we'll see.

Big Fat Melon On Fire.
Told ya'll!

Captain wrote:

He's got all of the attributes except for consistent finishing.

And self belief in his abilities to the point of arrogance.

He can't finish well enough to be a regular option at centre forward.

He played well today though.

asajoseph wrote:

He can't finish well enough to be a regular option at centre forward.

He played well today though.

Adebayor was a terrible finisher, but scored quite a few goals. Wenger can make anyone play good up there.

Adebayor and Gervinho aren't even close to being in the same category.

asajoseph wrote:

Adebayor and Gervinho aren't even close to being in the same category.

You're right, Adebayor was much worse when he joined us.

With our midfield full of technically gifted playmakers, what we need upfront is clever dynamic movement. Gervinho and giroud both provide this excellently

We will continue to create numerous chances if we carry on playing this way