So that Lacazette goal, we have to be able to execute that much more regularly. Despite how “perfect” things seemed to go, it only looked that good because everyone executed. And they executed to a level that they should. That we know they can. We can ask for more consistency. That’s exactly what we (I) am basically asking for.
Passing out the back, at this stage shouldn’t be a concern at all. When the ball arrives at the foot of Gabriel or White, they should have their top 3 reads (preferred options) in mind, and be ready and able to find them instantly. The midfield should be automatically adjusted to provide clear and open options, and there have to be reads for the midfielders also - where Auba should be, where Lokonga / Xhaka should be, where my full backs should be. All of this is drill work. All of it. After perfecting that you get to the level where you’re so comfortable on the ball across the back four that you can actually stand on the ball and easily suck in and bypass the opposition if they commit too heavily to the high press.
The drill work is what I’m not seeing. The error littered passing, the noticeably negative response to any sort of pressure. This can be drilled out. And we have as high or higher level of technical quality than most of the league bar the top 3 teams. It shouldn’t be such a task.
