I'd argue that the reason they were resorting to 'longball aimless hoof' is that they didn't have the confidence to play it short into the midfield. Why is that? Perhaps because they don't trust the midfielders to keep possession. Perhaps because the midfielders don't want to show for the ball because when they get it there isn't enough movement ahead of them between the lines or on the overlap. We have an overly static and predictable system and there is a failure to rehearse patterns of play. Pumping it forward to Kabamba is the easy option for defenders to take because they kno w that a loss of possession in the opponents final third will be less catastrophic. The result: sterile risk adverse football.
You seem to echo Brady's claim that Sutton simply 'wanted it more', but I'm not really buying that. Tactical coherence breeds confidence at this level. Sutton have a very simple system and have the personnel (proper target man etc) to make it work. In contrast, we have no clear identity as an attacking force: we're neither a proper long ball team nor a possession-based passing team. We play 4-4-2 but with only one supposedly natural winger. No wonder the players are confused and lack confidence going forward. The one huge source of confidence which we do have is our excellent defence. However, the Rochdale and Sutton games suggest that when you take one of the first choice CBs out, then that confidence is threatened.
Sorry Bungle can’t quite agree with some of the points raised. Previous games this season have been reasonably entertaining; even the disappointing result at Salford we were always in with a chance. We will probably never know the reason why the display was so poor. For the last 24hrs most of us have made somewhat naive excuses like poor team selection, no desire, no flare etc and so it goes on! Simplistically if the majority of players have a poor game no amount of team selection or even tactics will make little difference.
This is bourne out by the keeper having a good game so ensuring the deficit is minimised after 90mins. As somebody has mentioned if we can bounce back at Hartlepool then we know the Sutton game was an aberration. After all if the defence played ok on Saturday we would probably be moaning about a boring 0-0 draw. Finally it is best to get behind the team forget all the moaning etc and hope for the best.