In contrast, he did share some positive news on Nacho Monreal, with the Spaniard key
at both ends of the pitch in recent weeks, pairing his defensive work with important goals and assists for his side.
You could say that Arsenal have done
well at both ends of the pitch so far this season, but at the same time we have shown weakness in both, but the visit of Chelsea to the Emirates stadium tomorrow is likely to provide the toughest test so far of our attack and our defence, but which will be called upon more and which will prove to be our undoing or our source of triumph?
The modern full - back is an altogether different beast to the technically - limited winger - basher of yesteryear - now any right or left - back worth his salt must be able to make a discernable
impact at both ends of the pitch, and that's certainly reflected in the winner of this year's award.
As a result, matches can be won
at both ends of the pitch with supreme firepower upfront and stern defensive bodies behind them, not forgetting exciting players such as Juanfran and Koke in midfield.
He is very mobile, comfortable on the ball, young but has lots of experience at a high level, (including 12 caps for an overloaded Germany defense) and a good header of the
ball at both ends of the pitch.
A limp performance like the one against Chelsea, mistakes at crucial times from key
players at both ends of the pitch and the age old problem of injury problems and Arsene Wenger seeming to be the only man on the planet that thinks his Arsenal squad has enough quality and quantity.
Monreal shows strength, confidence and
ability at both ends of the pitch because he recognises when it's safe to join the attack rather just racing forward like some full backs do.
Funny that, given The Liverpool Echo's David Prenticebelieves the Spanish ace has a future on Merseyside after an excellent pre-season: «against Liege on Wednesday the Spaniard was clearly trying to influence
matters at both ends of the pitch, in addition to producing some of his trademark long - range passes.»
To their credit, Liverpool have improved significantly in recent months, and that has certainly been a key factor in Jurgen Klopp getting the desired
results at both ends of the pitch.
Of course, that also meant that Madrid went searching for a goal of their own, desperate to restore their three - goal aggregate lead, meaning that the game went wide open in a hurry, with a flurry of scoring
chances at both ends of the pitch.
England have two expansive full - backs in Kyle Walker and Danny Rose who will be pivotal in supplying the width and be a constant
threat at both ends of the pitch.
From my seat in the
stand at that end of the pitch I couldn't believe it but after seeing the replay on TV later accepted that it was perhaps a foul, and at least a very clumsy challenge.
«In terms of what he'll bring, well, his ability in the attacking third is matched by his ability to track and do the defensive side of the game which is probably just as appealing to Mourinho who requires his players to understand his tactical
demands at both ends of the pitch.»
However, amid all the doom and gloom, United look to have found a full - back for the future in Cameron Borthwick - Jackson, who was again very
impressive at both ends of the pitch, as he delivered the assist for United's opener and looked assured in his defensive third.
A pacey versatile player capable of playing at full - back, wing - back and in midfield, Ashley Smith - Brown possesses good positional awareness, tricky feet and lightning pace, providing coverage down the
flanks at both ends of the pitch.
There is no doubt having a number of players who are strong in the air can be a huge
asset at both ends of the pitch and in recent times, with the likes of John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill in the side, it's an area where we have been strong.
The geordie's controversial move between the rivers Tyne and Wear has nonetheless paid dividends for his boyhood club, as the energetic midfielder has proved his
worth at both ends of the pitch.
He was involved in breaking up plays and setting up attacks, with his abilities to cover enough
grounds at both ends of the pitch giving his team the needed coverage in defence, and an option in attack.
Lloris supposes the win showcased Tottenham's
qualities at both ends of the pitch, as they maintained a clean sheet after having the perfect defensive record in the top - flight last season.
A look at Liverpool's woodwork woes, rough treatment from referees, and their phenomenal numbers for shots in the
box at both ends of the pitch only reinforced this view.
Turning his attention to his own side, Conte is pleased with the way in which the 3 -4-3 formation, which was implemented for the away game at Hull and has remained in place since, has worked for the
side at both ends of the pitch.
At the end of a Pitch Slam session the hallways echo with «I got five full - manuscript requests and one partial»...» I got to all four of the agents I wanted to see»...» he told me that it's not the kind of manuscript he's looking for but that my pitch was super.»
The San Siro bore witness to a delightfully well - played match, with everything you could ask for — a scrappy goal, a gorgeous goal, fantastic
play at both ends of the pitch, extra time and a huge penalty shootout capped off by Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winner.
It may seem obvious but, when looking for the likeliest relegation candidates, the teams with the worst goal difference are always at greatest risk; evidence as it is of
problems at both ends of the pitch.
His
impact at both ends of the pitch was highlighted in Chelsea's 2 - 1 win at Aston Villa in February, where Matic made more passes than any other player on the pitch (74, with a 91 % completion rate), two of which led to goalscoring opportunities.
Back to his best in an energetic
display at both ends of the pitch, Brazilian right - back Rafael da Silva was in fine form for Manchester United as he stood out as one of their best players, keeping things tight at the back and getting forward to good effect to set up the first goal for captain Wayne Rooney.
A scintillating first half with three goals was followed by a controlled and battling performance in the second half, so the Arsenal
stars at both ends of the pitch were left feeling much better about the chances of challenging for the title this season.
He is becoming a commanding figure in this Arsenal set up
at both ends of the pitch.