Scoring goals has always been the most important stat in football, don't let anyone else tell you that. How you do it is down to interpretation and your team's strengths and limitations. Its a simple game really. Perhaps somewhat over complicated with the obsession on stat lines. They're great tools to have as they allow you to build a coaching plan for players and teams, and help show any improvements.
They shouldn't be used however to try and defend a team that lost a game because they couldn't score goals. 1000 passes mean very little if you never scored a goal. 1 pass 1 shot 1 goal might seem very direct and boring, but if that wins you the game then you've succeeded in playing football.
It might not be pretty, or artistic. It might not get the neutrals out of their seats purring over your playing style, but your fanbase and teammates won't care about that - because you've won the game.
There is nothing wrong with sitting deep on the 18 yard box, compact as team unit defending the narrow passing lanes down the middle. Nothing wrong with that at all, certainly not if the team you're playing against are known for playing narrow and attacking through the middle.
Sure Barcelona have people on the flanks to provide width, but its not true width. Its a draw tactic to cause the defensive unit to shift to the left or the right opening space down the inside right or left channel to slip a ball into after a quick switch of play. They won't look to get the ball on the flanks and cross it into the box. The best you can hope for is the fullback will run with the ball, cut into the box before pulling the ball back to the edge of the 18 yard box.
There's also nothing wrong with standing off the ball and waiting on the 18 yard box. Certainly not if the opposition never take long range efforts - why close them down? Why leave your compact defensive unit to close down that player on the ball 20 yards out from goal if he's not going to shoot? He wants you to come and close him down. He wants you to create a gap in that compact wall your team mates have created. Its another draw tactic.
There's nothing wrong with counter attacking football either. Greece won the Euros playing counter attacking football. Sure no-one really remembers that outside of Greece, and it was considered 'ugly'. Do you think the people of Greece care about that? Of course not, they won the Euros.
Score goals.
Play to your strengths.
Play towards the opposition's weakness.
Only have yourselves to blame. The Vitriol your fans showed with that silly banner. Had no idea Villa were even like that.
