Thread by @JonnyPotter87

Watching the #SCFC #QPR game back from yesterday and unsurprisingly, all of the back four have had an absolute shocker. Strap yourself in for some graphic content! There’s a lot of horrific defending to be analysed... (1/11)💀#stokecity #stoke #football #analysis

We start with the first #QPR goal. Things look good from here. Two banks of 4 and in a fairly decent shape. I’ve circled Smith but also look at Chester and BMI’s position in relation to Batth. Should give you a clue about what’s about to go down... (2/11)

Play develops and Smith is the free player. He has to block the pass behind the defence. It’s literally his only job here. His effort is weak. Chester and BMI are 5 yards behind Batth, allowing space for Hugill to move into. Butland not covered himself in glory either! (3/11)

#QPR second goal and it’s a beauty from a #SCFC defensive POV. Long ball from GK. Chester and BMI must be stronger but Batth doesn’t cover Chester when he steps out. Big hole for second bounce of the ball later. (4/11)

A couple of bounces and #Stoke defence managed to get back into a solid shape behind the ball. There’s little danger here due to the compactness of the back line, protecting the middle. You’d have to do something pretty stupid to concede from here... (5/11)

Step forward (pun intended) Tommy Smith. Leaves his man to challenge Hugill (Batth’s man) and leaves a massive gap for Eze behind him. If he stays, we don’t concede. It’s dreadful defending! 🤦🏻‍♂️ (6/11)

If you’ve not had enough by this point, let’s move on to the #QPR third goal. Long ball over the top not dealt with. Still no immediate danger here though. 3 vs 3 and Chester and BMI have taken up smart positions. Samuel hasn’t got anywhere to go... (7/11)

That is until Danny Batth goes off his feet and 3 vs 3 becomes a 3 vs 2. Not that it matters because Butland should be saving the subsequent shot anyway. Still awful defending! #SCFC #Stoke (8/11)

Onto #4 then. Almost finished Stokies! Poor reactions from the corner to allow a 3 vs 2 and a cross/shot to come in to the box. Smith (blue circle) plays everyone onside. (9/11) #SCFC #Stoke #QPR

It’s pretty clear that we’ve given up by this point. When the shot comes in, Smith should at least be prepared to move centrally to cover any rebounds. Instead he (and everyone else) watches and hopes. (10/11) #SCFC #Stoke

In short, #SCFC defence was all over the place. I only focused on goals because I could be here all day but the organisation and communication was extremely poor. As with most goals at pro level, they are caused by a catalogue of errors. Lots for MoN to work on this week! (11/11)