Grecians on the offensive

Our latest fan-focused article comes courtesy of @ExiledGrecian - who has seen Exeter kick off their season in style under new boss Matt Taylor. 

Since replacing long-serving manager Paul Tisdale, Matt Taylor has been keen to stress that he was looking for City to become a more attack-minded team. For a side that had missed out on automatic promotion by just four points, that may on the surface seem a tad harsh; but the reality is that the Grecians scored the joint lowest amount of any team in the top 8 last season with the lowest goal difference. There was clearly room for improvement, but has Taylor managed to instil his new philosophy in such a short time at the helm?

Systematic approach

So far, Taylor has kept the simple 4-4-2 which worked so well for City in the early periods of last season, with a key part of his attacking intent emphasised by keeping two strikers on the pitch at all times. The biggest difference from last season has come from the fluidity in midfield. Nicky Law and Lee Holmes on the wings are given the freedom on the pitch to play to their strengths, with Hiram Boateng and Jake Taylor moving in to support the attack once the ball is in the final third. The usual cutting inside of both Law and Holmes allows for the full backs to move into the space, creating an overoad of players in the centre whilst retaining width.

The mentality has so far proved fruitful. City are producing 10 shots at goal per game under Matt Taylor, with over four of these on target. The only worry for Matt Taylor with regards to his attack will be with his players converting these chances (the Grecians currently need almost six shots to score a goal). Saturday's draw against Newport was a fine example of this, with City squandering a number of good efforts and attacks; ultimately being punished with a late equaliser.

📈 Most league goals in 2018 (top 4 tiers; inc. P/Os):
17⚽: McNulty
16⚽: Salah
15⚽: 💥STOCKLEY💥
14⚽: Eisa
13⚽: Kane, Mitrovic, Grigg#ECFC @OfficialECFC pic.twitter.com/GngmUCjKT6

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) August 20, 2018

The player who is set to benefit the most from the increased attacking intent is Jayden Stockley. Having said to have been looking forward to getting more goalscoring chances this season, he's certainly got off to a good start. While last season he was often left isolated up front, he now has a moblie strike partner in Jonathan Forte who is willing to move defenders away from City's record signing. Only McNulty and Salah have scored more league goals in 2018 than Stockley; though he will be disappointed not to be leading the charts having been guilty of missing very good chances.

An Achilles heel?

Whilst City's attacking play has been a refreshing change at St James Park, the lack of a holding midfielder has left the side very vulnerable on the counter attack. Morecambe and Newport created good chances off the back of City's attacks; whilst Ipswich's goal was a perfect example of how a team could exploit the gaps left behind when Exeter attack. This is reflected in the number of shots per game the Grecians are facing (over 10 a game); though they have seemingly coped well enough so far this season.

It's clear to see that Taylor has already had an impact on Exeter City's style of play, the stats reflect that; as do the results. The challenge will be improving our conversion rate and dealing with organised teams on the counter, but from what I am seeing this start has been thoroughly enjoyable.

For more from @ExiledGrecian, please check him out on Twitter.