Tuesday the 7th April, a glorious sun-shining day in Milton Keynes. The first 5 minutes from kick-off were astounding. a cracking followup tap in goal and a penalty by Will Grigg. 2 goals in 5 minutes for MK Dons.
At that point, Karl Robinson standing from the touchline changed his tactics. Game Management came into play. Whilst it was not a Chelsea ‘Park the Bus’ system, it was almost as bad. To be fair to Scunthorpe they did start firing in the second half and made some brilliant plays into the box. All covered by Dean Lewington, Antony Kay and their mates. I am hard pushed to think of a shot significant enough to make goalkeeper David Martin sweat.
In Barcelona we have watched with awe and wonderment at the tiki-taka football. Its easy for Barca they have Messi! MK Dons started to move the ball around well and made room for one another, they exploited space that the wingers had made, Lewington forcing his way up the field to make the cross. This is how Karl Robinson has this team playing and the supporters are loving him for it. An entertaining game, no, but one certainly that other may wish to emulate.
So why is game management so important to MK Dons? It is the realisation that this could finally be their year. So many times they have come close to promotion only to have it whisked away in the cruellest of circumstances. MK Dons are playing like a team who believe that they should be in the championship and with four league wins in a row against strong opposition its hard to argue with them. With six league games left can Karl Robinson’s men get to the championship? Their brand of football is refreshing and they are a team to be wary of. Jose Mourinho may have to give Robinson a ring and ask about the new and improved MK Dons way. The difference from last season is really quite simple. The Dons are calmer, less hurried and seem genuinely engaged to the coaching teams ideasm, a huge step up.
Since news of the sale of Dele Alli this year his play seems to have improved again and he is consistently found roving all over, chasing down, and making some brilliant runs off the ball offering himself up. It seems that Robinson has now made the 18 year old his playmaker. Its little wonder Tottenham Hotspur has bought him for near £6 million.
