I often draw games which i'm leading by 1/2 goals cause the opposition equalises in teh 2nd half. I've even let a 4 goal lead slip twice. How to I barricade my goal once i've got a good lead ?

try changing what you say at half time, sounds like what the problem is you're not motivating your players right

and ask your assistant's advice to see how team talk is affecting your players


you could also try bringing in an extra midfielder instead of a forward, making the team more defensive and holding the ball more

I increase the tempo of my game because of match, I'm playing at mid tempo, so by playing a higher tempo, my players will retain possession.

Around the 70 min mark I usually put the temp as slow as possible and the passing as slow as possibly so I have lots of possesion. I also up the timewasting to often.

If im winning 1 or 2-0 at half time i try and get my players to kill of the opposition by getting another goal in the second half. Although im Arsenal so yeh

I increase the tempo of my game because of match, I'm playing at mid tempo, so by playing a higher tempo, my players will retain possession.

higher tempo actually makes you lose the ball more because your players are rushing.

generally play fast againts small teams and slow againts big teams.

regarding shutting up shop, I cant help.. since I always fail that part as well :(

Yeah, I switch to higher tempo when I have to take more risks and make more chances to create a goal.

It all depends on your opponents how to defend. Against fast opponents, you might want a deep defense (this means there wont be a lot of room between the defensive line and the goal, so the opposition can't make use of the pace of their forwards). Against slower, stronger players, it may be wise to push up, as it is wise to keep them far away from your goal, they won't beat your defenders on pace anyway.

And in all cases: have a defensive midfielder who can manmark the opposition's playmaker or even their best striker.

I had the same problem in the beginning. Then I changed my tactics - If I'm leading till the 70th minute against an equal or powerful opposition, I select slow tempo and deep defense. Also I substitute any tired defender with fresh ones and bring on a hard working DM to help the defense.

If you have a comptent passing side - then I would employ heavy time wasting, defensive mentality and short passing.

My players will just pass the ball amongst themselves and play the possession game to wind down the clock. This is also highly effective (albeit with a higher mentality rating) when you face a team that goes down to 10 men. Basically outpass the team and cause them to chase you down, thus leaving gaps for you to exploit.