Another milestone win as Armagh continue down the road

In Croke Park yesterday Armagh continued on their upward
trajectory and emphasised that they have the Ulster Final defeat well and truly flushed from their
system. They controlled the scoreboard, if not the match, for most of the contest. Their ability to win
games even when the opposition have plenty of opportunities is fast becoming a hallmark. While not a perfect
performance it is a statement result. Beating Dublin in Croke Park is a significant milestone on any
team’s journey and highlights the power shift away from the capital. The All-Ireland champions and
All-Ireland series specialists are the first team into the quarter-finals which allows them the luxury of
planning the month of June in a manner that best suits them, to set them up perfectly for the defence of
their crown for knockout football.

Armagh have all the signs of a team that have been on the road together for some time, and of a
team that are extremely well coached. They tend to have the answers to whatever questions are being asked.
They are able to shape-shift depending on what the opposition are throwing at them. Take Stefan Campbell’s
second-half point for example. As they set up an established attack they loaded up their full forward line
to create space around the arc. Dublin were chasing the game and as Armagh probed they pushed out and went
man-on-man defensively, rather than zonally protecting the arc. The All-Ireland champions immediately
appreciated this and Campbell broke into the space left behind between the lines to accept a popped pass to
kick a point. While it may look simple, in terms of coaching that is the point you are always trying to get
to. To empower your players to make the right decisions in the moment depending on the situation they are
being presented with. When that happens it is satisfying.