Viking Saint

Couple of observations: - was it Pochettino who talked about playing out of formations rather than in them, and that the formations are a starting point? I think the argument here is that professional footballers should be smart and adept enough to adapt to what's in front of them. We clearly didn't need three CBs today with only Woods patrolling the CF area for Burnley - Armstrong's removal was injury enforced but was surprised to see Cedric taken off and Stephens moved to RB. Was Cedric carrying a knock? Stephens lacks the pace for a fullback and can't cross a road, let alone a ball. Glaring lack of RB cover. Was releasing Pied a smart move? Is Valery worth looking at? - Surely it's not too much to expect the manager to be flexible enough to deploy different formations depending upon the opposition rather than being wedded to a set system?

Wouldn't have Hoedt anywhere near the starting XI. Yoshida for me any day. Not sure if I'd start with Ings either. He was good today but think he'll be good as an impact sub, so CA or Gabbi to start

Following in the footsteps of other good Scandinavian Saints defenders Killer, Claus and Östlund...am leaving Forren off that list...

What I thought was really odd was that he was, imo, our best performing player, but when he went off, we suddenly improved massively as a team!! Granted change of shape and Ely and Ings came on, but how well would he do in that formation? He looked a very good signing today.

I'm one of his biggest detractors on here but felt he really shaped up well today. Don't know if it's just the confidence to take defenders on or whether he's previously been playing as he's been instructed to, bit whatever happened today, I hope we see a lot more of it. His decision-making and final pass still needs work but credit where it's due, he was massively improved today.

Agree apart from Maya replacing Hoeft and Soares back in for Stephens

Apart from when he wiped out his own feet trying to backheel the ball back into the box just after they cleared off the line and landed in a heap on the floor! That aside, looked strong, physically competent and assured. Being 6'6" helps aerially. Would like to see him paired with Yoshida for Everton.

Agree with this, and would add Ely and Armstrong looking promising and Redmond became more and more influential as the game went on. Start with the same formation we finished with next week. Yoshida with Vestergaard and Soares back to RB, Stephens can't cross a road. Overall, the last 35 minutes was actually enjoyable to watch and may have warranted a penalty but need to see it again. #WeMarchOn

Looks like the players are actually enjoying playing for a change as well

Looking much better all-round. What are the odds we keep this shape for next week??

Gabbi coming on for CA

But we are suddenly looking better with a simple change in shape even if was partially enforced by the injury to what had been our best player so far

Brought some pace, energy and attacking intent. Looking better

McCarthy plays his get out of jail free card!

Romeu bursts to life with a great challenge

Header cleared off the line!!

Stephens to RB, Redmond RM, Ely LM

Soares and Armstrong off

Ings and Ely coming on

Two more chances, too easy for Burnley...

Squeaky bum time.

Give Redmond his due, and I'm one of his biggest detractors, he is working to get himself involved in the game, albeit in his own limited way. Vestergaard ought to have hit the target there...

F*ck me, Redmond produced something approximating football...

Does Hughes have the nous to do anything different?? Liking Armstrong so far, busy and looking to make things happen. Lemina's passing radar miles out.

Redmond ffs.....