Harry_SFC

That was just a massive "wtf" moment that set the tone for the whole game.

Not sure the last two games play out like they did if it was last season. Ralph has made early, positive subs and there's clearly a determination to the team when we go behind. In both games the camera has panned to the dugout and you can see Ralph in conversation with Selles. We all called for a proper assistant and IMO this could make a big difference going forwards.

Personally expect Ralph to continue with the awful 3/5 at the back. Could Romeu slot in between ABK and Salisu? I think he's done it before and looked pretty good.

I would certainly take him. Aarons, Tino, KWP, Perraud is a very good set of full backs. Even if it is just for one season before KWP leaves.

They will just put you on the duplicate list and you'll need to collect them from the Leicester ticket office before the game on Saturday.

We know how stubborn he is. Before Sports Republic took over Ralph had control over the majority of the club really. Now there is more of a structure in place and you'd imagine that the appointment of Selles was a club decision rather than a RH one.

Agree about Salisu. Whilst he's decent in general he is very poor from crosses into the box. He just seems to fall asleep. When you've got Bednarek doing the same then it's a recipe for disaster.

Don't get me started on Elyounoussi. He's just a bit of a pointless player at this level.

Bazunu; KWP, ABK, Salisu, Perraud/Djenepo; Lavia, JWP; Armstrong, Aribo; Mara, Adams. Subs: McCarthy, Lyanco, Valery, Perraud/Djenepo, Diallo, Romeu, Elyounoussi, Redmond, Armstrong.

Exactly. Lavia has been in and around the Man City first team who play a high pressing game in a 4. It's probably easier for a centre back to play in a 4 rather than a 3. Aribo is a fit, experienced player who I'm sure would pick up the system very quickly. So the only player who may not know the tactics is Mara, who hasn't even started yet anyway.

But if that formation is costing you points then that just seems a bit stupid to me.

Probably over analysing things but Ralph just doesn't seem himself this season. Could be a number of reasons for it but to me something has happened/is happening behind the scenes. I'm just not sure what.

There's something very odd going on. He hasn't said anything positive about the 5-3-2 yet continues to play it? It's rather baffling.

I think the two goals today show why we need to keep hold of Adams. First goal he plays a lovely one two with Armstrong and the second one is a world class first touch which allows him to bring Mara into the game. We know he won't score tons of goals but he will get a fair amount whilst doing a lot of work that sometimes goes unnoticed.

Totally agree. If those new players are better than the existing ones, play them. They've been here for pre season so they are all fit enough.

I genuinely believe a fair share of our issues are down to Bednarek. He is the one constant in that defence since 2018 I think? He has definitely regressed under Ralph and seems to have an attitude problem.

I always think Salisu looks better when he isn't being dragged out wide - which naturally happens when you play with wing backs. KWP is better going forward in a 4 as well, which was clear to see in that second half. It also complements the whole team better as well. Aribo coming off the right, Armstrong or Mara playing off Adams for example.

We can't defend in either formation so you might as well go for the more attacking one surely?

Seen people saying that Ralph had to be talked into the formation change by Selles?

You could buy any striker in the world and we still wouldn't score goals in this formation.

Maybe Ralph should take a look at the Arsenal "All or Nothing" documentary on Amazon Prime. Arteta comes across as a very good man manager.

Tbf those screens are horrendous

This is a good point. He does always seem very downbeat.

I mean ABK can't be any worse, surely? Tbf I thought he looked pretty decent in pre season and looks a lot more comfortable on the ball than Bednarek. So even if he can't defend very well that's an upgrade.

His subs are my main gripe really. Game after game they just get more and more baffling. It's like he's watching a totally different game to everyone else. He has tried to change the formation to make us more solid, which doesn't look like it's going to work. We beat Spurs 3-2 last season playing the 4-2-2-2. I'm not saying we should've expected a win yesterday, but if you're gonna lose, at least give it a go.