the missing link..

[david in sweden]

at the risk of incurring wrath from many contributors, I venture to offer as my defence - statistics about appearances. Since the home loss v. Bris. Rovers the run of 6 undefeated games included one player who has since been dropped - I refer to Wotton. ( I hear many angry voices) :mad: His place in a re-vamped line-up has gone to Antonio,(who I have to say looks quite impressive), However, the fact remains that there was a sad lack of " bite " in midfield in the Brighton game and it cost us 3 points.

 

If you are going to allow TWO wide players Lallana AND Antonio) to have free range then it weakens us in the middle and such players sadly do not take easily to a defensive role when we are under pressure. Older players have learned this skill but young " stars " only want togo forward and attack. Judging by yesterdays performance I have to say that Schneiderlin (a very skilful player to be sure) looked surplus to requirements and didn't have such good positional play.

 

I wrote some weeks ago reminding someone that we do not look like a team likely to keep many clean sheets but as long as we got ONE goal more than the opposition - we get the points - yesterday it didn't happen! a fact surely noted by Wotton and AP from the bench. Next step Mr. Pardew ?

[Boris Karloff]

No you're probably right. We were doing well with 4-5-1, but everyone was calling for 4-4-2 and it just doesn't

[bungle]

It's not just Wotton, it's the fact we have reverted from playing a system that suited us, worked well, and is an excellent tactical system, to the donkey British 4-4-2 formation. It's been a terrible move to stick with it, and I hope yesterday was the death knell for that backward formation.

 

Whether he brings Wotton back in, or brings in Waigo and puts Lallana with Hammond and Schneiderlin in the middle, I don't mind.

[damers]

next step 4 5 1

[Boris Karloff]

No you're probably right. We were doing well with 4-5-1, but everyone was calling for 4-4-2 and it just doesn't seem to work so well.

[dubai_phil]

David, agree with you.

 

But then you have the problem, how do we accomodate Connelly?

 

I think a 4-5-1 with Lallana, Connolly, Antonio/Papa & Lambert would leave us short of passing ability in the midfield.

 

With the goal scoring run he has been on, it would take a very brave man to leave Connolly out the team.

 

Hammond picks himself, MS plays much better with Wotton behind him so we are back to Lallana or Connolly or the "Pacey Winger".

 

I think we should revert back to 4-5-1 with the option to switch after we have "imposed ourselves". It does give us the option to change, where as to get from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 in theory we'd have had to take off a striker when we were chasing a game?

 

That's why we are armchair pundits, not managers

[david in sweden]

No you're probably right. We were doing well with 4-5-1, but everyone was calling for 4-4-2 and it just doesn't seem to work so well.

 

I'd say this was one of the factors, but we have several players capable of rotating the 1 man up front. Connolly is a goal poacher, but so far has done best with his 20 minute cameo appearances coming in against tiring defenders and scoring late on. Lallana must learn how to take some stick (he won a good penalty yesterday -as long as he doesn't develop a liking for diving instead) and could easily rotate the front role with Lambert during the game depending on the strengths /weaknesses of the opposition.

 

A temporary change of tactics in mid-stream often works well, example: a tricky winger changing wings or having a front man drop back deeper and running with the ball (ala Channon).

 

Certainly yesterdays game gave AP food for thought but expect to see some personal changes in midfield and reverting

to 4-5-1 on Saturday.

[bungle]

But then you have the problem, how do we accomodate Connelly?

 

Drop him. Simple.

[david in sweden]

David, agree with you.

 

But then you have the problem, how do we accomodate Connelly?

 

I think a 4-5-1 with Lallana, Connolly, Antonio/Papa & Lambert would leave us short of passing ability in the midfield.

 

With the goal scoring run he has been on, it would take a very brave man to leave Connolly out the team.

 

Hammond picks himself, MS plays much better with Wotton behind him so we are back to Lallana or Connolly or the "Pacey Winger".

 

I think we should revert back to 4-5-1 with the option to switch after we have "imposed ourselves". It does give us the option to change, where as to get from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 in theory we'd have had to take off a striker when we were chasing a game?

 

That's why we are armchair pundits, not managers

 

You're right of course Phil. However,with Murty's return on the horizon surely James would be better in midfield. Schneiderlin is a bit of a luxury in L1. (although I do enjoy his skill ) he is the sort of class midfielder who puts the icing on the cake for a top side - and (we 'aint there yet !).

 

At this level you have to battle and grind out results all the time.

[SaintRichmond]

at the risk of incurring wrath from many contributors, I venture to offer as my defence - statistics about appearances. Since the home loss v. Bris. Rovers the run of 6 undefeated games included one player who has since been dropped - I refer to Wotton. ( I hear many angry voices) :mad: His place in a re-vamped line-up has gone to Antonio,(who I have to say looks quite impressive), However, the fact remains that there was a sad lack of " bite " in midfield in the Brighton game and it cost us 3 points.

 

If you are going to allow TWO wide players Lallana AND Antonio) to have free range then it weakens us in the middle and such players sadly do not take easily to a defensive role when we are under pressure. Older players have learned this skill but young " stars " only want togo forward and attack. Judging by yesterdays performance I have to say that Schneiderlin (a very skilful player to be sure) looked surplus to requirements and didn't have such good positional play.

 

I wrote some weeks ago reminding someone that we do not look like a team likely to keep many clean sheets but as long as we got ONE goal more than the opposition - we get the points - yesterday it didn't happen! a fact surely noted by Wotton and AP from the bench. Next step Mr. Pardew ?

 

My compliments to you Sir, you have a more placid way of criticising than I. My "passion" outbursts do not go down well with many on here

 

Yet my underlining criticisms are broadfly in line with yours, mainly, with the Team that Pardew NOW has, we SHOULD be able to beat the likes of Bristol Rovers and Brighton at St Mary's

 

As we speak, no matter what other posters think of my rants, Saints ARE still in the relegation Zone, and NOT looking a Team with Backbone:D

Edited 16 November, 2009 by SaintRichmond

[Toomer]

Keep Connolly on the bench and use him as an impact player to come off the bench it worked well at the start of our run.

[Teddy Nutkins]

I'd say this was one of the factors, but we have several players capable of rotating the 1 man up front. Connolly is a goal poacher, but so far has done best with his 20 minute cameo appearances coming in against tiring defenders and scoring late on. Lallana must learn how to take some stick (he won a good penalty yesterday -as long as he doesn't develop a liking for diving instead) and could easily rotate the front role with Lambert during the game depending on the strengths /weaknesses of the opposition.

 

A temporary change of tactics in mid-stream often works well, example: a tricky winger changing wings or having a front man drop back deeper and running with the ball (ala Channon).

 

Certainly yesterdays game gave AP food for thought but expect to see some personal changes in midfield and reverting

to 4-5-1 on Saturday.[/QUOTE]

 

I think you are right,DIS,he may well revert back to 4-5-1. I hope he doesn't.I think Morgan and Hammond where both having off-days, in fact after Hammond missing his "sitter",he disappeared.Morgan had a shocker and thought we were playing in blue, but to be fair to the lad he continued to show for the ball, even though he did nothing with it.

I am not a fan of Wotton, and to me offers nothing positive to the team bar a few un-timed tackles that wind up the opposition.Yesterday we had too many players having off-day's, Brighton were always dangerous,and i have never seen so many "crosses" aimed at the penalty area with no end product.

Let's put it right on Saturday.

[david in sweden]

Keep Connolly on the bench and use him as an impact player to come off the bench it worked well at the start of our run.

 

I'm with you totally, Toomer.

There is no disgrace for any bench player who comes on late in the game and scores! Connolly is obviously struggling to get totally match fit after so long a lay-off and no pre-season. For many fans there's something exciting about

a player coming on and getting goals. The "super-sub" expression was (as I recall) first applied to David Fairclough (Liverpool lad in the 60's) and later to Trevor Francis - who started as a 16 year old striker).

Providing he's still injury free, we may have to wait till Easter for Connolly to really get in form - we might well need it then. Meantime, don't force him to play 90 mins. every game.

[Griffo]

It's been pretty obvious that our winning run coincided with Wotton being in the team. I know most aren't too fond of him but it enables our wide players and other midfielders to get forward with Wotton holding and sitting infront of the back four and breaking up the other teams' play. All of Brighton's 3 goals yesterday were on the break..

[eelpie]

at the risk of incurring wrath from many contributors, I venture to offer as my defence - statistics about appearances. Since the home loss v. Bris. Rovers the run of 6 undefeated games included one player who has since been dropped - I refer to Wotton. ( I hear many angry voices) :mad: His place in a re-vamped line-up has gone to Antonio,(who I have to say looks quite impressive), However, the fact remains that there was a sad lack of " bite " in midfield in the Brighton game and it cost us 3 points.

 

If you are going to allow TWO wide players Lallana AND Antonio) to have free range then it weakens us in the middle and such players sadly do not take easily to a defensive role when we are under pressure. Older players have learned this skill but young " stars " only want togo forward and attack. Judging by yesterdays performance I have to say that Schneiderlin (a very skilful player to be sure) looked surplus to requirements and didn't have such good positional play.

 

I wrote some weeks ago reminding someone that we do not look like a team likely to keep many clean sheets but as long as we got ONE goal more than the opposition - we get the points - yesterday it didn't happen! a fact surely noted by Wotton and AP from the bench. Next step Mr. Pardew ?

 

I agree with you. Its has been very noticable that without Wotton we have not controlled the midfield. Schneiderlin seems to lack confidence without Wotton there to do the hard tackling. He was a sad figure against Brighton, terrible basic passing mistakes many times, and he constantly moved away from confrontations in midfield. Schneiderlin is very talented and normally strokes the ball around quite deftly creating interesting attacking situations. He is not a defensive midfielder, so needs someone like Wotton to do the tough stuff. Hammond too was not at his best, and Antonio lacks the footballing skills that Papa has, so all in all we allowed a more determined (and skilful on the day) side to over-run us.

 

Also, I am not convinced that 4-4-2 is our best system. We are predictable and less creative.

I prefer to see Papa starting; he is fast, mesmerises the opposition with his skills, and gets into the goalmouth. Antonio and Connolly are more effective when defenders are tired. Revert to 4-4-2 later to accommodate Connolly by all means, but not at the beginning.

[the saint in winchester]

Drop him. Simple.

 

We - as a team - are better playing 4-5-1 for an hour, then bringing Connolly on for whoever for the final 30. As to who, depends on individual performances.

[Teddy Nutkins]

I agree with you. Its has been very noticable that without Wotton we have not controlled the midfield. Schneiderlin seems to lack confidence without Wotton there to do the hard tackling. He was a sad figure against Brighton, terrible basic passing mistakes many times, and he constantly moved away from confrontations in midfield. Schneiderlin is very talented and normally strokes the ball around quite deftly creating interesting attacking situations. He is not a defensive midfielder, so needs someone like Wotton to do the tough stuff. Hammond too was not at his best, and Antonio lacks the footballing skills that Papa has, so all in all we allowed a more determined (and skilful on the day) side to over-run us.

 

Also, I am not convinced that 4-4-2 is our best system. We are predictable and less creative.

I prefer to see Papa starting; he is fast, mesmerises the opposition with his skills, and gets into the goalmouth. Antonio and Connolly are more effective when defenders are tired. Revert to 4-4-2 later to accommodate Connolly by all means, but not at the beginning.

 

Nobody will convince me playing Paul Wotton is a positive step, although i can see the virtues of bringing on Connolly as sub when the opposition defenders are getting tired.

[Whitey Grandad]

I fear you may well be right. I wonder what yesterday would have been like with Wotton in there instead of Schneiderlin?

[Deanovski]

papa is a bloody good defender, should play him at RB lol

[crouchi]

Papa is a much more skilful player than Antono, and when we need to hold the ball and build is far more suited to the job. I'm surprised he didn't start on Sunday and hope to see him back in a 4-5-1 next Saturday

[leithsaint]

agree with most points. And Wotton had really come into his own during a good run for the team. I for one hope to see him back. Then maybe we can create from the middle of the pitch rather than constantly sending the ball out wide. And always to the right for that matter.

[VectisSaint]

at the risk of incurring wrath from many contributors, I venture to offer as my defence - statistics about appearances. Since the home loss v. Bris. Rovers the run of 6 undefeated games included one player who has since been dropped - I refer to Wotton. ( I hear many angry voices) :mad: His place in a re-vamped line-up has gone to Antonio,(who I have to say looks quite impressive), However, the fact remains that there was a sad lack of " bite " in midfield in the Brighton game and it cost us 3 points.

 

If you are going to allow TWO wide players Lallana AND Antonio) to have free range then it weakens us in the middle and such players sadly do not take easily to a defensive role when we are under pressure. Older players have learned this skill but young " stars " only want togo forward and attack. Judging by yesterdays performance I have to say that Schneiderlin (a very skilful player to be sure) looked surplus to requirements and didn't have such good positional play.

 

I wrote some weeks ago reminding someone that we do not look like a team likely to keep many clean sheets but as long as we got ONE goal more than the opposition - we get the points - yesterday it didn't happen! a fact surely noted by Wotton and AP from the bench. Next step Mr. Pardew ?

Kinda agree. There is a lot to be said for playing 4-5-1 first half, soak up any pressure, ensure we don't go behind, and if possible nick a goal or two ourselves. Frustrates the hell out of the opposition. Then change to 4-4-2 for 2nd half, inject some pace and let our superior fitness (when players don't have flu) to beat the crap out of the opposition late on. Problem yesterday was that we were chasing the game and left more holes that eventually lead to #3. being able to change formation during a game is a sign of a good team and good coach (hence we could never change under Burley) and exactly what we have been doing of late.

[Teddy Nutkins]

agree with most points. And Wotton had really come into his own during a good run for the team. I for one hope to see him back. Then maybe we can create from the middle of the pitch rather than constantly sending the ball out wide. And always to the right for that matter.

 

With all due respect,if you are not going to send the ball wide, there doesn't seem much point in playing wide players then.

[Window Cleaner]

No you're probably right. We were doing well with 4-5-1, but everyone was calling for 4-4-2 and it just doesn't

 

the Irish played 4-4-2 against the French the other night. It was like rope a dope or a small child swinging wildly at an adult who's hand was on the childs forehead.4-4-2 works if you're playing 2 brick sh*t house strikers against 2 4 foot centre halves. If not it doesn't.Unless of course you have full backs like James on both sides and a keeper who doesn't come for crosses.

[dubai_phil]

You're right of course Phil. However,with Murty's return on the horizon surely James would be better in midfield. Schneiderlin is a bit of a luxury in L1. (although I do enjoy his skill ) he is the sort of class midfielder who puts the icing on the cake for a top side - and (we 'aint there yet !).

 

At this level you have to battle and grind out results all the time.

 

I think that is the decision in the long run when we get Murty back, Wotton or James?

 

Personally from the radio & reports I think that Wotton adds something in that DM role, will James have enough football experience to read the game to cover as well as Wotton does?

 

I think that DM in the 4-5-1 is important and it is in reality our main weakness at the moment.

 

Clearly we don't need Saga and Connolly in the same squad, let us hope Saga can go in January and open a gap for a DM with better distribution skills.

 

I know he is an exceptional player, but we also lack cover for Lambert, should we lose him to injury or suspension, then we will have to adopt the style again, could Patterson cover for him for a few games? Hmm, is Connolly a central target man in a 4-5-1? hmm

 

Nice that the kick up the bum yesterday allows us to think again, hopefully AP & the players are as well

[Alanh]

I'm a big fan of the variation of 1 up front that we played fairly successfully over the last month or so but I'd call it closer to 4-3-3 than 4-5-1. I think there is more creativity, more movement and more variation in our attacking play than with a farily rigid 4-4-2. I'd go back to the team and formation that we employed straight after the Rovers defeat in a heartbeat, even if it means Wotton holding in midfield and dropping Connolly to the bench. I think Connolly is still finding his feet in terms of the squad and his match fitness and a bit more time coming on as a supersub will do him no harm and should benefiot the team. I'm undecided between Antonio and Waigo. Both of them look like good impact players to bring off the bench and both have blown hot and cold as starters.

 

In January I'd like us to look out for a better DM than Wotton although after seeing him against Charlton and seeing the tackle he put on Shelvey (I think) I reckon Lloyd James could do the job pretty well.

[up and away]

at the risk of incurring wrath from many contributors, I venture to offer as my defence - statistics about appearances. Since the home loss v. Bris. Rovers the run of 6 undefeated games included one player who has since been dropped - I refer to Wotton. ( I hear many angry voices) :mad: His place in a re-vamped line-up has gone to Antonio,(who I have to say looks quite impressive), However, the fact remains that there was a sad lack of " bite " in midfield in the Brighton game and it cost us 3 points.

 

If you are going to allow TWO wide players Lallana AND Antonio) to have free range then it weakens us in the middle and such players sadly do not take easily to a defensive role when we are under pressure. Older players have learned this skill but young " stars " only want togo forward and attack. Judging by yesterdays performance I have to say that Schneiderlin (a very skilful player to be sure) looked surplus to requirements and didn't have such good positional play.

 

I wrote some weeks ago reminding someone that we do not look like a team likely to keep many clean sheets but as long as we got ONE goal more than the opposition - we get the points - yesterday it didn't happen! a fact surely noted by Wotton and AP from the bench. Next step Mr. Pardew ?

 

We have had an issue with defending as a team for a long time. This can easily be identified by wingers not tracking back and giving the full backs cover to only having one person in the middle capable of both moving and defending. The reason we went to 451 was to over come these deficiencies and it worked well. Just because we have been playing a lot better attacking wise does not mean these problems have disappeared, just masked temporarily. 451 works for us because it helps nullify the issues we have defensively but it can easily be seen there can be issues when teams only come to defend.

 

As far as systems go, a lot of the times it's about the opposition but for us it is mainly about the abilities of our own players. Pardew got caught out on this occasion because he never expected Brighton to play in the manner they did. Wooton is no where near our best player but he can do a job sitting in front of the back four. Try putting in him in a 4 man midfield and it all becomes a bit too much for him. Start off with 442 and if the damage gets done, very little chance of salvaging the position. Start off 451 and you can readily do something about it if things are not working out and far easier to contain the opposition when they are tired. There is the issue with playing 451 against what you expect to be weaker teams in that the system gets distorted into some form of 433 which again may not be the best for the personnel we have on the field.

 

The question of James and Murty is a tricky one and although James has his issues he does bring several positives. I just cannot see James working in the middle, he does not appear to have the nous on when to stay and when to go, but I could see Murty doing a job there? I firmly believe that we are one player short of making 442 the far superior system for us, but without that player it will always give us moments as we saw against Brighton. The wide players have to be more disciplined but we cannot rely all the time on Hammond covering others shortfalls.

 

The decision to play so many players for so long against Charlton certainly looked to have an impact. Schniederlin has had a stamina problem since he first came and Connolly is only just getting back to full fitness. Alot of the others were made to look bad by the pressure being applied to them, mainly by the lack of midfield control. The defence were immediately under the cosh and the attack was not getting the service, making us look far worse than things should have been.

[leithsaint]

With all due respect,if you are not going to send the ball wide, there doesn't seem much point in playing wide players then.

 

Can we not have both? Send the ball out wide, then if that doesn't produce anything, try going through the middle as well, but with a bit of guile. Someone to put there foot on the ball and pick out a pass.

 

No excuse me, I just got my cake but I feel like eating some of it too.

[benjii]

For those who agree in principle with the 4-5-1 but don't like Wotton, how about moving James to the Wotton position and playing Thomas at right back ( until Murty is fit)?

 

I also agree that Waigo should start ahead of Antonio.

[eelpie]

Nobody will convince me playing Paul Wotton is a positive step, although i can see the virtues of bringing on Connolly as sub when the opposition defenders are getting tired.

 

Do thirteen goals for and four goals against not convince you?

 

We all know Wotto's limitations, but his strengths (and AP's coaching) lie in that quite reasonable run of results.

[Whitey Grandad]

In January I'd like us to look out for a better DM than Wotton although after seeing him against Charlton and seeing the tackle he put on Shelvey (I think) I reckon Lloyd James could do the job pretty well.

James pulled out of a few tackles yesterday and was at fault for their second and third goals.

[Rod Le Shearer]

Drop him. Simple.

 

on the basis of last nights performance,that has got to be the easiest conclusion ever to be made in fotball.

Connolly was truly shocking: weak,slow,lethargic,and his passes and shots..oh my,not worth a discussion on a forum concerned with football !

 

 

the midfield was non-existance in the first half,we need that extra man there. be it Wotton or whoever..

[Teddy Nutkins]

Do thirteen goals for and four goals against not convince you?

 

We all know Wotto's limitations, but his strengths (and AP's coaching) lie in that quite reasonable run of results.

 

I may be wrong,we have started with Wotton in those games, not been winning so then change to 4-2-2 and as a consequence gone on to win the game.So to answer your question i would imagine without checking is that those goals scored are after the change, so Wotton does not convince me that he is the difference.

I am not against the idea of 4-5-1, it is the player playing in that holding role i am not convinced of.Having played that role myself, you have to be aware of opponents stealing into your area, be comfortable on the ball, and be able to make a range of passes, all of which, for me, Wotton does not do.If you watch him he very rarely picks up anyone when they come to his area, he passes them on, regardless.

I wasn't any good at it either.

[Blandford saint]

League One is Wotton's level, and he has proved in recent matches that he can produce performances at this level that help us get results. We need a strong tackler in midfield and Morgan is far too weak, constantly missing when the opposition are on the ball.

 

On another thread some were questioning Lallana's lack of tackling back, but he is very much an attacking player. We never expected MLT to do a good job covering back for Doddsy, we just had someone move over from central midfield who could do a better job.

This means that it is essential to have another strong midfielder, and this is easy to do when we play 4-5-1.

[eelpie]

I may be wrong,we have started with Wotton in those games, not been winning so then change to 4-2-2 and as a consequence gone on to win the game.So to answer your question i would imagine without checking is that those goals scored are after the change, so Wotton does not convince me that he is the difference.

I am not against the idea of 4-5-1, it is the player playing in that holding role i am not convinced of.Having played that role myself, you have to be aware of opponents stealing into your area, be comfortable on the ball, and be able to make a range of passes, all of which, for me, Wotton does not do.If you watch him he very rarely picks up anyone when they come to his area, he passes them on, regardless.

I wasn't any good at it either.

 

I have the answer, Teddy!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Makélélé

[Teddy Nutkins]

I have the answer, Teddy!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Makélélé

 

Yes please..........could you arrange with Markus and Alan.

[Whitey Grandad]

League One is Wotton's level, and he has proved in recent matches that he can produce performances at this level that help us get results. We need a strong tackler in midfield and Morgan is far too weak, constantly missing when the opposition are on the ball.

 

On another thread some were questioning Lallana's lack of tackling back, but he is very much an attacking player. We never expected MLT to do a good job covering back for Doddsy, we just had someone move over from central midfield who could do a better job.

This means that it is essential to have another strong midfielder, and this is easy to do when we play 4-5-1.

I zipped through the recording last night (yes, I must be a masochist) to see who it was that let Crofts run away from him for their third goal. Yes - it was Lallana. In the camera shot from the Chapel end you can see that he suddenly twigs what is happening and tries to run after him but is always two yards behind. If Crofts can run that far then surely somebody can run with him? James was just brushed aside for the cross but that's another story.

[Thedelldays]

imo...the goals shipped in since we have started playing with the 442 in games..means we should go back to 451....imo

[Whitey Grandad]

I have the answer, Teddy!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Makélélé

Isn't he 'un peu dépassé'?

[S-Clarke]

I'd like to buy a top defensive midfielder in january, someone who's built like a brick house. That is what we lack at the moment IMO.

 

we played ok when morgan and hammond were allowed to advance forward, but when one is needed to sit - we loose something, as neither are in that ''DM'' mould IMO.

[Neilza]

I also agree. Wouldn't mind see James step into the DM role if Murty got fit again but James isn't built as well as Wotton. I'm not a Wotton fan but he puts the tackles in and he'll go for headers even if he fouls and breaks up play. James isn't as keen to get stuck in for a whole game and do those fouls imo. In january I think we should perhaps be looking to bring in a holding midfielder to replace Wotton, with more quality but in the same mould.

[Genk]

on the basis of last nights performance,that has got to be the easiest conclusion ever to be made in fotball.

Connolly was truly shocking: weak,slow,lethargic,and his passes and shots..oh my,not worth a discussion on a forum concerned with football !

 

 

the midfield was non-existance in the first half,we need that extra man there. be it Wotton or whoever..

 

Connolly is excellent at running and running and running. He is also dangerous and will take a half chance. He may not have had his greatest game yesterday but he is very good player to have in the side.

 

I think it is time to go back to the 4-5-1. Bring Wotton back into the midfield along side Hammond & Schneiderlin. I think Thomas is a bit sketchy at RB so would rather keep James there.

[Alanh]

James pulled out of a few tackles yesterday and was at fault for their second and third goals.

 

Fair enough, I don't think he's the perfect finished footballer, but he's young and I felt his performance in that role against Charlton showed some promise.

[up and away]

Originally Posted by Teddy Nutkins

Nobody will convince me playing Paul Wotton is a positive step, although i can see the virtues of bringing on Connolly as sub when the opposition defenders are getting tired.:smile:

Do thirteen goals for and four goals against not convince you?

 

We all know Wotto's limitations, but his strengths (and AP's coaching) lie in that quite reasonable run of results.

 

This is very true and if you are looking for the best outcome from what we have available, it would be Wooton in a 451. The problem arises when you are not required to defend and you are playing a 433 nearly all the time, for which it may not be the best selection of personnel. I get the feeling this is where Pardew came unstuck and assumed Brighton would not put up too much of an attacking threat and thought it best to start with 442. By the time he realised what was happening, there was no way back. Everything made sense beforehand with the way Pardew was lining up against Brighton, but they found our known weakness very easy to exploit.

 

Going back to the MK Dons game, they hardly got anywhere because our midfield was so dominant in the first half. Come the second half when we changed things around, they had mainly worn themselves out making it even more effective for the 442. Starting 451 and switching to 442 just makes the most sense for the personnel we have and the problems we continually have.

 

As we saw yesterday, if you do not have control of the midfield it's extra pressure on the defence and the attack does not get the supply. This is all about control of the midfield and what ever system and players we have to achieve that. It does not neccessarily follow that by starting with 451 we would have fared any better against Brighton, but there is a good indication from previous games that this would have been the case.

[beatlesaint]

on the basis of last nights performance,that has got to be the easiest conclusion ever to be made in fotball.

Connolly was truly shocking: weak,slow,lethargic,and his passes and shots..oh my,not worth a discussion on a forum concerned with football !

 

 

the midfield was non-existance in the first half,we need that extra man there. be it Wotton or whoever..

 

What game were you at ?

Connolly worked his socks off yesterday. Worked very hard, closed down their defenders, made space with very intelligent runs - he is much too clever for League 1. If he hadnt had the injuries over the last 2 years he would still be in the Premiership.

 

He has a football brain, he is the perfect foil for Lambert as defenders know BOTH of them need watching.

 

I cannot believe people want to drop him. 4 goals in 5 games.....thanks David but we dont really want you playing week in week out !!! Jeez......

[bungle]

What game were you at ?

Connolly worked his socks off yesterday. Worked very hard, closed down their defenders, made space with very intelligent runs - he is much too clever for League 1. If he hadnt had the injuries over the last 2 years he would still be in the Premiership.

 

He has a football brain, he is the perfect foil for Lambert as defenders know BOTH of them need watching.

 

I cannot believe people want to drop him. 4 goals in 5 games.....thanks David but we dont really want you playing week in week out !!! Jeez......

 

Sadly the team plays better using 4-5-1. That is apparent. You can't just pick your best players, you have to pick the best TEAM. At the moment, that TEAM doesn't involve Connolly starting.

[John B]

Sadly the team plays better using 4-5-1. That is apparent. You can't just pick your best players, you have to pick the best TEAM. At the moment, that TEAM doesn't involve Connolly starting.

 

I think you are right it seems impossible to play both Connolly and Lallana from the start

[L1Minus10]

It's perfectly simple... 4-4-2 is fine but the central two should be Wotton and Hammond. Schneiderlin should only play if it's 4-5-1.

[SFC Forever]

I would put Thomas at RB and James alongside Hammond with strict instructions on how to work and where to go.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

What game were you at ?

Connolly worked his socks off yesterday. Worked very hard, closed down their defenders, made space with very intelligent runs - he is much too clever for League 1. If he hadnt had the injuries over the last 2 years he would still be in the Premiership.

 

He has a football brain, he is the perfect foil for Lambert as defenders know BOTH of them need watching.

 

I cannot believe people want to drop him. 4 goals in 5 games.....thanks David but we dont really want you playing week in week out !!! Jeez......

 

Couldn't agree more , Connolly is a class player who ran himself into the ground for the cause without ever looking very likely to score on the day - credit for which must go to Brighton's excellent (& sizable) back 4 rather than some deficiency in DC . Anyone claiming some lack of effort on his part needs to pay a visit to the optician as a matter of some urgently I'd suggest .

 

By the way can any of the usual suspects explain why Gus Poyet didn't need 2 months of uninterrupted preseason to get his team playing well on Sunday ? :confused: