Without trying to repeat what I posted last week, I think it might be rethink time for Mr Pardew.
What I would like to see at Southampton, is a much tighter, organised unit.
Peanuts Molloy summed up my opinion on Andy Reid on another post. Fair play to him for wanting the ball, we need players that arent going to hide, but only if he is getting the ball in the right areas to hurt the opposition. Giving him the ball 30 yards from our goalline is pointless.
Taking Semedo off was a mistake only because our captain cannot play in the middle in a 4-4-2 formation. He just hasnt got the legs, or the defensive game. However, I still think he is at his most dangerous, when he dictates play from the middle.
Our midfield was overrun today, especially in the second half, and because there wasnt the option of a pass, we had to, and usually did go long.
I reckon start with a 5 man midfield of Sam, Zheng, Reid, Semedo and Thomas with Semedo doing a proper holding job, and Reid playing as an attacking central midfielder where he is most dangerous. The two wide players have enough pace about them to turn that system into a 4-3-3 but it also means the back four have a bit more protection. Two tough away games coming up, Pardew needs to change something cos we have been totally sussed lately.
I honestly dont know who I would put up front next week. Probably Iwelumo for his height at set pieces, but how many headers is he actually winning? If he plays Varney, someone has got to have a word with him about staying onside.
It still baffles me why Pardew didnt keep the same formation after our best result of the season (Palace).
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I reckon start with a 5 man midfield of Sam, Zheng, Reid, Semedo and Thomas with Semedo doing a proper holding job, and Reid playing as an attacking central midfielder where he is most dangerous. The two wide players have enough pace about them to turn that system into a 4-3-3 but it also means the back four have a bit more protection. Two tough away games coming up, Pardew needs to change something cos we have been totally sussed lately.[/quote]
I agree. Especially away from home and with strikers misfiring. Sam looks as dangerous a threat as we've got and 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 should at least maximise his opportunities and it may bring out the best in JT.
I'd like to try a Semedo Sodje partnership at the back, Fortune doesn't cut it and his casual approach is really irritating.
-------------------Weaver--------------------
Yassin-------Sodje------Semedo------Mills (Basey did ok but not for away games)
Sam--------Zheng--------Racon------Thomas
---------------------Reid-----------------------
--------------------Varney---------------------
I take the point about lumping it up to Big Chris (God, it's the Leaburn effect all over again!). Don't know whether Varney can play the lone-striker role. Got to be worth a go either way though and look to wingers and ZZ or Reid to make more runs into the box. For what its worth I think we really missed Sam during his suspension and while we had a balanced midfield in the first half yesterday he looked very good.
It was Fortune that was exposed - and that was because, in the absence of Semedo, there was no midfielder protecting in front of the centre backs.
Sam did manage to get himself booked late on, after tracking back.
Sodje and Semedo at the back - spot on!
No Iwelumo - right again! Nothing against him really but please keep the ball on the floor. We should be using him as a change of tactic not as our main and only.
I'd keep Basey in. There's no reason why he can't cut it.
Why not:
Weaver
Mills
Sodje
Semedo
Basey
Sam
Zheng
Racon
Thomas
Reid
Varney
[/
Weaver Mills Basey Sodje Bougherra
Sam ZZ Racon Reid
Ambrose
Iwelumo
Not a huge fan of Ambrose, but I think there is a place for him in my side for Southampton.
Come on you reds!