Considering the storming performance today with only 10 men, and considering our problems at left back, does anyone else think that this may be the way forward, at least until the return of Wiggins?
All three of the centre backs looked composed and calm, and the big Yank's long throws could be useful.
This would allow an extra body in midfield, which, if we passed the ball like we did in the 2nd half, would allow a midfielder to get forward more to support the striker.
What do you all think?
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I would be tempted to give it a go as it gives you a lot of options attacking wise, and I feel we have the quality at the back to still remain solid.
If we were to do it I would like to build it around J Berg, have him in the position behind the strikers and let him roam. Probably Solly/Cousins on the wings and JJ/Buyens the two sitting in midfield.
Liverpool also have changed to it recently, and I reckon it's helped to explain their improved form. Personally, given the quality and experience of Bikey, TBH and Onyewu I think it's definitely worth a shot. With Solly and Cousins both good enough in both the defensive and attacking departments, and Buyens being the ideal type of player to play the deep lying playmaker role. It also would allow Gudmonsson the freedom to play across the final third, which clearly proved decisive yesterday.
Line-up like this:
----------Etheridge---------
-----TBH---Bikey---Onyewu---
Solly------------------Cousins
------Buyens----Jackson------
-------------JBG------------
-----Tucudean---Vetokele-----
Have said the same on the post match thread.
we must play 2 up front, with attacking mid fielder behind them, at least at home.
As others have said, a team with decent wingers would have a field day. Cousins as a wing back? How many times will he give away possession do you reckon?
As good as we were yesterday, playing 3 CB's without wing back cover, Ipswich would think it was Christmas !
Improvising during a game, as BP did brilliantly yesterday, is one thing, but setting up to play that way for a longer period is another. you'd better be well prepared, because opponents will pull it apart if you have any obvious weaknesses.
Is the Back Three a zonal marking system or is the middle defender playing as a sweeper or Libero?
Are the wing backs pushing forward in support of the build-up or making runs in advance of the ball?
If the wing backs are occupied defending against opposition wingers, in a line of 5, who provides the width in the midfield and attacking thirds?
If the opposition use a diamond in midfield, as Cardiff did yesterday, who picks up the fourth midfielder?
BP showed courage in changing to a 3-4-2 Diamond system yesterday, instead of settling for a 4-4-1 system and trying to nick a goal. Bill Shankly used to preach Improvisation and Adjustment as two of his main principles. BP improvised with a system which suited the players he had available to attack the game and adjusted to the game situation with remarkable flexibility for a championship coach. Anyone notice Russell Slade had no idea how to counter it? His team looked like "Rabbits in head-lights" in the last half-hour. They had no idea what was happening. BP showed imagination in his substitutions and caught the opposition cold. Impressive, but I doubt if it's an option going forward. How about we get a decent CF and strong Central Midfielder to plug the obvious gaps in our 4-4-2 system? Then we can begin winning matches again.
Agree totally.
IMO 3-5-2 is a formation to chase the game when the oppo are set up to deal with 4-4-2.
It gives us something different.
Plan B.
Apparently there were some pretty frank exchanges in the dressing room at half time and a couple of senior players were suggesting 3-4-2 as a way back into the game.
No idea how true this is, but came from someone very close to the first team squad so wouldn't dismiss it at all.
Found it.
.agim said:
According to some sources Bob is virtually out the door. He's also fallen out with some of the players. TBH and Buyens were mentioned. I hope it's not true.
3 bald men fighting over a comb...
BP is obviously struggling to get a team out in his preferred 4-4-2 system. He will need at least three players during the window to improve his options. A CF who leads the line and holds it up; a Central midfielder who wins the ball and can drive the team forward; and a left sided midfielder to give the team balance, who will also threaten the opposition right back area. He also needs to make his mind up on Morgan Fox - is he good enough for the Championship or do I need to get in a better Left Back on loan to cover for Wiggins?
BP started the season with a 4-4-2 using a short-passing game, based on keeping possession. Opponents have shut that down from October onwards, apart from the odd occasion. WE have no alternative pattern of play, due to the lack of hold-up play, or runners attacking the space beyond the CF. He needs to develop an "up, back and through" style of play. That doesn't have to be long ball. It can be angled passes into feet to a CF coming off the opposition centre backs, who can hold it up for the CM's joining in or JBG coming off the right flank. at the moment, the second half against Cardiff apart, we are not attacking the space behind the opposition Back Four enough and stretching the game.