Does anyone like the lop-sided midfield/only one winger system??

[andyconor]

I think it would work better if we had an Ashley Cole - like left back, I'm not a great fan of Painter.

 

[LamieRobertson]

First half against leeds... oh that's right, our midfield was run over in that first half, and switching to one winger in the second half with noone coming off at half time turned the game around (until a rush of blood to the head for Ankergren)

(your post seemed the most appropriate to raise this point with, I understand you're not saying two wingers is the way forward)

Agree almost entirely but lets remember tht Ankers pump upfield was instructed by our lovely captain greer

 

[LamieRobertson]

I think it would work better if we had an Ashley Cole - like left back, I'm not a great fan of Painter.

Pst number one....good start I like your dry wit

 

[TonyTownersShorts]

I thought in first half we were holding our own yesterday however it was noticeable that Saints tactics were to try and isolate Lambert against our full backs at the back post very similar to the move we conceded the goal against Watford - second half Lambert pops up at back post against Tano and Noone and bullets header in - my question would be why were Dunky and Greer not marking lambert - surely Greer is switched on enough to see what Saints ploy was. To be fair after this Saints were awesome and we looked well off the pace in terms of physical presence. Just my opinion however still think we will finish mid-table and hope for a good FA Cup run.

 

[Brighton Breezy]

It is a terrible formation. Leaves our slow full backs massively exposed and gives people like Navarro too much of the pitch to cover.

It also robs Mackail-Smith of the partner he so clearly needs.

Time to get back to basics.

 

[perseus]

Out-foxed

Come again?

For the first time this season Noone failed to get past his full back, namely Fox. The whole Southampton back four looked very adept, more so than the rest of the team. I thought Lambert was persistent rather anything special.

I agree about Navarro. To play 4-3-3 the central B2B midfielder has to cover a lot of ground and has to be extra special.

 

[Questions]

That Hammond lad in midfield for them looks good.

 

[perseus]

It is a terrible formation. Leaves our slow full backs massively exposed and gives people like Navarro too much of the pitch to cover.

It also robs Mackail-Smith of the partner he so clearly needs.

Time to get back to basics.

In the 4-3-3 the partner comes deep to draw the defender out or provide an extra link in midfield. This is best shown when Dunk keeps on getting drawn out and then realising the opponent is on the wrong side of him, promptly fouls him. Learning process for the young defender.

 

[Silent Bob]

I entirely agree.

Seemed to work okay at Cardiff, mind.

Didn't we play more of a diamond there (I didn't go)?

I've never really liked this set up from day one when we'd have Bennett on the right and Dicker on the left. We've had a few different variations of it, some have worked better than others. This season with Barnes mainly dropping wide I don't think it's really worked, seems like Gus is trying to have everything, ie two wide players, two strikers, and three in midfield. But it doesn't really work out that way. I'd be happier with one up front and two out and out wingers.

 

[BensGrandad]

Perhaps we should try a straight 4-4-2 against Coventry with either Paynter or Barnes as the partner to CMS with hopefully Buckley on the wing with Vicente pulling the strings as the attacking midfielder. I woud also play Vincelot alongside of Bridcut rather than anybody else and , I know I will get slated but also El Abd instead of Dunk who costs us goals with his inexperience and continual fouls

 

[Questions]

I`m not sure that we can play with two wide men if the central midfielders are Navaro and Bridcutt. You need real quality in those two central roles to play that way. Bridcutt maybe ? How will Gus accommadate Buckley if he is ever 100% fit. He is going to have to somehow.
Time for Noone to have a rest ?