16 Feb 2015 21:44:46
Another example of how much better we look when the team has width. First hour we created nothing and looked like we'd struggle to get an equaliser. Ashley Young is sent on and we immediately have space because their defence is being stretched by our wingers. Herrera and Blind look like they could form a good partnership, and the defence has more protection because the wingers can track the opposition full backs.
It's not rocket science, but playing with wingers and genuine midfielders makes us look twice the team. No more chopping and changing, Rooney back up top, Herrera in midfield and Di Maria on the wing.
16 Feb 2015 22:10:10
Agreed 100%
Thought Herrera and Blind did well only thing I thought was Herrera had a weird first half, he Wasn't as mobile as he generally is,couldn't figure out where he was meant to be,him and blind just looked like they were getting in each other's way. Di'Maria looked like he was playing off the 2 of them and was there to pick it up and run with it. When we went flat 4 in midfield with Angel and Young on the wings Herrera and Blind were much better. Rooney played very well he showed desire to play upfront. Tony V was MOTM for me, worked his ass off all game, 1 silly mistake all game that I could see
16 Feb 2015 22:14:17
Was going to post something similar. Di Maria needs to play out wide all the while we don't have a fast moving, fluid forward line. You can tell even as the game went on that Blind and Herrera need to play together, they have a good understanding, find space, move the ball quickly and have good vision. Hopefully LvG stops f**king around and starts Herrera every game.
Also on a side note we desperately need a CB to replace Smalling and Jones, someone to partner Rojo who is looking like the only decent CB we have with any genuine chance of becoming a top quality player for us.
16 Feb 2015 22:17:47
For all the talk of fancy new formations, I always feel better when we play with wingers in a 442.
I've grown up with Gordon Hill and Steve Coppell, Andrei Kanchelskis, Giggsy, and Beckham.
Good wingers get you off your seat, and get the crowd going. Quick and direct.
And apart from against Barca in their prime, I always thought 442 worked fine in Europe too. None of the top European sides liked playing against English teams playing at Premier League tempo, compared to their walking pace style.
Sometimes we try to make this simple game, so bloody over-complicated.
Few thoughts / observations from tonight's game, in no particular order:
Never doubted for one minute we wouldn't win - Preston just weren't good enough in any area of the pitch.
Kevin Davies is a complete a$$e of a player. Never liked his cart horse style of play and should have been red-carded.
Signs of life tonight and against Burnley from DiMaria. He looks like he is finally settling in.
Shaw and Rojo should be fixtures in our back four for years - both are quick and defend very well.
Need a Smalling / Jones to step up and own the other CB spot - if they can't we need to buy a replacement.
I'd sell Evans right now!
Buy a RB in the summer - Clyne for me. Rafael needs to prove he can stay healthy and McNair is a good prospect.
RVP is done and Falcao is not worth $40million. So we need a top striker in the summer - question is who.
My choice would be a front man who can lead the line and has pace.
Place 5 in the middle - we have enough options - pick the best players - Rooney pushing in behind the striker with DiMaria wide.
I'd look at Reus / DePay in the summer too.
There is enough talent to build on with the core of players we have and the youth coming through.
IF LVG sticks to playing our best 11 we will finish in the top 3
Bring on Arsenal in the cup.
17 Feb 2015 02:21:12
Scotbos - a few of my thoughts on the points you've made.
First off I agree what you say about Davies, he was always an ugly player but like it or not he would fit right in with our long ball approach at the moment and that in itself is scary.
Di Maria I think was very wasteful time and time again in possession. He turns it on in small flashes but he has not convinced me this far that he is the man we should build around.
You say sell Evans now but you have to remember the lad is one of our own and we have very few of our own left at the moment. He's not the best player but he gives his all when he gets the chance. He is a committed fringe player who has been around the block. I hope he stays as backup.
Jones and Smalling on the other hand were purchased for large fee's and have yet to convince me of their ability. I'd rather see one of them moved on than Evans.
17 Feb 2015 09:18:03
JMB,
Kevin Davies would fit in with our long ball approach? You must be watching a different game to me, even when we put Fellaini up front we did not go 'long ball', none of the goals came from 'long balls' and Fellaini looked decent up top with his feet.
17 Feb 2015 10:00:31
Gds - did you watch us against West Ham or is that long wiped from your memory?