17 Feb 2015 09:24:09
Interested in Beast's opinion on last night to be honest, I thought the last 30 minutes were some of the best we have played all season, I just want to see what spin you put on it to be negative, or whether you will give us a credit for a decent performance.
GDS i agree that the last 30 mins we played a lot better but you must question why he doesn't start like that playing people in their actual positions from the start it looked to me that as soon as we did it we seemed to find that elusive balance that LvG is always banging on about
17 Feb 2015 10:04:54
Like everyone else he will proaise the last 30 minutes and scoff at the first 60. A good 30 minutes against Preston (who's team and assets are worth less than Angel Di Maria) doesn't warrant a parade.
I saw players thriving in their preferred positions. we played with width which is something that I believe is essential. most people think 442 is dead but as long as it turns into 451 when defending I think its the best formation.
17 Feb 2015 10:21:24
JMB,
Exactly like when a poor performance against other teams doesn't deserve a meltdown?
I wondered who the first person to say 'it was only Preston' would be, but that isn't really the point here, it was also 'only Cambridge' and 'only Yeovil' and 'only Burnley' but we were rubbish in them games, last night for the last 30 minutes we weren't, we were very good, and its been a long time coming.
Exactly right guys in my eyes. First 60 another copy and paste, the change in formation obviously flummoxed Preston and they didn't have the calibre of players to adapt, especially as they were clearly getting tired. Would we have seen the tactical change at 0-0 I doubt it?
We did look a lot better the last 30min, it was hardly vintage, but certainly much better. I was impressed with Rooney's movement and pace, didn't think he had that speed anymore to be honest. Makes you wonder even more what RVP is doing anywhere near the first team.
ADM yet another shocker - when did he last play well, Leicester away I think?
I think Falcao has had enough and his performances reflect that. He hasn't looked the same since all the agent stuff kicked off, if your heart isn't in it, it is difficult to not be a bit sloppy. He may have been better with the new formation though.
My prediction was a cagey 2-1 with Fellaini getting the winner, almost right.
It is ridiculous how many games the manager gets it wrong and then has to change it late on to salvage a game. Preston had 2 great chances before we scored (I think) as well, which could have meant a different result.
Our best performance against League 1 or 2 opposition. let's see what he starts with the weekend, I somewhat doubt it will be 4-4-2 with wingers.
I'll be glad when we start playing like that for a full 90 mins. Unfortunately I can't see it anytime soon, especially against teams in our division!
17 Feb 2015 10:48:54
At the end of the day GDS it was 'only Preston' as you put it. Let's play that way for 60 minutes against the Gunners and see what happens.
I think the first 60mins being poor were down to the wrong tactics and the players being poor i know a lot of people on here like the diamond formation but for me it just doesn't work too many times last night we had the ball in the middle and blind/herrera looked to play out wide but nobody was there because valencia has to run 60yds to get up with the play but by that time our midfield has turned back inside and started playing across to the other side in the hope our other fullback has made the run if not then repeat again and again.
On another point i totally agree about the last 1/2 hour but with Lvg saying that RvP will be fit for the swansea game does anybody else think he will revert back to his normal team/formation/tactics?
17 Feb 2015 11:06:25
Beast,
Fair play mate, I agree with pretty much all of that, very impressed with Rooney, anyone would think he was trying to tell the boss he wanted to be a striker!
No penalties all season and then 2 in 2 games when we switch to a 4-4-2 and start playing with pace and running at people, surely not a coincidence.
I agree we need to start seeing that for 90 minutes, or at least from the start of games. The change yesterday was to a 4-4-2 and play to our strengths but without lumping balls up to Fellaini which is what we saw at West Ham.
We all want to see improvements and LVG learning from mistakes (especially your good self) and last night I felt like for one of the first times, we actually saw that. Fingers crossed you are wrong and we don't go back to the same boring dross on Saturday, Swansea and Sunderland are there for the taking, 6 points and good performances would really put us in a good position going into the tough run.
17 Feb 2015 11:11:20
Last time we played the Gunners we played like that for the full 90 and won 2-0 JMB
Gds
What will your opinion be if we do go back to the "same boring dross "
17 Feb 2015 11:38:39
Yes with them in poor form and our keeper to thank. Here's hoping lightning strikes twice for our sake.
17 Feb 2015 12:14:55
jred,
The same as it has been all season mate, I'll be disappointed with the performance but it will depend on the result obviously. I want us to play top attacking football as much as everyone else, but I also want us to win, the ideal is both of them, but the priority is winning for me.