Vindication...

[Scudamore]

Derry, Derry, Derry, calm yourself mate. I didn't say that we didn't need width, I didn't say that I don't agree with you.

 

It's just that you seem to be fixated with the subject - every other post has something about 'lack of width', it's becoming the 'holy grail', will fix all our ills. Sadley, I rarely read your contributions now because I know that I am likely to be 'Width Lectured' yet again - sorry, and no offence meant, but it gets a little tedious.

 

Yes we do need width, but likewise, sometimes we need to be narrow - width does not guarantee goals. Blow me, Kelvin could lump it straight down the middle, Adam could break the offside trap, run on and bury it - you never know it could happen!

 

I don't care how we score goal, so long as we score, width is just one element of pitch use, and yes it is pleasing on the eye (when it works) but (IMHO) it is not the be all and end all of successful teams.

 

Hear, hear

[derry]

Derry, Derry, Derry, calm yourself mate. I didn't say that we didn't need width, I didn't say that I don't agree with you.

 

It's just that you seem to be fixated with the subject - every other post has something about 'lack of width', it's becoming the 'holy grail', will fix all our ills. Sadley, I rarely read your contributions now because I know that I am likely to be 'Width Lectured' yet again - sorry, and no offence meant, but it gets a little tedious.

 

Yes we do need width, but likewise, sometimes we need to be narrow - width does not guarantee goals. Blow me, Kelvin could lump it straight down the middle, Adam could break the offside trap, run on and bury it - you never know it could happen!

 

I don't care how we score goal, so long as we score, width is just one element of pitch use, and yes it is pleasing on the eye (when it works) but (IMHO) it is not the be all and end all of successful teams.

 

I'm not fixated on that aspect alone but it is a weakness that needs fixing if we are to progress.

 

There is no such thing as a successful team that doesn't effectively use width. There is no way that a team can be predominately narrow and be successful.

[Clifford Nelson]

It isn't going to work in the long term. You are right in one respect a pacy left sided player will have to be brought in to play 4-4-2, furthermore a proper front sweeper with a high pass completion will be needed if 4-3-3 is to be played.

 

Gillingham were a poor team, Southend aren't much either and the space in front of/behind Harding will be exploited by the better sides.

 

We both know that AP is fully aware of our comparative lack of pace. He is trying to purchase it in whatever form it arrives. But I don't agree that we are that narrow. With Mellis/Schneiderlin and Hammond coming running from inside Lallana and Waigo, they are forced much wider than if the midfield is encouraged to hold back. It's not traditional wing play with byeline crosses, but then, honestly, where did we last see that?

 

As I already pointed out, after being left alone to fend for himself against Bristol, Lallana got stuck in defending the left flank. It has worked.

 

I can't see the need for a front sweeper, but I can see the need to find a defensive CM to take over from Wotton for the future. The skills of a Jim Magilton at his best comes to mind. He never lost the ball and passed it as well as anybody.

 

And why would 4-3-3 not work in the long run. I'm a bit worried when it is seen as an aberration. There is no specific virtue in 4-4-2, the only thing that matters is what players you have to fit into the system. The disadvantage of it is that every team we're playing knows exactly how to defend against it since they are doing nothing else week after week.

 

AP should by the best players he can find which deals with the shortcomings we have. Pace is very important, but let's not turn down a brilliant pacy player just because he isn't a wide player.

[NickG]

its more about quality players, playing for each other and being organised - that will succeed.

 

442/451/433/winger/no wingers etc have all succeeded and all failed.

[AndyNorthernSaints]

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1824943,00.html

 

Well done to all those who spotted these two as stars early in the season...

 

No problem

[derry]

We both know that AP is fully aware of our comparative lack of pace. He is trying to purchase it in whatever form it arrives. But I don't agree that we are that narrow. With Mellis/Schneiderlin and Hammond coming running from inside Lallana and Waigo, they are forced much wider than if the midfield is encouraged to hold back. It's not traditional wing play with byeline crosses, but then, honestly, where did we last see that?

 

As I already pointed out, after being left alone to fend for himself against Bristol, Lallana got stuck in defending the left flank. It has worked.

 

I can't see the need for a front sweeper, but I can see the need to find a defensive CM to take over from Wotton for the future. The skills of a Jim Magilton at his best comes to mind. He never lost the ball and passed it as well as anybody.

 

And why would 4-3-3 not work in the long run. I'm a bit worried when it is seen as an aberration. There is no specific virtue in 4-4-2, the only thing that matters is what players you have to fit into the system. The disadvantage of it is that every team we're playing knows exactly how to defend against it since they are doing nothing else week after week.

 

AP should by the best players he can find which deals with the shortcomings we have. Pace is very important, but let's not turn down a brilliant pacy player just because he isn't a wide player.

 

It seems to me that Pardew is sticking with the present team on the back of a couple of good results, however he still intends, as soon as that run ends, to introduce Connolly alongside Lambert provided he delivers and switch to 4-4-2.

 

Pace is important everywhere and the more we have, wherever it is, can only be beneficial.

 

Wotton is playing like a very limited front sweeper. I would expect a lot more mobility and a better passing completion from a defensive midfield player.