4-5-1 On Saturday Please

[Thedelldays]

I wish we played the xmas pudding

[THEVMAN]

We didn't play 4-4-2 against Brighton. We played 4 at the back, three in the middle - 2 centre midfielders and a wide right, two up front and Lallana all over the place.

 

We were narrow had no real shape, no threat from the left, allowed the defence to compact and double bank Antonio, it also left Harding exposed as our only left sided player whist Lallana showboated wherever he felt like. James lack of pace and an overworked left back, caused our centre backs to have too much to do against two quick strikers.

 

Until Lallana or somebody else plays like a proper left midfielder in front of Harding it doesn't matter a damn what formation the other players play.

 

We need to play a proper formation whatever it is without a single player doing their own thing. Brighton and Bristol Rovers exploited it and won't be the last.

To say Lallana showboated wherever he liked is a bit much,but i assume this is your chance to slag him off especially since he hasn`t given you any excuse too of late.VERY PREDICTABLE.

[Super_Uwe]

I wish we played the xmas pudding

 

Totally agree!

 

Tell you what, let's play 3-5-2. Hoddle loved that to bits and he was a tactical wizard wasn't he?

 

To be honest, formations really are over-hyped on here. I do understand the argument of getting the correct shape to suit the personnel available, but whether it's 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 is irrelevant.

 

Let's not forget that 4-5-1 can become 4-3-3 in the blink of an eye, just like 4-4-2 can turn into 4-2-4 if both wingers break quickly.

[red&white56]

I think 4-4-2 was the cause of our defensive problems on Saturday. The extra man in midfield usually gives us a bit more cover playing 4-5-1. 4-4-2 also made us too predictable going forward.

 

This reflects my thinking - our back line has no pace - with 5 across midfield it is more difficult for the opposition to play through our back line at speed.

 

I understand that we have won games playing 4-4-2, but Saturday showed me that we do need to protect the back four to allow them to succeed - so string 5 men across midfield!

[jam]

This reflects my thinking - our back line has no pace - with 5 across midfield it is more difficult for the opposition to play through our back line at speed.

 

I understand that we have won games playing 4-4-2, but Saturday showed me that we do need to protect the back four to allow them to succeed - so string 5 men across midfield!

 

Or we play boring 4-4-2 and drop either Hammond or Morgan for Wotton (unless we have a better defensive midfielder), which reduces our ability to control games.

 

The 4-5-1 (or whatever system works for us because the players that we have, including the players Pardew has signed, fit into it. And it gives us the option to really turn the screw on teams in the second half.

[Professor]

All very interesting, and I am in the 'anti' 4-5-1 camp but the better team will usually come out on top regardless of the shape on the pitch, simply because they will have control of the game, be first on the ball, and will make and take goal chances. The system might account for the odd goal, but not for a 3-1 defeat at home.

[Teddy Nutkins]

I am sure, (hope), that Brighton was one of those games.It is very rare for a team to have all 11 players on top form.You will normally have a couple of players who are not 100%, but the rest of the team compensates.In the case of the Brighton game i think we had more than our normal amount of "off-colour" players.

 

Was that the formation,was it the attitude...who knows.We have a chance to put it right on Saturday, in front of our own fans.

[Wade Garrett]

Play Antonio and Waigo down the flanks, Lallana in the middle, with someone holding alongside him (Hammond or Wotton). Thomas at RB, he is more defensive minded than James. Connolly and Lambert have to play. Create the chances for them and they will score a hatful. That means crossing from the byeline and not 40 yards out (ala James).

[John B]

Play Antonio and Waigo down the flanks, Lallana in the middle, with someone holding alongside him (Hammond or Wotton). Thomas at RB, he is more defensive minded than James. Connolly and Lambert have to play. Create the chances for them and they will score a hatful. That means crossing from the byeline and not 40 yards out (ala James).

 

Reasonable approach but I cant see it happening it is not defensive enough for Pardew probably

Edited 18 November, 2009 by John B

[saintbletch]

Play Antonio and Waigo down the flanks, Lallana in the middle, with someone holding alongside him (Hammond or Wotton). Thomas at RB, he is more defensive minded than James. Connolly and Lambert have to play. Create the chances for them and they will score a hatful. That means crossing from the byeline and not 40 yards out (ala James).

 

Are you Osvaldo Adiles?

 

I agree we'd score at hatful but wouldn't the opposition drive a coach and horses through our midfield?

[derry]

To say Lallana showboated wherever he liked is a bit much,but i assume this is your chance to slag him off especially since he hasn`t given you any excuse too of late.VERY PREDICTABLE.

 

What is predictable is Lallana's representative on this site leaping in with a remark that has nothing to do with objectivity, but because somebody has the temerity to criticise aspects of his game that are causing the team to lose matches.

 

If Adam Lallana doesn't come to terms with disciplined team play he will in the not too distant future be dispensed with. When he leaves Southampton in the foreseeable future he will find it even more difficult at a higher level to be a free spirit and have a free role.

 

I am not anti to Lallana but I am disappointed that he appears unable or unwilling to put his undoubted ability to one side at times and fulfill the requirement to protect his fullback. That also allows the opposing defence to compact, play narrow and curb the real threat of the pace of our right midfield.

 

Many talented players who indulge themselves and were not prepared to bend to the teams needs, have in the end become journeymen playing mostly reserve team football, being seen as a luxury that isn't required for the good of the team.

Edited 18 November, 2009 by derry

[Saint Samuel]

I think Pardew needs to bring Holmes in to give us that bit of width and move Lallana to play just off Lambert up front. Schneiderlin can play just in front of the back four whilst Hammond can be the box to box. Connelly can be brought on as an impact sub if things aren't going right.

[S-Clarke]

I think Pardew needs to bring Holmes in to give us that bit of width and move Lallana to play just off Lambert up front. Schneiderlin can play just in front of the back four whilst Hammond can be the box to box. Connelly can be brought on as an impact sub if things aren't going right.

 

I don't think we'll ever see holmes play for us again tbh.

 

It's quite interesting that the players we considered to be the better ones last year (Holmes/Gillet etc) have been deemed not good enough for us...quite a frightening indictment of last year methinks.

[derry]

I am sure, (hope), that Brighton was one of those games.It is very rare for a team to have all 11 players on top form.You will normally have a couple of players who are not 100%, but the rest of the team compensates.In the case of the Brighton game i think we had more than our normal amount of "off-colour" players.

 

Was that the formation,was it the attitude...who knows.We have a chance to put it right on Saturday, in front of our own fans.

 

There was a lot wrong with our lack of a left midfield and a right back lacking the pace to be effective when taken on by wide players. That exposed our two central defenders. Brighton won nearly all the second ball but I think our lopsided shape allowed them to do that.

[SuperSAINT]

It's quite interesting that the players we considered to be the better ones last year (Holmes/Gillet etc) have been deemed not good enough for us...quite a frightening indictment of last year methinks.

 

Spot on! I had Gillet & Holmes pencilled down as "must keep" when last season's debacle ended.

[Wade Garrett]

Are you Osvaldo Adiles?

 

I agree we'd score at hatful but wouldn't the opposition drive a coach and horses through our midfield?

 

I don't see it like that. Antonio does his share defensively, and Lallana is pretty lively in the tackle.

 

The width would give us more space to play, and the pace would frighten teams to death.

[Lazlo78]

Many talented players who indulge themselves and were not prepared to bend to the teams needs, have in the end become journeymen playing mostly reserve team football, being seen as a luxury that isn't required for the good of the team.

 

Honestly, this is quite funny coming from a Saints fan. We of all should understand that sometimes the overweight, lazy guy who does not work for the team is just... a god

[derry]

I don't see it like that. Antonio does his share defensively, and Lallana is pretty lively in the tackle.

 

The width would give us more space to play, and the pace would frighten teams to death.

 

I'd like to see that team play, one final position to try Lallana in.

[Scummer]

I'd like to see that team play, one final position to try Lallana in.

 

Lallana was bloody good in the last position he played in, something you seem to ignore. The team was doing well also.

[THEVMAN]

What is predictable is Lallana's representative on this site leaping in with a remark that has nothing to do with objectivity, but because somebody has the temerity to criticise aspects of his game that are causing the team to lose matches.

 

If Adam Lallana doesn't come to terms with disciplined team play he will in the not too distant future be dispensed with. When he leaves Southampton in the foreseeable future he will find it even more difficult at a higher level to be a free spirit and have a free role.

 

I am not anti to Lallana but I am disappointed that he appears unable or unwilling to put his undoubted ability to one side at times and fulfill the requirement to protect his fullback. That also allows the opposing defence to compact, play narrow and curb the real threat of the pace of our right midfield.

 

Many talented players who indulge themselves and were not prepared to bend to the teams needs, have in the end become journeymen playing mostly reserve team football, being seen as a luxury that isn't required for the good of the team.

As i said you are so predictable Derry with your constant nagging,slap wrist for moving out of position comments to Lallana all the time.I watched the game and from where i was the central midfield and centre halfs all had elm streets but then that probably passed you by, you like to blinker yourself onto one player all the time.All the same great to see you back to your best.

[Thedelldays]

As i said you are so predictable Derry with your constant nagging,slap wrist for moving out of position comments to Lallana all the time.I watched the game and from where i was the central midfield and centre halfs all had elm streets but then that probably passed you by, you like to blinker yourself onto one player all the time.All the same great to see you back to your best.

 

 

you must be adam himself as this simply is not the case

 

lallana played better when he was roaming off lambert...when he out on the left in a more rigid formation, he is not as good and exposes the LB..

 

that is not singling someone out, it is a fact

[THEVMAN]

you must be adam himself as this simply is not the case

 

lallana played better when he was roaming off lambert...when he out on the left in a more rigid formation, he is not as good and exposes the LB..

 

that is not singling someone out, it is a fact

 

Just having a bit of fun with Derry our resident footballing super god.

[derry]

Just having a bit of fun with Derry our resident footballing super god.

 

Adam Lallana was very quickly dropped by the England system, I wonder why that was, after being promoted as a unique player that was a natural to play in the hole.

 

In a football world where the best teams require more than cameo appearances, he may well find that the pinnacle of his career is as a part time first team squad member in a poor premier club. Alternatively a selection of lesser clubs.

 

Unless the lad harnesses his undoubted ball skills to a disciplined approach he will experience similar treatment to the Under 21's. I would prefer him to do that with us but I don't think it will happen. If that is the case then the sooner a decent left sided player is brought in the better.

 

We lack an attacking central midfielder at the moment but I'm not sure he could do that job. The only place other than that is as a second striker and Connolly looks a much more lethal striker.

 

If we are to win promotion next year probably one third to a half of the present team won't be with us in February 2011. The present team still isn't nearly good enough despite some decent results.

 

You only seem to post on Lallana issues and are never objective just defensive. You never objectively and persuasively argue his case on technical issues but criticise the posters in a disparaging way.

 

If you think his technical and team skills are so good, an explanation as to why he doesn't track back and cover his full back and justify how the way he plays makes it easier for teams to counter our other threats and attack us down our left side. We are losing games because of it.

[derry]

Honestly, this is quite funny coming from a Saints fan. We of all should understand that sometimes the overweight, lazy guy who does not work for the team is just... a god

 

I did say many, he was special and unique, his goalscoring was exceptional and not properly recognised at international level.

[Legod Third Coming]

Adam Lallana was very quickly dropped by the England system, I wonder why that was, after being promoted as a unique player that was a natural to play in the hole.

 

In a football world where the best teams require more than cameo appearances, he may well find that the pinnacle of his career is as a part time first team squad member in a poor premier club. Alternatively a selection of lesser clubs.

 

Unless the lad harnesses his undoubted ball skills to a disciplined approach he will experience similar treatment to the Under 21's. I would prefer him to do that with us but I don't think it will happen. If that is the case then the sooner a decent left sided player is brought in the better.

 

We lack an attacking central midfielder at the moment but I'm not sure he could do that job. The only place other than that is as a second striker and Connolly looks a much more lethal striker.

 

If we are to win promotion next year probably one third to a half of the present team won't be with us in February 2011. The present team still isn't nearly good enough despite some decent results.

 

You only seem to post on Lallana issues and are never objective just defensive. You never objectively and persuasively argue his case on technical issues but criticise the posters in a disparaging way.

 

If you think his technical and team skills are so good, an explanation as to why he doesn't track back and cover his full back and justify how the way he plays makes it easier for teams to counter our other threats and attack us down our left side. We are losing games because of it.

 

Cobblers.

 

We did not lose Sunday's game because Lallana didn't track back. We lost because Trottman defended like my gran.

 

How often did Matt Le Tiss track back?

 

When you have someone who can unlock defences, you don't give him the hod carrier's work to do.

 

You give him the fecking violin and let him lead the fecking the orchestra.

[derry]

Cobblers.

 

We did not lose Sunday's game because Lallana didn't track back. We lost because Trottman defended like my gran.

 

How often did Matt Le Tiss track back?

 

When you have someone who can unlock defences, you don't give him the hod carrier's work to do.

 

You give him the fecking violin and let him lead the fecking the orchestra.

 

His absence allowed Harding to be picked off for the first goal and after that it was all over. We created snatched chances but they fell to the wrong players. Comparing him to a genius like MLT is crass, Lallana is nowhere near as good.

 

If you are expecting him to lead forget it he isn't that sort of player. If he is hot he is worth his place but a lot of the time he isn't. He has scored in four league games this season and hasn't hit the target in a month despite a bunch of chances.

 

I would much prefer a team player like Pilkington of Huddersfield who looked really impressive against Wycombe.

[Block 5]

Hilarious!

AP plays 4-5-1 and everyone wants 4-4-2.

AP plays 4-4-2 and everyone wants 4-5-1.

[saintsmike25]

I suggest we play 1-5-4 I'm sick of this 4 defenders nonsense, It's about time Alan Pardew let the fans decide what formation the team should play and I'm confident just sticking Lambert at the back whilst recalling Ollie Lancashire to play in goal whilst shoving Super Kelv upfront with Morgan ****hot Schneiderlin, with Jaidi and Wotton as attacking wing forwards.

[View From The Top]

Hilarious!

AP plays 4-5-1 and everyone wants 4-4-2.

AP plays 4-4-2 and everyone wants 4-5-1.

 

No. A minority of non match goers wanted 4-4-2.

 

Those who were watching wanted to keep things as they were.

[Legod Third Coming]

His absence allowed Harding to be picked off for the first goal and after that it was all over. We created snatched chances but they fell to the wrong players. Comparing him to a genius like MLT is crass, Lallana is nowhere near as good.

 

If you are expecting him to lead forget it he isn't that sort of player. If he is hot he is worth his place but a lot of the time he isn't. He has scored in four league games this season and hasn't hit the target in a month despite a bunch of chances.

 

I would much prefer a team player like Pilkington of Huddersfield who looked really impressive against Wycombe.

 

You didn't watch the Bristol game then?

 

Or Leyton Orient?

 

Missed the first class assists maybe?

 

I think your prejudice might be blinding you to probably the most gifted player in the league. You keep hoping we employ some more hod carriers. No doubt you wanted Le Tiss dropped for a few more in the Shipperly mould eh?

[saintbletch]

You didn't watch the Bristol game then?

 

Or Leyton Orient?

 

Missed the first class assists maybe?

 

I think your prejudice might be blinding you to probably the most gifted player in the league. You keep hoping we employ some more hod carriers. No doubt you wanted Le Tiss dropped for a few more in the Shipperly mould eh?

 

I think somewhere in the middle is the truth.

 

As Bally (and I hope I don't offend Derry's sensibilities by comparing Lallana with MLT) found out when you have a creative player who perhaps doesn't enjoy the team discipline of defending, you build the team and formation around him. That principle seemed to work well.

 

But I wouldnt''t suggest that Lallana is worthy of that just yet. But when we line up 4-1-4-1 it allows him to be an individual and use his undoubted skills and the formation forgives his lack of discipline.

 

For me it's a rigid and disciplined 4-4-2 with Connolly but without Lallana and Schneiderlin or it's 4-5-1 (4-1-4-1) with AL and MS but without Connolly.

 

...or as many on here have suggested, line up with 1 up front and change formation and bring on Antonio and Connolly for impact later on. I can understand Pardew's dilemma because in Connolly we have an exceptional talent for League 1 but accommodating him will mean sacrificing other 'talents'.

Edited 19 November, 2009 by saintbletch
I had a dillemma over how to spell dilemma

[rolosfc]

4-5-1 is the way forward. Its a much more fluent formation allowing players like AL and Antonio to flourish. Both left gaps behind them against Brighton, leaving Hammond and MS exposed and with too much ground to cover. Connolly spent too much time on Sunday playing on the last defender, giving us no real link up between the midfield and Lambert.

 

Yes we came from behind to win after switching to 4-4-2, but it doesn't work the other way around. If 4-4-2 is not working we don't seem to have another option.

[derry]

I think somewhere in the middle is the truth.

 

As Bally (and I hope I don't offend Derry's sensibilities by comparing Lallana with MLT) found out when you have a creative player who perhaps doesn't enjoy the team discipline of defending, you build the team and formation around him. That principle seemed to work well.

 

But I wouldnt''t suggest that Lallana is worthy of that just yet. But when we line up 4-1-4-1 it allows him to be an individual and use his undoubted skills and the formation forgives his lack of discipline.

 

For me it's a rigid and disciplined 4-4-2 with Connolly but without Lallana and Schneiderlin or it's 4-5-1 (4-1-4-1) with AL and MS but without Connolly.

 

...or as many on here have suggested, line up with 1 up front and change formation and bring on Antonio and Connolly for impact later on. I can understand Pardew's dilemma because in Connolly we have an exceptional talent for League 1 but accommodating him will mean sacrificing other 'talents'.

 

Not at all it's a very good analysis, but I wouldn't put Lallana in the same class as MLT. MLT was one of the most talented players around who significantly never played outside the top division whilst Lallana isn't even remotely near to being the best footballer in the third tier. He is a very talented manipulator of a football but that doesn't endow him with a footballing brain as his positional play often shows. I can't even see any Premier team putting him in as a regular first teamer.

 

I can see eventually the Lallana v team formation question being resolved by the acquiring of better players that play for the team,certainly in my opinion in the next 14 months, most likely next summer when I expect to see him go.

[Legod Third Coming]

Not at all it's a very good analysis, but I wouldn't put Lallana in the same class as MLT. MLT was one of the most talented players around who significantly never played outside the top division whilst Lallana isn't even remotely near to being the best footballer in the third tier. He is a very talented manipulator of a football but that doesn't endow him with a footballing brain as his positional play often shows. I can't even see any Premier team putting him in as a regular first teamer.

 

I can see eventually the Lallana v team formation question being resolved by the acquiring of better players that play for the team,certainly in my opinion in the next 14 months, most likely next summer when I expect to see him go.

 

I think time will tell you are wide of the mark here.

 

While you are entitled to your opinion, do me a favour.

 

Phone each of the League One managers and ask them whether Lallana would walk into their first team.

 

The reality is he would.

 

That he occasionally fails to track back is no reflection on his positional play. When he does the job he is primarily required (and employed and paid) to do, his positioning is exceptional.

 

Again, look at the goals he has scored and created.

 

He is also still learning his trade - yes it's true.

 

If you think he has cost us games versus the evidence of clearly helping us win games, you seriously undermine your credibility.

 

Every team needs creative players and he is one of exceptional talent.

[Dalek2003]

Don't know about formations but we better be at our best. Norwich are really up for this game I can report from Turkey land !

[derry]

I think time will tell you are wide of the mark here.

 

While you are entitled to your opinion, do me a favour.

 

Phone each of the League One managers and ask them whether Lallana would walk into their first team.

 

The reality is he would.

 

That he occasionally fails to track back is no reflection on his positional play. When he does the job he is primarily required (and employed and paid) to do, his positioning is exceptional.

 

Again, look at the goals he has scored and created.

 

He is also still learning his trade - yes it's true.

 

If you think he has cost us games versus the evidence of clearly helping us win games, you seriously undermine your credibility.

 

Every team needs creative players and he is one of exceptional talent.

 

Like you say time will tell. The fact he could get into most division one teams is no great shakes. I think he is close to 22, more is demanded the higher the level, I don't think he would be a regular in the Premier.

 

If he applied himself he would be better for us and himself. He was told last year by one of the senior coaches that he should run about less and be more discerning about the positions he took up. It was felt less running about and getting into dangerous positions would make him a lot more effective. It didn't happen.

 

He has scored a few goals in a purple patch of four games but since then has come close but missed all of the chances created, he has laid on about three goals in that time but we have consistently leaked goals.

 

Our problem is that we play one way only, one side pretty narrow, runner on the right, Lallana roaming, empty left side, slow right back, no real power out of midfield, a goalkeeper that only hoofs it, we were well worked out against Brighton.

 

I now expect most sides to double up on our right and try and counter attack wide especially down our left. If Lallana played as a more orthodox left sided player he could still get into the middle but the defence would be stretched allowing him to get the sort of chances a got a month ago from around the left side of the box complementing Lambert and Connolly rather than duplicating them. He would then be able to participate defensively in front of Harding.

 

I'm not anti Lallana, I like his enthusiasm and ball skills, his unpredictability on the ball has the potential to be lethal in the oppositions penalty area. If he pulls the full back wide it opens gaps for the other players and makes it difficult to double bank Antonio/Waigo that then gives him the opportunity to drift into a blind side back post position and be really dangerous.

 

He is putting in plenty of effort but in areas that don't really stretch the opposition and don't protect our left side. More or less the same sort of thing the coach last year was trying to point out.

[shurlock]

 

He has scored a few goals in a purple patch of four games but since then has come close but missed all of the chances created, he has laid on about three goals in that time but we have consistently leaked goals.

 

He is putting in plenty of effort but in areas that don't really stretch the opposition and don't protect our left side. More or less the same sort of thing the coach last year was trying to point out.

 

No coincidence that his purple patch came with him playing in the hole or at least coming off the left as part of a 4-5-1. Lallana's been most effective (I'm thinking Carlisle, Gillingham etc) when he's been played unapologetically down the middle but we don't have many left-sided players to fill in (we tried Mellis and Mills there with mixed results). In the absence of a left-sided player (could Papa have a go?), Lallana will start on the left, though we won't see his full potential as a result. The saving grace of 4-5-1 is that it allows Lallana more room to roam than a disciplined 4-4-2.

[derry]

No coincidence that his purple patch came with him playing in the hole or at least coming off the left as part of a 4-5-1. Lallana's been most effective (I'm thinking Carlisle, Gillingham etc) when he's been played unapologetically down the middle but we don't have many left-sided players to fill in (we tried Mellis and Mills there with mixed results). In the absence of a left-sided player (could Papa have a go?), Lallana will start on the left, though we won't see his full potential as a result. The saving grace of 4-5-1 is that it allows Lallana more room to roam than a disciplined 4-4-2.

 

I prefer the disciplined 4-4-2 but that is a personal thing. If we are going to play 4-4-2 and it's Pardew that decides that, it has to be a disciplined wide formation otherwise it isn't 4-4-2.

 

If we play 4-5-1 we need a good holding midfielder and two attacking midfielders.

 

I sometimes think looking at what we have, Antonio and Waigo wide periodically switching wings, Hammond holding with Lallana getting forward and Schneiderlin doing the same on the left centre joining up with Lambert. That then opens up the possibility of taking off Lallana and putting Connolly up front as plan B.

[CanadaSaint]

We need to play a proper formation whatever it is without a single player doing their own thing. Brighton and Bristol Rovers exploited it and won't be the last.

 

That's really the futility of this discussion.

 

For me, Lallana is a player with tremendous potential and we've seen many flashes of it. The gripe I have with him, as I've posted before, is that he can be like a f*art in a thunderstorm and that his wandering ways can damage our shape and, thus, any formation we're looking to play. By doing that he makes us vulnerable defensively and unstructured offensively. Other players try to get out of his way rather than dovetail-in alongside him.

 

I can't imagine that Pardew gives him this kind of licence - I think he just takes it. And he's too damn good to leave out.

 

He's still very young but he needs to find a way of harnessing his many talents within the system AP wants us to play, whether it's 4-5-1, 4-4-2 or any other permutation.

 

Ideally, we'll have the fluidity to adjust formation in mid-match (and without needing to make substitutions in order to do so) because that's what the really, really good teams can do.

 

But until Lallana becomes a more disciplined player, that's going to be next to impossible.

[Saint_clark]

you must be adam himself as this simply is not the case

 

lallana played better when he was roaming off lambert...when he out on the left in a more rigid formation, he is not as good and exposes the LB..

that is not singling someone out, it is a fact

 

.......Sorry Delldays, I haven't really kept check on this thread. Are you saying you are PRO 4-5-1?

[Saint Fan CaM]

Can you not see the link between those two statements? The reason the defence was exposed was because of the formation.

 

With 451 we had Wotton positioned in front of the defence exactly to prevent opposition strikers exposing our slow central defenders the way Brighton did.

 

Wotton is not quick but reads the play well and can lay a few hefty tackles before they reach the penalty area and we know he's going to stay in position as he can't run anyway!

 

Much has been made of the midfield assets in 451, but it also makes our defence more solid and was working real well until we all clambered for Connelly to start...

 

 

Guys - understand the point being made here and using Wotton may have been the answer perhaps, however my contention is that Lallana and Antonio were being a little too maverick too early on. Brighton had some nippy wingers and were spraying the ball about in a manner that Wotton IMO would not have got to - we needed to bide our time a little more and see what they had in their locker.

 

Sometimes quietly, quietly catch the monkey does work. They underestimated the opposition unfortunately and possibly didn't stick to the game plan AP set-out. I honestly do not think that 4-5-1 is a formation a team of this standing should be contemplating at home and playing 4-4-2 does not mean leaving the defence exposed.

 

PS: I also think that Lamberts reported cold did not help in the slightest - he looked very off-form - we lost balls and he did not track back as he has done previously. (At least I hope it was his cold :confused:).

[St_Tel49]

I think that we should support the formation that Pardew chooses. He won't always be right of course but I think his knowledge of our team and the opposition makes him a better judge than us. I don't think we should get too hung up on formations.

[up and away]

I think that we should support the formation that Pardew chooses. He won't always be right of course but I think his knowledge of our team and the opposition makes him a better judge than us. I don't think we should get too hung up on formations.

 

I just support Liebherr and what ever he sees fit to put in place. I don't believe discussing the issue is any problem, only if you take things too seriously and start reacting at the stadium.

 

 

Pardew's latest article clearly identifies for me he knows exactly what went wrong and how to fix it. Pardew had a difficult decision against Brighton that went wrong. Go with the defensive line up, only to find that Brighton set up with the coach in front of goal and you have the wrong personnel out on the pitch. As it was we went with the attacking line up and Brighton ignored the script and the rest is history. Pardew's decision definitely looked wrong after the event, but I cannot say that convincingly beforehand.

[Tom28]

Working from home today and a bit bored so I stuck on Sunday's game on Sky Plus and paid close attention to Lallana's positioning given its what everyone seems to be raving on about. Got to say, I was mildly in agreement - the perception of Lallana is that he drifts and wanders.

 

But, actually, watching the game back, his positional play was actually really good. He hugged the touchline consistently, he was nearly always an option for Harding when Harding was in possession, he tracked back down the flank and helped out defensively with Harding.

 

He also, hit the box when we got the ball wide right in a crossing position as a wide left player should do, and in possession he would bring the ball in-field more often than not, but I don't see that as a problem because most times he did that, it created space for Harding to overlap.

 

So, sorry, I actually think Lallana's positioning wasn't to blame, and I, like others, have probably been guilty with assuming he's not doing his job, when actually, I think he is.

 

Trotman switched off THREE times in the build up to the second goal by the way. No wonder he was whipped off.

[derry]

Working from home today and a bit bored so I stuck on Sunday's game on Sky Plus and paid close attention to Lallana's positioning given its what everyone seems to be raving on about. Got to say, I was mildly in agreement - the perception of Lallana is that he drifts and wanders.

 

But, actually, watching the game back, his positional play was actually really good. He hugged the touchline consistently, he was nearly always an option for Harding when Harding was in possession, he tracked back down the flank and helped out defensively with Harding.

 

He also, hit the box when we got the ball wide right in a crossing position as a wide left player should do, and in possession he would bring the ball in-field more often than not, but I don't see that as a problem because most times he did that, it created space for Harding to overlap.

 

So, sorry, I actually think Lallana's positioning wasn't to blame, and I, like others, have probably been guilty with assuming he's not doing his job, when actually, I think he is.

 

Trotman switched off THREE times in the build up to the second goal by the way. No wonder he was whipped off.

 

Lallana was nowhere to be seen when two Brighton players picked off the isolated Harding for the first goal and Murray went in between Trotman and Jaidi to turn in the cross.

[Scummer]

Lallana was nowhere to be seen when two Brighton players picked off the isolated Harding for the first goal and Murray went in between Trotman and Jaidi to turn in the cross.

 

Harding and Jaidi made a right hash of that goal, yet you choose to blame Lallana........

[derry]

Harding and Jaidi made a right hash of that goal, yet you choose to blame Lallana........

 

Harding didn't make a hash of it because he was picked off by the two Brighton players wall passing him because he was left on his own. Trotman and Jaidi made a hash of the ball crossed in by letting Murray get between them especially when they were so close. If Lallana had been in front of Harding it might have been stopped. 4-4-2 can't be played with the wide left player roaming. If we are going to play 4-4-2 he has to predominately stay out wide.

[Scummer]

Harding didn't make a hash of it because he was picked off by the two Brighton players wall passing him because he was left on his own.

 

Harding was picked off because he was ball watching when the wide player knocked the ball inside. Lallana was about 6 yards from that player, Harding didn't need to worry about him. He let his man run and by the time he realised it was too late.

[Legod Third Coming]

Harding was picked off because he was ball watching when the wide player knocked the ball inside. Lallana was about 6 yards from that player, Harding didn't need to worry about him. He let his man run and by the time he realised it was too late.

 

Regardless - if Trottman stays goal side, he cannot score. Cannot. To blame Lallana you might as well blame whoever kicked off...

[derry]

Regardless - if Trottman stays goal side, he cannot score. Cannot. To blame Lallana you might as well blame whoever kicked off...

 

The cross was too good it caught both centre backs and Murray and Forster's movement all afternoon was good it only needed a touch.

 

It was Harding caught between two players that opened us up. If we are going to play 4-4-2 the wide players have to be disciplined and track the runners on the counter.