Wotte, the diamond midfield, improvement and development

[derry]

When we started with the diamond midfield it made us very narrow and vulnerable down the flanks.

 

We seem, as each week goes by to be improving the formation and the way the players are using it.

 

Yesterday was the best yet for me, especially so, that on a number of occasions we got to the byeline and crossed from there. Euell did it both sides, Surman and Skacel did it on the left. The penalty came from Euell's cross. This is almost the first time this season we have done it.

 

Defensively, and I know Cardiff's main tactic was to launch the ball forward, we seemed to be more aware at the front and closed down the ball early.

 

Lallana tried hard but seems unaware that he could drift outside the last defender, then attack the cross from the blindside. He is sucked into the near post leaving the far post uncovered.

[sidthesquid]

Mr Wotte has tried something rarely seen at Southampton in recent years - playing players in the position they are happiest in and getting a totally balanced team. Euell & McG have been a revelation in their new roles, the mix of young and old, grafters and passers has made all the difference. It's so simple, sometimes, football

[trousers]

Bit of a tangental question but why is Skacel still listed as a midfielder on the OS?