[Albion] 4-4-2

[Bold Seagull]

How bold was that tactical line-up yesterday?

Seriously, the balls on Roberto. Caicedo out, what do we do, remove a player from midfield. Don't worry we might be slightly weaker there, stick another body up front. I'm sure this has been discussed on the match day thread, but lost a bit in the noise. I thought it was deserving of it's own discussion.

It was a genuine old school 4-4-2, two out and out wingers, 2 big centre forwards. But the way they did it, Ferguson and Welbeck so difficult to pick up, some of Welbeck's link up play and little flicks to get a break on were an absolute delight. Different day Ferguson has a brace to his name, not a brace on his ankle.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

It worked but I thought we looked a bit overrun in midfield at times, especially in the first half. We might have struggled/lost against a better team.

 

[Machiavelli]

It's worth adding that March and Mitoma spent much of their time (especially when we had the ball) ahead of Welbeck and Ferguson -- so I don't think it was that detrimental in terms of the middle of the park

 

[Bold Seagull]

It's worth adding that March and Mitoma spent much of their time (especially when we had the ball) ahead of Welbeck and Ferguson -- so I don't think it was that detrimental in terms of the middle of the park

It certainly wasn't 2 up front simply occupying the 2 CBs. There was a lot of subtle movement and positioning at play. Thought it worked well. As @Herr Tubthumper points out, we did seem to lose control in midfield a bit that led Liverpool having some very good chances on the break, although part of that was us pushing such a high line and our CBs trying to win the first ball each time such as Dunk getting a foot in for their first, but being caught out with the handball ball over the top.

 

[amexer]

Pleased manager willing to try something different but didn't feel it worked. So many times were over run in midfield and a bit surprised he didn.t bring Gilmore on earlier,

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

Was brave.

He’s got heart, hot blood and balls, big balls!

 

[portlock seagull]

Against better opposition, we’d have been punished. Fortunately it was only Liverpool.

 

[Reddleman]

I thought it worked well first half but second half we were on the back foot and improved when Gilmour on. Unfortunately I would imagine Ferguson is a huge doubt for Saturday so we may be forced back to three in midfield.

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

Always makes me think of the wonderful Ricky Tomlinson, 4-4-4-4-2 or whatever it was

 

[studio150]

According to RDZ in a pre match interview, nothing to do with tactics just all about getting the best available 11 on the pitch.
Could have of course been mind games

 

[Littlemo]

According to RDZ in a pre match interview, nothing to do with tactics just all about getting the best available 11 on the pitch.
Could have of course been mind games

There was a post match interview where he said he’d been planning it since Monday and he had been going to play Caicedo & Mac Allister in midfield and Gross at RB. I reckon he’s on the wind up somewhere lol