Basically it starts that way as that's the way we want to play defensively. But in transiton one WB will push up and allow the CB to move over to cover.. whilst the opposites side 8 will move in to the other 10 role, leading to the 4 2 2 2. Its very fluid, just taking time for the team to get really consistently fluid with it. But it definitely happens when ever the transitions happen from back to front.
There has been a definite spike in fish puns tonight. Imagine if Saints won every game. We cod continue in this vein forever!
We have a decent Wide center back in Valery tbh, and I wonder if this is why we sre chasing Colwill so much.. as he is a pretty decent wide centre back on the left side.
No, they have made changes during the game. I think people get too hung up on formations. As Ralph once said, it's nothing more than a starting position. Similarly we no longer start a game with our 'best 11'. Even more so with 5 subs, where you can really change a game from the bench.
I always think a new season is a new start for us. You'll occasionally see a player follow up a hot season with a really mediocre one and vice versa. So I tried to watch todays game as though every player was a new signing. As a result, Lyanco Perraud and Adarma were the standout players for me in the first half. I could see Ralph was not happy in the first half - particularly with his forward players - and I think one or two got a bit of a warning at half time because Ely, Diallo and Redmond looked different players. The subs also helped to add urgency and players were more often looking for the forward pass rather than the possession pass back to the keeper. Monaco struggled to cope and the result was thoroughly deserved.
I really, really, really want A Armstrong to come good this season. That header in the Leipzig game was a helluva difficult chance and he made it look simple, looks like he did well against Monaco. All a striker needs is chances and confidence.
I think his season will depend on how good the other attacking mid we bring is and how well Aribo does. He is not the sort of striker that will create his own chances by beating a man, like we saw from Broja. He needs someone to create for him and he will (hopefully) tuck them away. Imo we have been missed that creative spark since Lallana and then Tadic left.
Excited for the Villarreal game now. It’ll be a great test against a very good passing side who will look to play out of the press.
If we bring another attacking midfielder in. Far from certain as I expect it requires moving at least one out I hope we do though
I’d be very surprised if we don’t have a bit of an exodus of players before the window shuts. Question is if it involves anyone we really want to keep
The journos close to the club seem to think we are still targeting another one. I expect us to ship out a few players in the remaining weeks anyway, I find it hard to believe that we will keep all of Walcott, Djenepo, Redmond, Elyounoussi and Tella. At least 1, maybe 2 of that lot will go.
Another AM or Striker or both? The language has been a little vague. Didn’t Ralph talk about another “attacker”. Which could mean just one of the two. Hopefully both And at least 1 or 2 of those you listed out. Walcott ideally. And maybe a Tella loan. The other two we might as well keep even if they only have one year left unless some kind of fee is offered. Unless wage budget is an issue - which may well depend on who the incomings are
Theres been whispers that we're still after 4 more. So you would assume we'd still be bringing in a striker and AM along with a versatile full back. Not sure on the 4th. Maybe another CB as still think Bednarek will go.
