I'm guessing the plan was to keep it tight with SWP essentially a defensive right mid and AJ (views Flyer - thought he was very handy, which surprised me) running their back four around for 60-70 mins on Saturday, then chuck on Tarbs/ Hoilett and Cisse for the finish. Ruined by first half injuries. Really want to see Park in his natural right side position soon.
Fair comment, losing two players relatively early on changed everything that might have been planned.
I would have much preferred a more agressive plan with Tarbs / Hoillet and Cisse creating and scoring a few the first 60 - 70 minutes, and then bringing on Park and SWP to help cement a 2 or 3 goal victory!
I forgot about that, Mackie hasnt made a mistake or been out of position once when playing RB. SWP gets back into his own area once and almost loses us the game with a stupid tackle.
On reflection I don't have any complaints about the came on Saturday. The SWP penalty looked nailed on and I was convinced the ref had pointed to the spot. Nelsen did a bit of pushing and shoving but JT made a meal of it after he'd bumped into his own player who stood right in front of him so giving that would have been harsh. We squandered a few excellent chances and I was very relieved to see Hazard's shot late in the game go sailing over the bar. Being positive I think there is a lot to be said for Faurlin and Granero's partnership, with a bit more understanding this could be one of the better pairings and it might be hard for Diakite to muscle his way back in. Zamora did an excellent job and Mackie was a real handful when he came on, shame it didn't result in a goal but top marks for effort from the pair of them. Hats off to Nelsen, he was MOTM for me. Like many I had my doubts with him coming on a free from a relegated team and also being more senior in years than some (Flyer) would like, but he was a rock. The team kept its shape and there was a lot of covering of positions when we moved forward. Looks like AJ is out for a while, not sure about Fabio though. Our strength in depth should now pay dividends with cover in each position.
Exactly, we just have to hope Zamora stays fit. We are in a relegation struggle without him as it will be Zamora plus one other playing. We wont get a kick if its Cisse on his own or with one other.
In fact we played our best attacking football of the season the first 20 minutes or so against Swansea. That it went to pieces 2nd half,was mainly down to Green's errors and nervousness, and very sloppy defending. Since then we have brought in a Keeper, and much improved CD's, DCM's and the back 4 to an extent with M'bia and Bosingwa. So now something like the attacking formation we started with against Swansea should do a lot better. I agree Zanora is first choice up front, but I'd use Cisse in attacking midfield starting probably out on the right (great cross from there Saturday!) but getting in a lot to link up with Zamora.
I said the very same thing to Ozzie yesterday. I must admit to being surprised at his naivety. I think he's still just bitter over COLIN being sacked.
Naive and when I'm 64 - haaa! Don't tell me you become an old, defensive, nail biting, lover of MH grey,stubble teams of 10 defenders and a target man too Swords!! I always thought you the swashbuckling adventurer from Dublin striding through the Forums in your tights and sything your sword through all these boring cautious formations!
I'm just thinking of that Beatles song "when I'm 64"! Na mate, I just think that in certain games you've got to play it cautious, particularly when we've been so sh*t up until now. The days will come when we'll attack sides and bang them in but they're just not here yet. Have patience my friend!
