IMO the biggest issue with the defence has been from the full back areas not the central players. But it's also been down to the full backs having little or zero support in front of them. I like the attacking way DA set us up but it was "rock and a hard place" a lot of the time - we've scored goals but we've been as opened up more times than Jenna Jameson at the back! He will get the wingers working more to support the defenders IMO.
Sam is a big believer in statistics and playing the percentage options. Unlike Dick he has a fairly in depth knowledge of the other Premier League teams and players, along with their strengths and weaknesses, so can adapt the way the team is set up depending on the opposition. This was something that DA couldn't do, so relied on the 4,3,3 system that had worked for him throughout his managerial career in other leagues. I have no idea what team or formation he will use for the WBA and Mags games, but am looking forward to finding out.
Interesting piece on the echo website by Michael Bridges about Sam's approach http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport...e-s-tactics-and-attention-to-detail-1-7510564
I wouldn't mate, i was intimating that SA might do this or maybe revert back to the defensive midfield role.
Doesn't matter how you look at it, he has the same cards in a poker game that Eggflip had - and there are no winning hands. He'll bide his time and take what he can until January by which time he will know what he wants. Watch for some 'discards' and some new faces in the transfer window where he will look to bring in a couple of Aces and Kings. He has a bit of 'pulling power' so I am expecting a nigh on total reconstruction with some shrewd purchases and some loan-ins.
He has lots of options, I can see a 442 with Fletch and Defoe up top, but DA did set us up for a 4231 formation so he might stick with that.
Will he get what he wants in January? Stopping short of what was needed in the last window caused our manager to walk. Why would Sam get what Dick couldn't?
For my two pennys worth. I firmly believe that DA was on track to a potentially half decent team. Im liking what the attacking aspect of the team may have to offer. However...im not liking the defensive part of it. Frankly its utter ****ing ****. SA. Imo may have to forego some of the more attacking options to help out those usrless twats at the back. Just to make sure wr are not cast adrift to far. Kaboul. Coates. Pva. Jones all scare the **** out of me. While i will give DA praise on the attacking aspect. He must have been sniffing Amsterdam whores clogs when thinking about defence.
Tend to agree, except the total rebuild bit, think we have the makings of a good squad with some extra faces at the back.
