...I probably won't get too many chances so here goes. 3,5,2 - you heard it here first! Seriously though, in the pre-match formation thread there wasn't much support for the idea but I'm really glad Bruce showed the courage to give it a go. It allowed us 2 up front, gave us the midfield strength we wanted and brought Elmo back to something like he was. We are definitely better when we attack.
The commentators didn't even mention our change in system, they still referred to figgy as our left centre back. It was bold by Bruce.
It was 5-3-2 and the commentators mentioned the 'flat back 5' many a time. Worked a treat, I don't think Liverpool saw it coming.
Not true, look at Brady and Elmo's heat maps. Brady especially barely had to defend today. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/matchzone/index.html#s2013-c8-m695025
^^^^This ^^^^ I just hope to god he's still in a job after his clear sighted and common sense comments today.
That shows where they touched the ball not where they spent the game. Plus you switched to 4-5-1 after about 60 minutes (you dominated the final 30). Elmohamady only pushed on to RM when Rosenior came on. It was a definite 5 at the back. Not sure why you always tell me otherwise. Beating Liverpool 3-1 is a great result. You countered their attacking with real pace purely because you got the ball out to the fullbacks who, once they'd beaten the Liverpool wingers (not much needed to be honest, both lazy today) were given the freedom of the wings. Liverpool sorely missed Sturridge and a fully fit Coutinho.
theres some interesting stat comparisons there for eg the number of crosses and Liverpools 0% cross completion also the large number of clearances the Liverpool defence made also the large number of interceptions city made in comparison
Brady is never a left back. He's good in the wing back role but he's neve a defender so if he's on the wing it's not a back 5. Elmo can be a RB but is far better going forward than defending. If you wanted to question the attacking nature of our formation it'd surely be that Koren hardky counts as a striker?
He isn't a striker, although I just put the Sky recording on and it does have him down as playing as one. I think the idea was to play him in behind Sagbo. Regardless, I thought he looked a yard off the pace and not good enough to hold down his place. I think Boyd should be the preferred option from now on.
I'd play it at home but I think it's too adventurous away from home, especially against somebody like Arsenal. It only takes Elmo to go back to his usual defensive capabilities against Arsenal and we'll be hit for six. I'd go 4-3-3 away from home and keep plenty of width. Maybe even 4-5-1.
