I thought that on Saturday, the formation worked really well, especially the midfield 3. It may not be that simple but not playing Bradley Johnson made the difference. Howson was superb in that role alongside Tettey and Wes was also very good. Bradley Johnson puts a shift in and does break up play but his lack of quality in other areas does raise some concerns. Thought Hughton called it right for me. Much more offensive looking yet solid in the middle of the park.
I do mostly agree, and it was definitely one of our best performance of the season, however there were quite a few times when I wished Howson would push forward a bit more to support our forwards when we were on an attack. As great and assured a game as he had I would have liked to see him make a bit more of an impact in their half as I hardly remember him getting into the final third at all. I know it's how we were set up to play with two sitters in front of the back four, but often we had six players on the half way line marking just two, or sometime even just one forward. It was a great win, no real complaints but I do feel they were atrocious and there for the taking and if we had been a bit braver on occasions then we could have stuck a couple more in. Only a minor grumble, all in all a great day at the office
I think the formation did work well on the day, though like Munky I would of liked to of seen Howson getting up to support the strikers a little more. But what will we see vs the Swans? I can't see him sticking with it and to be fair I think it would be a little crazy to do so against the swans as we'll not see the ball with two strikers and hoolihan. That said, I think we should hopefully see the same midfielders with one striker and Redmond brought back in. I like Johnson, he is whole hearted and won't let you down for effort, but he hamstrings us going forward so I really wanna see both Howson and Wes start we need those guys in to see enough of the ball and then be able to do something with it. Bah!
Howson was my MoM because he just oozed composure all game. It's really nice to have 2 midfielders with good pass completion! There were definitely times, expecially towards the end, when Martin and Snoddy were basically camped in the Sunderland half and Howson was just sitting 20 yards back. Thats when you want him charging forward and providing that option. Interesting point, I thought Wes was playing on the left, with license to roam, and Snoddy was on the right, but according to MOTD we played a 4-3-1-2 with Tettey, Howson and Snoddy as that covering 3 and Wes behind the strikers. Didn't seem the case for me because every time Sunderland picked up the ball on their right Wes was getting out there. And because he kept cutting across from the left it allowed us to overload their full backs and it opened up more space.
It was a good formation for the game, however there wast much pace which could be exploited by another team and Wes pulling off the wing could have left us venerable, to counter on that side, as it was Sunderland were too poor to try and use that to catch us. For the Swansea game id make a few tactical changes and look to line up. Ruddy Martin Yobo Bassong Olsson Howson Tettey Snoadgrass Hoolahan Redmond Hooper I wouldn't drop Elmander or RvW based on their we just need a bit more solidity on both flanks against the swans and I think Hoopers strength makes him a good option for away games, plus he really had the measure of Williams in the home game. Redmond just evens us up a touch allowing us to be more balanced across the pitch. Definitely no Johnson then we may be able to actually pass the ball.
Yes it may be we change for the Swans game to have one up front and 5 in the middle, but part of me says why as the lone striker has been so isolated in a lot of our away games. Personally have a go and keep the same formation is what I would say and consider options to change if we need to. Confidence will be good after Saturday so why disrupt that? If I would change anyone at all it would be Hooper for Wolfswinkel but both of these players are having confidence issues so whichever one starts makes no real difference to me.
I'd imagine that having Wes and Howson on the pitch and no Johnson should mean that we don't isolate the striker as much as we have in the past.
I think we may well go with one striker against the swans with Johnson coming in for Elmander. With Swanseas possession we'll need extra bodies in the middle to help break up their play. I'd be more than happy to leave with a point from this game then go all out for the WBA match. 36 points would probably then be enough, just?
Johnson's done nothing wrong this season IMO. Swans are level at the Emerates at this time and will be no push overs! The midfield will need strength as well as guile to break up there passing game. Johnson's passing is not the best at times but his energy cannot be faulted, he'll chase for 90mins which will be needed in Wales. Him & Tettey could give the defense cover while Wes & Howson could break to assist RVW or Hooper.
I'd much rather Redmond came in on the left and Wes went behind a lone Striker with Howson and Tettey as the holding midfielders. Our problem in away games has been our inability to hold on to the ball or press effectively. Tettey can do that pressing side all day long and Howson actually knows how to pass the ball. Those two make a more complete midfield than Johnson and either of them. The best way to stop Swansea passing is to not let them have the ball. We are far more likely to keep possession with Howson, Tettey and Wes as our central players. I also think Wes doesn't get enough credit for his work rate and the way he harries the opposition. He never stopped against Sunderland. He may be small but he's relentless! Johnson is a great player to have if you do need to get some one on to break up the game but I'd rather we actually tried to impose our game than try to counter theirs.
