Formation

Just out of curiosity, what formation were we playing against Everton? Having seen the team, I can only assume it was a 5-3-2 or 5-4-1, or was one of the defenders playing in midfield???

Thanks if you can help.

 

I think it was 4-42:

Harper
Taylor Colo Willo Jose
Simmo Nolan Tiote Jonas
Best McLoven

 

Yeah it was 4-4-2

 

What we should have played was:

Harper

Simpson Williamson Coloccini Enrique

Gutierrez Nolan Tiote Ferguson

Ameobi Best

 

Agreed. Although I have seen some people heavily criticise Pardew, yes he got it wrong, but he has shown already that he can make some brilliant tactical decisions. For example the Bolton game just last week, everyone makes mistakes lets just hope he has more players to chose from against Stoke!

 

I certainly wasnt one of those people, I thought it was a bold move from him and its nice to see he isnt scared to to a bit of a risk when he feels he needs to, this was Hughtons main downfall, he was scared to make changes and this often costed us points.

Pardew has impressed me so far, I just wish we could learn to kill teams off when we go in front, hopefully with some solid invesment in the summer we can acquire the players to help do this.

 

Shola didn't look comfortable in his mask but has two week's to get use it.

 

Aye, thought he had a good game on the ground but seemed reluctant to jump for headers, not to mention he looked awesome in his mask.

 

Distin hit him in the face and he wasn't happy but who can blame him.

He is having trouble seeing down the sides, seems to be having tunnel vision but like I said he has two week's hopefully to get used

 

I think we started with a 3-5-2 but then it morphed to a 4-4-2

 

Barton and Ireland expected to be fit for the Stoke game. Hopefully Enrique will be, but if not go for;

--------------Harper-----------------
Simpson-Coloccini-Williamson-Ferguson
Barton----Ireland---Tiote----Gutierrez
---------------Nolan
---------------Best

 

Agree with this but I'd swap Nolan and Ireland around so we have a bit more pace up top and Nolan is better arriving late anyway in my opinion. Taylor gets the nod over Williamson at CB for me as well but not too fussed as there's not a lot in it. Hope Jose is fit as Fergie looks a bit lightweight, especially against Stoke. I'd be tempted to play Perch or Kadar if he was available at LB if no Jose.

 

Yeah, having someone hit you in the face after a fractured cheekbone would put anyone off header's i'd guess...