If we are going to play Hoolahan it should not be on the left of midfield. Either he should play behind a striker or not at all. I'd like to see us start using a 4-2-3-1 with Tettey and Johnson holding. Redmond can go on the right or left (his end product has improved recently), Murphy on the left, Hoolahan or Howson behind the striker. Jerome has to be first choice striker and IMO Lafferty has to be ahead of Grabban in the pecking order but either could be included on one wing. Who I'm least comfortable with is actually Hoovield. He seems to be an automatic starter for some reason but I can't say I've been too impressed with the guy. I'd rather see Cuellar or Miquel given a chance or if not Russell Martin play at CB and Whittaker at RB. We have absolutely dominated the opposition in both our last two games and have a point to show for it. We have created plenty of chances but our finishing has just been far too poor. If we want to get out of this league we will need to sort that out. Jerome was actually petty wasteful today, in spite of scoring, whilst Grabban was just as unclinical as he has ever been and of course their goalie had a decent game as they always seem to be against us. The performances have been there, the results have not!
I don't see how 4-4-2 should be discarded? As you said we have totally dominated both games this week with this system creating untold chances, good chances, it's the strike pair who have let us down with some woeful finishing not the system. The two goals we conceded came from a deflection and an individual error not because we've been over run. Away from home I wouldn't play it but at home it seems ok to me. With more luck with ref desicions & some better finishing both those games should have produced wins. I liked the pairing of Howson & Johnson in the middle & up to about 50mins Wes had been very industrious, I do think he faded and was subbed at the correct time. I'm not worried at all if we keep the formation, we just need to get Hooper fit and swap Grabban out, he's been very poor IMO this week & hope Jerome tweeks his sights slightly then all will be well again.
