In depth football observations. Way too difficult to grasp for the I know fuck all but have finally mastered the art of dismissing anything that doesn't fit into my limited understanding of football brigade. Props mate.
The reality is, Sakamoto hasn't looked the same since his injury, and I don't really think that has a lot to do with the manager and tactics. I think it is a lot more to do with his own mindset/confidence, which you can pick up from a weaker energy level, and being less inclined to try and take a player on/track back and make a tackle. MvE has also looked a level below this season, which again transcends the manager and system.
It is an interesting read, and I do think at times our shape is a problem for us, but I am not convinced playing MvE as a centre back is the way forward. I also think to have the ability to go into such detail like this, but miss what is hiding in plain sight (i.e. shoehorning Sheaf into a currently winning team) is a bit batshit. The current team at the moment, perhaps with the addition of Wright is about as good as we are going to get. We've won 5/6 league games, and I don't think there is need whatsoever to rip something out that is working so much. We have a healthy level of competition, which is a good thing, so if players don't perform we have the ability to give others a chance.
P.S. I put a poo emoji on the original analysis, just for revenge on all the times many of us have done a thoughtful post, only to get shat on! I did however, enjoy to read it and it gives some food for thought.
The winning system is the tactical approach to the game, not the formation.
Lampard has touched on 5-3-2 being a temporary measure and the players have adapted well and a few wider points about that specific formations pros and cons. Against QPR, similarly, was a successful night because we switched to 4-2-3-1 and won the game.
In the end, we’ll revert back to 4-2-3-1 because we have better players to influence the game imo. We’ll continue to give Rudoni a free role in a 10 or roaming CM with Grimes and another CM to give a bit of balance. MVE, will probably benefit from having someone to overlap with whilst Bidwell is a well balanced LB despite his limitations.
I’m looking forward to seeing how we end the season.