welcome to the merrygoround

hope AVB learns fast cos I think some mistakes have been made last 3 weeks or so

at QPR team selection was part of the problem, yes 9 men was disaster & yes we played great 2ndhalf - but we shouldve known warnock would get his team to ruffle us up and we didn't deal wiv it - derry on lamps first 10mins 3 tap-fouls and so it went on. Wiv that crowd and only a yard away why play david L & mata as surely we knew we would need to battle every inch so the class could come thru

next the toffees - new captain and changed team and decent result - anelka & romeu superb - few complaints from any of us up there

then saturday..............lots been written already but the high-line against fastest front 3 in PL was bonkers, plus only 1 defensive midfielder? - no cover at all anywhere. Yes we want to be attractive going forwards but even barca have sense to play some defensive players in midfield - and so do RMadrid. At 3-3, yes go for a win but it was suicide

and then to belguim - another captain, lots changes and some our players well below par and same system 433

so, without moaning too much can we;

1. remember the spine is important and not change the 2 centrebacks & holding midfielder for every game

2. not pass the captains armband around so much

3. not rotate so many players - not for rotation sake - they can't all be tired

4. not just play 433 or at a push 442...............best 2 teams in europe play 4231 don't they?

5. when we have set pieces in their half, don't overload and get caught short at the back

so start again at ewood park - expect QPR tactics all over again - this time keep our cool and get a win - COYB

I think to be fair to AVB the spine of our team is getting on a bit. JT, Lamps and Drogba are all at the wrong end of their playing days, yes i know they all have a few good seasons in them BUT i agree with AVB saying they need to be rested now and then. I do how ever agree with you that the DM role should be kept the same player and it shouldnt be Mikel.

My only worry (actaually its not a worry but more of a slight concern) is that players who are out of form or who just arent really trying are still getting in the team. I really had hoped that AVB would have been strong enough to leave players out.