Refreshing to see lamps learning and changing selcection, formation and tactics as needed.

yesterday the Kante/Kovacic pairing was new but worked perfectly. Ditto Willian and James development down the right and players feeding off Tammy. IMV Pulisic and Mason though are making same runs and often get in each other's way - but both flair players so expect that to improve and with Azpi  rock solid left back behind them that works too. 

But the CB pairing and various combinations not quite right yet - feels like Rudi and tomori will work as have blended skills with Rudi power and aggression and Tomori pace and game reading. Zooms has great strength but tbf limitations on the ball and CHristianson not yet pushing on and looks a bit lightweight sometimes. nOne of the 4 seem to have leadership skills tho.

the 4-2-3-1 system suits the players currently and the play is fluid and great to watch if not a bit risky and nervy to watch when defending.

I would like to a plan B system and tactics and the recruitment of a strong defensive leader - but they are rarer than dinosaur teeth.

lamps has good options coming tho with Rubén and Rudi and CAllum getting fitter

Be great not to be leading by only a single goal with ten minutes to go at home though......too stressful

I like the 4-2-3-1 and think it plays to our current strengths in personnel.

I think in those circumstances where we struggle to break down the opposition such as when they play a 4-5-1 we should bring on Bats or Giroud if he stays to play with two strikers and another wide player or player behind the front two - Plan B.

The recent injury to Abraham showed we have a big gap if he is not fit. Giroud if he stays can take up this role for 60-70 mins although we might need a player to play up front like Hazard did last season, I think Pulisic could do this - Plan C.

Another player I think could perform a role for us if he stays is Marcos Alonso, not as a defender yet as a sub to play wide on the left in an attacking role. He links up well can put in a decent cross and can shoot and score with headers. I do think he will go in the next window so this will probably not be an option.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Strider6003 said:

Another player I think could perform a role for us if he stays is Marcos Alonso, not as a defender yet as a sub to play wide on the left in an attacking role. He links up well can put in a decent cross and can shoot and score with headers. I do think he will go in the next window so this will probably not be an option.

The "Fellaini option". Mandzukic would be a useful signing to replace Giroud imho, if we can't outplay the oppo, go route one.

Edited December 6, 20196 yr by the special one

We definitely need to sign a striker. I’m happy for us to wait until summer for a top class centre back, and perhaps a left back.

However as a few have already said, without Abraham we are taken back to the dark days of being toothless upfront. Someone like Callum Wilson would do.

Perhaps we should take a look at bottom teams in the league for a back up striker like Pukki, Wilson, etc. Andre Gomes would make a good back up for Jorginho but think we have enough midfielders.