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Match Ratings Ratings v Swansea (A)

Man of the match?


  • Total voters
    189

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
Quagmire

Poch's decisions continue to baffle me. We've got two games in 72 hours, we've got 2 CM's - arguably our best two current CM's - sitting on the bench - but he chooses to play all four of our first team AM's in a 4231 (4123/433 hybrid ?). And within that back four set up, choosing Trippier instead of Aurier, when you know Aurier would suit that system better generally. What does he do at home to West Ham now? At least three of them are going to have to play again now, two of them, Alli and Eriksen put in monumental shifts as well, and we all know how these two react to fatigue. And if he wants to switch to a 3cb system he'll now do it with Auirer, who isn't as clever as a WB as Trippier.

Surely against these type of teams and tactics, the 3CB system, pushing the FB's up and wide, especially Trippier, who as a WB is the most productive in this league, would at least allow us to move the play around, as opposed to funnelling everything through the centre. It also would have allowed Poch the opportunity to change the game offensively if he'd had one or two of our creative players on the bench instead of all of them down the centre of the pitch, as well as allowing some rotation. Or if he is going to go with the back four set up, then play Aurier, who's has the pace and engine for that system, and play Trippier as a RWB against West Ham.

I wouldn't exactly say we were lucky to win, we comprehensively dominated the ball, but where Carvalhal got his tactics pretty right throughout, ours pretty much played into their plans and for all our domination, we still needed some fortune to get us the points. Our first goal is offside, we then survived a couple of iffy moments at 1-0, and also should have had Sanchez sent off.

Dogged isn't always a word you use in sentences with players like Eriksen and Alli, but I thought these two were outstanding today. Eriksen pretty much ran the midfield all game, set up the first goal with another great free kick, saw shitloads of ball, made the joint most tackles and interceptions, my MOTM. Closely followed by Alli, who had another one of his best games for us, the second in as many games. Not so much for the creativity or invention, but for doing more of what was needed in a game like this, showing up for the ball, taking it off team mates who need an out, helping out in midfield and taking the game to Swansea, less fucking around, and it was fitting that his eventual goal owed as much to determination as the flamboyance normally associated with him.

This was a tough old slog, we have to remind ourselves that a few years ago games like this would invariably see us wilt, and that for all our quibbles, it's fucking heartening that this Tottenham is made of sterner stuff.

Individual

Lloris - Deecent game.

Trippier - Couple of good moments offensively, especially the ball for Son, but a couple of weak moments defensively.

Sanchez - Pretty ropey game al in all and in the end, lucky not to get sent off for a very clumsy swing.

Vertonghen - Decent game.

Davies - Pretty meh overall, like Trippier, got a bit exposed a couple of times.

Dier - Pretty meh in midfield, but I thought was good when moved back into defence.

Eriksen - Fucking impressive game, quietly ran it, and was winning 50/50's too. MOTM

Alli - Not far behind Eriksen for MOTM, can't remember too many games where he's been more involved and was a real pain in the arse for Swansea. Deserved his goal for the effort he put into that game.

Son - He did put a lot of effort in, but was one of those frustrating nights where he seemed to bumble at all the important moments.

Lamela - I thought he was having an OK game, but swapping him over to the left just nullified both him and Son second half.

Llorente - Took his goal well enough, not exactly a fucking dynamo is he.

Edit
Rarely do subs but:
Kane - what a pass. Did get caught fucking around a few minutes before that nearly cost us a goal too though.
 
Last edited:

matthew.absurdum

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
3,732
10,120
Quagmire

Poch's decisions continue to baffle me. We've got two games in 72 hours, we've got 2 CM's - arguably our best two current CM's - sitting on the bench - but he chooses to play all four of our first team AM's in a 4231 (433 hybrid ?). And within that back four set up, choosing Trippier instead of Aurier, when you know Aurier would suit that system better generally. What does he do at home to West Ham now? At least three of them are going to have to play again now, two of them, Alli and Eriksen put in monumental shifts as well, and we all know how these two react to fatigue. And if he wants to switch to a £cb system he'll now do it with Auirer, who isn't as clever as a WB as Trippier.

Surely against these type of teams and tactics, the 3CB system, pushing the FB's up and wide, especially Trippier, who as a WB is the most productive in this league, would at least allow us to move the play around, as opposed to funnelling everything through the centre. It also would have allowed Poch the opportunity to change the game offensively if he'd had one or two of our creative players on the bench instead of all of them down the centre of the pitch, as well as allowing some rotation. Or if he is going to go with the back four set up, then play Aurier, who's has the pace and engine for that system, and play Trippier as a RWB against West Ham.

I wouldn't exactly say we were lucky to win, we comprehensively dominated the ball, but where Carvalhal got his tactics pretty right throughout, ours pretty much played into their plans and for all our domination, we still needed some fortune to get us the points. Our first goal is offside, we then survived a couple of iffy moments at 1-0, and also should have had Sanchez sent off.

Dogged isn't always a word you use in sentences with players like Eriksen and Alli, but I thought these two were outstanding today. Eriksen pretty much ran the midfield all game, set up the first goal with another great free kick, saw shitloads of ball, made the joint most tackles and interceptions, my MOTM. Closely followed by Alli, who had another one of his best games for us, the second in as many games. Not so much for the creativity or invention, but for doing more of what was needed in a game like this, showing up for the ball, taking it off team mates who need an out, helping out in midfield and taking the game to Swansea, less fucking around, and it was fitting that his eventual goal owed as much to determination as the flamboyance normally associated with him.

This was a tough old slog, we have to remind ourselves that a few years ago games like this would invariably see us wilt, and that for all our quibbles, it's fucking heartening that this Tottenham is made of sterner stuff.

Individual

Lloris - Deecent game.

Trippier - Couple of good moments offensively, especially the ball for Son, but a couple of weak moments defensively.

Sanchez - Pretty ropey game al in all and in the end, lucky not to get sent off for a very clumsy swing.

Vertonghen - Decent game.

Davies - Pretty meh overall, like Trippier, got a bit exposed a couple of times.

Dier - Pretty meh in midfield, but I thought was good when moved back into defence.

Eriksen - Fucking impressive game, quietly ran it, and was winning 50/50's too. MOTM

Alli - Not far behind Eriksen for MOTM, can't remember too many games where he's been more involved and was a real pain in the arse for Swansea. Deserved his goal for the effort he put into that game.

Son - He did put a lot of effort in, but was one of those frustrating nights where he seemed to bumble at all the important moments.

Lamela - I thought he was having an OK game, but swapping him over to the left just nullified both him and Son second half.

Llorente - Took his goal well enough, not exactly a fucking dynamo is he.

Use dictionary when you read bc's rating - tick
 

stevenqoz

Well-Known Member
Apr 10, 2006
2,776
553
Lloris 7
Trippier 6
Sanchez 6
Vert 8
Davies 6
Dier 7
Dele 8
Eriksen 7
Lamela 7
Llorente 6.5
Son 6
Kane NET but a 7 for that pass
Wanyama 7
Sissoko 6
 
D

Deleted member 29446

Eriksen for me closely followed by Dele.
The little wizard ran the show. Tactially really good from Poch work puttng him In CM. Wanyana very Good When he came on.
 

ralvy

AVB my love
Jun 26, 2012
2,505
4,603
In Sanchez defence I doubt he’s seen conditions like that too often. Does it rain Colombia :cool:

It probably rains waaaay stronger that in the UK... they have the amazonian rainforest overthere ffs.
 

BringBack_leGin

Well-Known Member
Jul 28, 2004
27,719
54,929
Quagmire

Poch's decisions continue to baffle me. We've got two games in 72 hours, we've got 2 CM's - arguably our best two current CM's - sitting on the bench - but he chooses to play all four of our first team AM's in a 4231 (433 hybrid ?). And within that back four set up, choosing Trippier instead of Aurier, when you know Aurier would suit that system better generally. What does he do at home to West Ham now? At least three of them are going to have to play again now, two of them, Alli and Eriksen put in monumental shifts as well, and we all know how these two react to fatigue. And if he wants to switch to a 3cb system he'll now do it with Auirer, who isn't as clever as a WB as Trippier.

Surely against these type of teams and tactics, the 3CB system, pushing the FB's up and wide, especially Trippier, who as a WB is the most productive in this league, would at least allow us to move the play around, as opposed to funnelling everything through the centre. It also would have allowed Poch the opportunity to change the game offensively if he'd had one or two of our creative players on the bench instead of all of them down the centre of the pitch, as well as allowing some rotation. Or if he is going to go with the back four set up, then play Aurier, who's has the pace and engine for that system, and play Trippier as a RWB against West Ham.

I wouldn't exactly say we were lucky to win, we comprehensively dominated the ball, but where Carvalhal got his tactics pretty right throughout, ours pretty much played into their plans and for all our domination, we still needed some fortune to get us the points. Our first goal is offside, we then survived a couple of iffy moments at 1-0, and also should have had Sanchez sent off.

Dogged isn't always a word you use in sentences with players like Eriksen and Alli, but I thought these two were outstanding today. Eriksen pretty much ran the midfield all game, set up the first goal with another great free kick, saw shitloads of ball, made the joint most tackles and interceptions, my MOTM. Closely followed by Alli, who had another one of his best games for us, the second in as many games. Not so much for the creativity or invention, but for doing more of what was needed in a game like this, showing up for the ball, taking it off team mates who need an out, helping out in midfield and taking the game to Swansea, less fucking around, and it was fitting that his eventual goal owed as much to determination as the flamboyance normally associated with him.

This was a tough old slog, we have to remind ourselves that a few years ago games like this would invariably see us wilt, and that for all our quibbles, it's fucking heartening that this Tottenham is made of sterner stuff.

Individual

Lloris - Deecent game.

Trippier - Couple of good moments offensively, especially the ball for Son, but a couple of weak moments defensively.

Sanchez - Pretty ropey game al in all and in the end, lucky not to get sent off for a very clumsy swing.

Vertonghen - Decent game.

Davies - Pretty meh overall, like Trippier, got a bit exposed a couple of times.

Dier - Pretty meh in midfield, but I thought was good when moved back into defence.

Eriksen - Fucking impressive game, quietly ran it, and was winning 50/50's too. MOTM

Alli - Not far behind Eriksen for MOTM, can't remember too many games where he's been more involved and was a real pain in the arse for Swansea. Deserved his goal for the effort he put into that game.

Son - He did put a lot of effort in, but was one of those frustrating nights where he seemed to bumble at all the important moments.

Lamela - I thought he was having an OK game, but swapping him over to the left just nullified both him and Son second half.

Llorente - Took his goal well enough, not exactly a fucking dynamo is he.

Looking past the ‘2 games in 4 days’ element and the effect on rotation options, how did you feel about the line up and formation generally? I personally thing that a 433/ 4141 with Dier or Wanyama as an anchor, Dele and Eriksen as a number 8 and number 10, then Lamela and Son either side of a centre forward, could long term be a great option for us. Very Pep like. The names might change, and Wanyama, Dembele and Winks could easily be alternatives for those three midfielders respectively, but I like the idea of it. Better play from the wide men to create more space of course.

I also think it would utilise our squad better. Winks is still learning, having him as understudy to Eriksen would suit his development, and they could play together when off form. Dembele is slowing, but coming in at number 8 for when Dele isn’t at the races or is injured/ suspended might get a better version of him as he’d be used more sparingly. Next season Onomah could take over from Mousa. A straight fight between Wanyama and Dier for anchor would be very healthy competition, while Dier can always drop back into centre back when required. It also means that Sanchez, impressive though he is, wouldn’t have to play every time. As with winks and Dele, he’s 21 and will be prone to poor patches, take him out of the firing line occasionally.

All I’d say is, unless Edwards is about to get a chance, we’d definitelt have to invest our wide as after Son/ Lamela we’d be looking at Sissoko and Nkoudou.
 
Last edited:

JimmyG2

SC Supporter
Dec 7, 2006
15,014
20,779
Spurs 2, Swansea 0, conditions 5.
Lost the stream for 20 minutes in the first half
as the rain seeped into my computer.
OK second half as things dried out.

Leveled things up as we ran out of dry bits to play on.

Officials hopeless but awfulness fairly evenly shared.
We got the benefit of the crucial one for Llorente's goal.

Verts, Dele (MOM) and Eriksen did well under adverse conditions.(8)
Lloris made the crucial saves when Swansea threatened.(7)
Sanchez a bit wild.(6-)
Full backs dull, Trippier especially.(6)
Lamela a bit bambi-ish on ice.(6+)
Son erratic at the best of times, more so in a rainstorm(6)
Dier sound.(7+)
Llorente got the goal but nothing much else(6)

Added 1 to all scores for adverse climactic conditions.
This movie usually ends with a 1-1 draw
but overcame the stick-in-the-mud factor to triumph,
well win anyway.

Wanyama return pretty good
and Harry made the pass of the game,season, century for Dele's goal.
 

JonnySpurs

SC Veteran
Jun 4, 2004
5,345
12,398
Quagmire

Poch's decisions continue to baffle me. We've got two games in 72 hours, we've got 2 CM's - arguably our best two current CM's - sitting on the bench - but he chooses to play all four of our first team AM's in a 4231 (433 hybrid ?). And within that back four set up, choosing Trippier instead of Aurier, when you know Aurier would suit that system better generally. What does he do at home to West Ham now? At least three of them are going to have to play again now, two of them, Alli and Eriksen put in monumental shifts as well, and we all know how these two react to fatigue. And if he wants to switch to a 3cb system he'll now do it with Auirer, who isn't as clever as a WB as Trippier.

Surely against these type of teams and tactics, the 3CB system, pushing the FB's up and wide, especially Trippier, who as a WB is the most productive in this league, would at least allow us to move the play around, as opposed to funnelling everything through the centre. It also would have allowed Poch the opportunity to change the game offensively if he'd had one or two of our creative players on the bench instead of all of them down the centre of the pitch, as well as allowing some rotation. Or if he is going to go with the back four set up, then play Aurier, who's has the pace and engine for that system, and play Trippier as a RWB against West Ham.

I wouldn't exactly say we were lucky to win, we comprehensively dominated the ball, but where Carvalhal got his tactics pretty right throughout, ours pretty much played into their plans and for all our domination, we still needed some fortune to get us the points. Our first goal is offside, we then survived a couple of iffy moments at 1-0, and also should have had Sanchez sent off.

Dogged isn't always a word you use in sentences with players like Eriksen and Alli, but I thought these two were outstanding today. Eriksen pretty much ran the midfield all game, set up the first goal with another great free kick, saw shitloads of ball, made the joint most tackles and interceptions, my MOTM. Closely followed by Alli, who had another one of his best games for us, the second in as many games. Not so much for the creativity or invention, but for doing more of what was needed in a game like this, showing up for the ball, taking it off team mates who need an out, helping out in midfield and taking the game to Swansea, less fucking around, and it was fitting that his eventual goal owed as much to determination as the flamboyance normally associated with him.

This was a tough old slog, we have to remind ourselves that a few years ago games like this would invariably see us wilt, and that for all our quibbles, it's fucking heartening that this Tottenham is made of sterner stuff.

Individual

Lloris - Deecent game.

Trippier - Couple of good moments offensively, especially the ball for Son, but a couple of weak moments defensively.

Sanchez - Pretty ropey game al in all and in the end, lucky not to get sent off for a very clumsy swing.

Vertonghen - Decent game.

Davies - Pretty meh overall, like Trippier, got a bit exposed a couple of times.

Dier - Pretty meh in midfield, but I thought was good when moved back into defence.

Eriksen - Fucking impressive game, quietly ran it, and was winning 50/50's too. MOTM

Alli - Not far behind Eriksen for MOTM, can't remember too many games where he's been more involved and was a real pain in the arse for Swansea. Deserved his goal for the effort he put into that game.

Son - He did put a lot of effort in, but was one of those frustrating nights where he seemed to bumble at all the important moments.

Lamela - I thought he was having an OK game, but swapping him over to the left just nullified both him and Son second half.

Llorente - Took his goal well enough, not exactly a fucking dynamo is he.

BC, just wondering when you're gonna get in touch with Poch to offer your services?

It's honestly nothing short of a miralce that Poch has managed to guide Spurs to two consecutive top 3 finishes without your tactial genius at his disposal.

;)
 

JonnySpurs

SC Veteran
Jun 4, 2004
5,345
12,398
My view of the game is that it's almost not fair to rate the players individually due to the frankly awful playing conditions. Swansea have rugby played on that pitch and it showed last night as the rain continued to fall.

The first 30 mins showed that we were totally dominant and the far better side. The goal was somewhat fortuitous in that Nando was clearly offside but you have to just take these breaks when they come your way. Had the pitch not been the mess it was then I feel we would have gone on to win that game 3 or 4-0.

A combination of more effort from Swansea, a deteriorating pitch and us dropping off allowed for the hosts to have 15-20 min spell where they put some pressure on us and you'd have to say that they were unlucky not to get an equaliser. Overall though I can't say that I looked any player in particular and thought that they were below par.

These are the kinds of away games, in shitty weather, on a terrible pitch, where you just want to get out of there with a win at any cost and that's exactly what we did.
 

spids

Well-Known Member
Jul 19, 2015
6,647
27,841
Looking past the ‘2 games in 4 days’ element and the effect on rotation options

Sorry, I know you wanted to look past it, but it's worth pointing out that it is actually 2 games in 48 hours (well 49.5 if we're being pedantic). We played at 19:45 on Tuesday and 48 hours later on Thursday we will kick off against West Ham. Big difference between 2 games in 4 days and 2 games in 48 hours on the need for rotation. At least West Ham are in the same boat.
 

Pat Rice Spurs fan

I'm dynamite and I don't know why
Feb 22, 2007
1,609
1,237
Looking past the ‘2 games in 4 days’ element and the effect on rotation options, how did you feel about the line up and formation generally? I personally thing that a 433/ 4141 with Dier or Wanyama as an anchor, Dele and Eriksen as a number 8 and number 10, then Lamela and Son either side of a centre forward, could long term be a great option for us. Very Pep like. The names might change, and Wanyama, Dembele and Winks could easily be alternatives for those three midfielders respectively, but I like the idea of it. Better play from the wide men to create more space of course.

I also think it would utilise our squad better. Winks is still learning, having him as understudy to Eriksen would suit his development, and they could play together when off form. Dembele is slowing, but coming in at number 8 for when Dele isn’t at the races or is injured/ suspended might get a better version of him as he’d be used more sparingly. Next season Onomah could take over from Mousa. A straight fight between Wanyama and Dier for anchor would be very healthy competition, while Dier can always drop back into centre back when required. It also means that Sanchez, impressive though he is, wouldn’t have to play every time. As with winks and Dele, he’s 21 and will be prone to poor patches, take him out of the firing line occasionally.

All I’d say is, unless Edwards is about to get a chance, we’d definitelt have to invest our wide as after Son/ Lamela we’d be looking at Sissoko and Nkoudou.

Always thought two holding players was a waste.
Even if one is creative, it's unlikely that they'll be progressive & athletic enough to hurt other teams.
 

BringBack_leGin

Well-Known Member
Jul 28, 2004
27,719
54,929
Sorry, I know you wanted to look past it, but it's worth pointing out that it is actually 2 games in 48 hours (well 49.5 if we're being pedantic). We played at 19:45 on Tuesday and 48 hours later on Thursday we will kick off against West Ham. Big difference between 2 games in 4 days and 2 games in 48 hours on the need for rotation. At least West Ham are in the same boat.

I meant that I wanted his view purely on the formstion and chosen midfield options, out of context but just how he feels that would work, especially as he is an advocate of 433.
 

JimmyG2

SC Supporter
Dec 7, 2006
15,014
20,779
Sorry, I know you wanted to look past it, but it's worth pointing out that it is actually 2 games in 48 hours (well 49.5 if we're being pedantic). We played at 19:45 on Tuesday and 48 hours later on Thursday we will kick off against West Ham. Big difference between 2 games in 4 days and 2 games in 48 hours on the need for rotation. At least West Ham are in the same boat.

Not more torrential rain Shirley.
Think they aught, at least, to get a boat of their own.
 

Viper

Active Member
Jun 27, 2005
799
104
Quagmire

Poch's decisions continue to baffle me. We've got two games in 72 hours, we've got 2 CM's - arguably our best two current CM's - sitting on the bench - but he chooses to play all four of our first team AM's in a 4231 (433 hybrid ?). And within that back four set up, choosing Trippier instead of Aurier, when you know Aurier would suit that system better generally. What does he do at home to West Ham now? At least three of them are going to have to play again now, two of them, Alli and Eriksen put in monumental shifts as well, and we all know how these two react to fatigue. And if he wants to switch to a 3cb system he'll now do it with Auirer, who isn't as clever as a WB as Trippier.

Surely against these type of teams and tactics, the 3CB system, pushing the FB's up and wide, especially Trippier, who as a WB is the most productive in this league, would at least allow us to move the play around, as opposed to funnelling everything through the centre. It also would have allowed Poch the opportunity to change the game offensively if he'd had one or two of our creative players on the bench instead of all of them down the centre of the pitch, as well as allowing some rotation. Or if he is going to go with the back four set up, then play Aurier, who's has the pace and engine for that system, and play Trippier as a RWB against West Ham.

I wouldn't exactly say we were lucky to win, we comprehensively dominated the ball, but where Carvalhal got his tactics pretty right throughout, ours pretty much played into their plans and for all our domination, we still needed some fortune to get us the points. Our first goal is offside, we then survived a couple of iffy moments at 1-0, and also should have had Sanchez sent off.

Dogged isn't always a word you use in sentences with players like Eriksen and Alli, but I thought these two were outstanding today. Eriksen pretty much ran the midfield all game, set up the first goal with another great free kick, saw shitloads of ball, made the joint most tackles and interceptions, my MOTM. Closely followed by Alli, who had another one of his best games for us, the second in as many games. Not so much for the creativity or invention, but for doing more of what was needed in a game like this, showing up for the ball, taking it off team mates who need an out, helping out in midfield and taking the game to Swansea, less fucking around, and it was fitting that his eventual goal owed as much to determination as the flamboyance normally associated with him.

This was a tough old slog, we have to remind ourselves that a few years ago games like this would invariably see us wilt, and that for all our quibbles, it's fucking heartening that this Tottenham is made of sterner stuff.

Individual

Lloris - Deecent game.

Trippier - Couple of good moments offensively, especially the ball for Son, but a couple of weak moments defensively.

Sanchez - Pretty ropey game al in all and in the end, lucky not to get sent off for a very clumsy swing.

Vertonghen - Decent game.

Davies - Pretty meh overall, like Trippier, got a bit exposed a couple of times.

Dier - Pretty meh in midfield, but I thought was good when moved back into defence.

Eriksen - Fucking impressive game, quietly ran it, and was winning 50/50's too. MOTM

Alli - Not far behind Eriksen for MOTM, can't remember too many games where he's been more involved and was a real pain in the arse for Swansea. Deserved his goal for the effort he put into that game.

Son - He did put a lot of effort in, but was one of those frustrating nights where he seemed to bumble at all the important moments.

Lamela - I thought he was having an OK game, but swapping him over to the left just nullified both him and Son second half.

Llorente - Took his goal well enough, not exactly a fucking dynamo is he.

We played 3 at the back against Swansea with Tripper as the right wing back the last time we played them and drew 0-0. Yesterday we won 2-0 with Poch's more attack minded line up so no idea what you are complaining about! The conditions were shocking, we rested Kane and we still dominated the game looking pretty comfortable throughout. You expect too much at times and too eager to criticise formations and tactics even when we win with ease. Yes we could of put the game to bed earlier but that's football, its never just that easy... unless you're Man City at the moment.
 
Last edited:

JimmyG2

SC Supporter
Dec 7, 2006
15,014
20,779
This . He also had a player coming in close as he fired it off . Fantastic .
Dele's run was pretty impressive too.
The kind of hopeful flair he often shows
but is not often found.
Nobody could reach him there.
But Harry did.
Moment of the game.
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
BC, just wondering when you're gonna get in touch with Poch to offer your services?

It's honestly nothing short of a miralce that Poch has managed to guide Spurs to two consecutive top 3 finishes without your tactial genius at his disposal.

;)

But Jonny, my tactical genius has been at Poch’s disposal, via the medium of SC. You think the almost exact correlation of my joining SC in 2004 and our evolutionary trajectory as a club is coincidental....?

pfftttt...
 
Last edited:

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
Looking past the ‘2 games in 4 days’ element and the effect on rotation options, how did you feel about the line up and formation generally? I personally thing that a 433/ 4141 with Dier or Wanyama as an anchor, Dele and Eriksen as a number 8 and number 10, then Lamela and Son either side of a centre forward, could long term be a great option for us. Very Pep like. The names might change, and Wanyama, Dembele and Winks could easily be alternatives for those three midfielders respectively, but I like the idea of it. Better play from the wide men to create more space of course.

I also think it would utilise our squad better. Winks is still learning, having him as understudy to Eriksen would suit his development, and they could play together when off form. Dembele is slowing, but coming in at number 8 for when Dele isn’t at the races or is injured/ suspended might get a better version of him as he’d be used more sparingly. Next season Onomah could take over from Mousa. A straight fight between Wanyama and Dier for anchor would be very healthy competition, while Dier can always drop back into centre back when required. It also means that Sanchez, impressive though he is, wouldn’t have to play every time. As with winks and Dele, he’s 21 and will be prone to poor patches, take him out of the firing line occasionally.

All I’d say is, unless Edwards is about to get a chance, we’d definitelt have to invest our wide as after Son/ Lamela we’d be looking at Sissoko and Nkoudou.


Looking past the 3 games in 5 days thing, the fact that he had Wanyama and Winks sitting on the bench, and the fact that Poch seems to have got his RB's out of rotational sync all season, and the fact that Poch has wasted 2 years development of Onomah, who would be fucking perfect in a 433, I do really like the idea of the 433, and do think it suits many of the players we have.

I'm not entirely sure it's exactly what we played last night, it was almost impossible to figure out from TV, but my hunch is that it was a 4231 that morphed into a 4123 and 433.

Here's the positional heat map:

Screen Shot 2018-01-03 at 16.48.06.png


Dier's position is skewed by the fact that he ended the game playing as a CB obviously.
 
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