Let’s face it, none of us thought we would be where we are today. After a couple of games, we were already talking about relegation.
A change in formation brought about an epiphany. We were transformed. The manager demonstrated his skills and experience and the attitude of the players was transformed. And for the fans it was a delight. Personally, it was becoming difficult to even watch a game with all the negativity surrounding the club.
There is certainly no shame in achieving a draw against Man City and losing to Liverpool by a goal. However, putting all this aside, there is some criticism I wish to express.
The change to three at the back meant we could get out wing backs forwards and still have security at the back. Masuaku has been transformed. This system even allowed Cresswell to get forward and start delivering those wicked crosses he is so good at.
Unfortunately, when you become more defensive, this system doesn’t break down entirely, but you lose some of the advantages. Liverpool are a fearsome side, but, if there was one time they could have been vulnerable, it was yesterday. That vulnerability would have been in their defence. However, out tactics were to withdraw our forces towards our goal, so we did not take advantage of any weakness they may have had.
If we wanted to be more defensive, I would play Diop instead of Cresswell and then allow a more aggressive approach in front of the three defenders.
And that pour soul, Haller. How many times do we have to learn that sticking him up front on his own is not the way to bring him up to speed? We might as well have been playing with ten men and he could have been knitting a jumper on the sidelines. He has to be given more support. However, on the other side of the coin, Yarmolenko did show him, in the few minutes he was on, that coming back to his own goal on either flank could have brought more rewards. Harry Kane has been a marvel at showing how a striker can play deeper.
Once again we saw the use of the last few minutes substitution. Lanzini was supposed to produce another miracle with one boxing round left on the clock. After his wonder goal, it is just possible his confidence has been revived. Unfortunately, in the two games following his miracle, he has not been given the opportunity to prove himself.
Benrahma came on with Lanzini to give him a taste of Premier League football. I still can’t understand the logic of getting rid of Diangana and buying Benrahma, when DS had stated as an excuse for getting rid of Diangana that we had too many wingers. Someone explain it to me.
So, on we go to Fulham at the London Stadium. Having written about it, the defensive displays against Man City and Liverpool were impressive. But against Fulham, I hope we can produce a free flowing attacking formation.