I think we need to rotate a bit. Didn't see the game last night, so can't judge Benteke, but he has been improving since he's come back from injury and desperately needs a goal to get him going.
The problem I see is Cabaye, because that is where RLC should be playing. We should start with PVA on the left and have Wilf free to create overloads on either wing. Townsend is basically Puncheon with a bit of pace, but at least when Puncheon first came, he was banging in important goals.
I was really disappointed when we drew with Bournemouth, but am really happy now. I always thought if we could get to 20 games and have around 20 points, we could be ok and it looks like that could be the case.

I think Roy is still exploring some of his options in terms of getting the best out of the manpower available.

What I have noticed recently is that when we go forward we are using the center of the park as well as the wings. Before it was always the case of looking to get the ball out to the flanks as quickly as possible for Zaha/ Bolasie/Puncheone/Townsend, which did make our play somewhat predictable and one-dimensional.

Also, and I don't think I am deluding myself here, but it seems we are attempting to play a better passing game with improved movement and lay-offs. Unfortunately, our passing isn't always up to scratch, nor our final ball into the area, but there are signs of progress on this front.

[quote=Red & Blue Pharaoh;3280857]

I don't think you need experience in football management to have an opinion on our formation?

Yes, we're on a 6 game unbeaten run, but the performances haven't been particularly good. We didn't have a shot on target last night until the 88th min, Stoke was probably lucky too, as would have been against Bournemouth if we had won on Sat. WBA was a good point, but on paper we should be beating Brighton, and didn't offer anything going forward that night. One real chance if I remember correctly.

These are all teams who are struggling, and on another day the result could have gone the other way - we're not exactly playing them off the park.

RLC struggles to get into the game on the wing, and Wilf struggles to get the ball to feet alongside Benteke - yesterday's goals came from Wilf on the wing.

But onwards & upwards, i'll take picking up points and not playing well... you just worry our luck may change soon if we don't up our level of performance.

Mine (Rudihedman):

Very good post. Any rose tinted spec wearers cannot deny this.

Edited by Rudi Hedman (13 Dec 2017 12.14pm)

COYP