Blimey you did have problems identifying players, Gallaghers pass was to Ayew!
Seriously I agree with your post

That's interesting. Being at the ground yesterday I obviously didn't get to hear Brights analysis, and I presume he has had the benefit of seeing all the preseason games in full, which I haven't.

It did occur to me that the reason Mitchell got forward so much more than Ward might be because of the particular players ahead of either fullback.

On our left, Zaha of course looks to drive inside every time, which creates the space for Mitchell to overlap. These two were supported by McArthur who is very comfortable with the ball and has an excellent football brain, and generally provides good service to those running ahead of him rather than looking to run forward himself.

On our right however, the right footed Ayew holds the width, blocking the space Ward might otherwise overlap into. If Ayew does drive infield then the nearest supporting midfielder is Schlupp, who for all of his many attributes certainly isn't a metronomic playmaking passer, and remains far better making a forward run himself, which he did to noticeable effect when he briefly found himself on the left side of the midfield.

It would be interesting to see if Ward or Clyne get forward more if and when a left footer is deployed on our right wing.

Bright did appear to have quite a bit of insight into our tactics, beyond stating the obvious. I think the idea of Ward slipping in to make a back three when we attack quite a clever idea. The downside of this is that Ayew never looks a natural right-winger, while Rak-Sakyi doesn't look ready to be a regular starter yet. I agree that Schlupp looked uncomfortable in his role. Last season he was at his most effective driving forward from the left of midfield. Personally I don't see him working that well in the new system as his qualities are his pace and directness, but he has surprised me before so who knows. If Mitchell is out for the Chelsea game he might be the best option at left-back.

What I am enjoying is that the team seem to have a clear idea about what Viera wants and it seems clever without being overly complicated. My big worry is that against teams like Chelsea I wonder if Riedewald will afford enough protection for the backline. I imagine PV has already worked on tactics for when we play the big guns so now we just wait and see.

Disagree. Sending entirely the wrong message. But that's just me.