There was an interesting interview with Ward the other day where he was talking about the distinction between his role and Mitchell who he described as playing almost like a wingback while he tucked in.

He said he had never worked so hard or learned so much on the training ground. He also mentioned that there were possibly new ideas on the table too - that this asymmetric defence wasn't the end of the innovation.

I'm wondering here whether a back 5 might not be on the cards. This would - I suspect - require a fit Ferguson and Joel switching into the middle 3.

Any other thoughts on what PV might have up his sleeve?

[Link]

Edit: Should add that I'd see one benefit of the back 3 as potentially allowing us to play two more attacking mids in the middle as there'd be more protection behind possibly. That is to say allowing Eze his ideal CAM position alongside Gallagher with perhaps Wilf and Edouard up top.

Not sure where that'd leave Olise who looks better and better each time I see him. So not overly convinced.

Guaita

Ferguson Ward Guehi Andersen Mitchell

Macca
Gallagher Eze

Edouard Zaha

Or more ambitiously

Guaita

Ferguson Ward Guehi Andersen Mitchell

Olise Gallagher Macca/Eze Zaha

Edouard

Edited by Omph (04 Nov 2021 11.02am)

Edited by Omph (04 Nov 2021 11.08am)

Edited by Omph (04 Nov 2021 11.11am)

I read that. I understand from his comments that Vieira has shared his vision of where we want to be in terms of playing style and formation. And that there is a process and number of steps that transitions us to that point over time. Great communication from Vieira and appreciation of the time needed to realise a project. Contrast that with FDB who tried to take us straight to the end vision.

He does indeed seem like a very smart fella Vieira and knows how to manage people and change.

Think I agree really.

I'd be reluctant to see the Gallagher Macca axis broken up as it feels like the hub of the whole team. That said PV is looking as if he might be a horses for courses manager.

I more or less expected Ayew back for City and wasn't surprised by Kouyate for Luca either on the same basis. PV has also mentioned iirc that Tekkers up top might be the preference for low block teams (which will play havoc with my FPL set up).

Perhaps we will see a fair amount of variation when we face different types of opponent. Until now he's been consistent but that could be simply his getting the team set up to his way of thinking. A fair bit of criticism he got a Nice was that he tinkered too much I believe.

Decent point that.

It may be that two up top is the leading contender for a change of formation in that sort of match up and then Tekkers (good Tekkers that is) is one of our best weapons.

Thing is though I don't especially rate Wilf as a provider of crosses. He and Tekkers are not a fantastic combo from that point of view, Tekkers needs someone who will get the ball in early and he is still one of the best around with his bonce. Wilf though is forever cutting in and is probably best as an inside left.

Mitchell as the provider out wide? He's come on leaps and bounds but I'm not *that* convinced just yet.

We Have been playing this way all season, 4-3-3 switch's to 3-4-3 when we attack, Mitchell goes forward, the left sided attacker goes central, Ward stays as the 3, and the right sided attacker stays wide.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn