Stoned Rose said:An interesting shift seems to have occurred.
The last 3 games have seen teams not park the bus against us but instead they've actually had a right good go and on all 3 occasions IMO gotten the better of us, especially in the middle third.
That in itself tells me something is different.
I think they call it a '2 man midfield'.
It doesn't suit our personnel and playing that way with a patched up back 4 to protect is very arrogant, very stupid or both.
Imo to win games in this league it's almost essential to control midfield. Controlling midfield does two things i) it takes the heat off the back 4 and ii) it allows you (in theory) to create chances to score. Mancini was very very big on this and imo was spot on in this aspect (he did get other things wrong though).
If we go with a 2 man midfield the scum will obliterate us mark my words.
The Plzen game is now pivotal. Should we not win that game the pressure on the manager and players will be immense going into the derby and the 'doubts' will be pervasive.
The 2 man midfield has to go.
I'd go 4-5-1 v Plzen. Flood the midfield and control the middle third. The rest will come as a result of said control.
Excellent post....