Wes.

[morty 0]

I thought he changed the game in a positive manner when he came on, though wonder if things had been different if Holt and Martin had been there with him, but hey-ho.Do we need to be building our system around him again? We know he can''t play as part of a 4 man midfield in a central role, and we know he''s not a left winger either.Time for the diamond to return?

[Loopzilla 5]

I think so. He has that touch of class about him that we will need to unlock premiership defences. When he came on the passing and movement through the middle changed instantly.Perhaps we should now revert to the system that got us here in the first place, playing the player who was most instrumental in that formation.

[morty 0]

[quote user="Loopzilla"]I think so. He has that touch of class about him that we will need to unlock premiership defences. When he came on the passing and movement through the middle changed instantly.Perhaps we should now revert to the system that got us here in the first place, playing the player who was most instrumental in that formation.[/quote]I think there was a time, a few seasons ago where his workrate wasn''t as good as it should be, but I think, especially last season, he has always looked eager and urgent on the ball, always seeking it out and making things tick.

[Loopzilla 5]

[quote user="morty"][quote user="Loopzilla"]I think so. He has that touch of class about him that we will need to unlock premiership defences. When he came on the passing and movement through the middle changed instantly.Perhaps we should now revert to the system that got us here in the first place, playing the player who was most instrumental in that formation.[/quote]I think there was a time, a few seasons ago where his workrate wasn''t as good as it should be, but I think, especially last season, he has always looked eager and urgent on the ball, always seeking it out and making things tick.[/quote]Absolutely. He also does his fair share of defensive duties now, as seen yesterday, and in many games last season. For me Hoolahan is our key to avoiding relegation, without him we will huff and puff, but struggle all season.

[norfolkbroadslim 225]

I know it''s never going to happen and that some or many even would say we would be too light weight up front, but I''d be tempted to go for the diamond against Bolton and start with Vaughan and Jackson up front.

 

I would try pace against brawn as brawn hasn''t really got us the end results yet. I know we are far from Man U, but Man U destroyed Bolton with their pace.

[morty 0]

[quote user="norfolkbroadslim"]

I know it''s never going to happen and that some or many even would say we would be too light weight up front, but I''d be tempted to go for the diamond against Bolton and start with Vaughan and Jackson up front.

 

I would try pace against brawn as brawn hasn''t really got us the end results yet. I know we are far from Man U, but Man U destroyed Bolton with their pace.

[/quote]Interesting point, and one I was discussing in the pub after the game yesterday.My question was that how come we always insist on one big man up front, if we are setting ourselves out as a passing side?

[norfolkbroadslim 225]

[quote user="morty"][quote user="norfolkbroadslim"]

I know it''s never going to happen and that some or many even would say we would be too light weight up front, but I''d be tempted to go for the diamond against Bolton and start with Vaughan and Jackson up front.

 

I would try pace against brawn as brawn hasn''t really got us the end results yet. I know we are far from Man U, but Man U destroyed Bolton with their pace.

[/quote]

Interesting point, and one I was discussing in the pub after the game yesterday.

My question was that how come we always insist on one big man up front, if we are setting ourselves out as a passing side?
[/quote]

 

I have just been thinking the same thing. Look at the goals (number, type, quality) that have been scored by the likes of Man U, Arsenal, Man City over the last couple fo seasons more often than not without the need for a big man.

 

Now before anyone says it, I know these teams ooze quality all over the pitch, but for us it seems like the thought is - we don''t have enough quality to play without a big man upfront so we always play with a big man upfront. I know that other teams in the Premier League also employ this train of thought, Bolton, Stoke to name but 2. However if we employ the diamond formation incorporating the likes of Fox and Hoolahan to supply Vaughan and Jackson, then the quality of the passes and our pace must surely work to our advantage. If there is one thing defenders hate it is someone with pace running at them with the ball.

 

I would also like to see a 4-4-2 including both Bennett and Pilkington with Vaughan and Jackson or Vaughan and Morison upfront. I know Morison scored for Wales but to me Morison seems to be the striker who looks like he is lacking in confidence the most.

[morty 0]

[quote user="norfolkbroadslim"][quote user="morty"][quote user="norfolkbroadslim"]

I know it''s never going to happen and that some or many even would say we would be too light weight up front, but I''d be tempted to go for the diamond against Bolton and start with Vaughan and Jackson up front.

 

I would try pace against brawn as brawn hasn''t really got us the end results yet. I know we are far from Man U, but Man U destroyed Bolton with their pace.

[/quote]Interesting point, and one I was discussing in the pub after the game yesterday.My question was that how come we always insist on one big man up front, if we are setting ourselves out as a passing side?[/quote]

 

I have just been thinking the same thing. Look at the goals (number, type, quality) that have been scored by the likes of Man U, Arsenal, Man City over the last couple fo seasons more often than not without the need for a big man.

 

Now before anyone says it, I know these teams ooze quality all over the pitch, but for us it seems like the thought is - we don''t have enough quality to play without a big man upfront so we always play with a big man upfront. I know that other teams in the Premier League also employ this train of thought, Bolton, Stoke to name but 2. However if we employ the diamond formation incorporating the likes of Fox and Hoolahan to supply Vaughan and Jackson, then the quality of the passes and our pace must surely work to our advantage. If there is one thing defenders hate it is someone with pace running at them with the ball.

 

I would also like to see a 4-4-2 including both Bennett and Pilkington with Vaughan and Jackson or Vaughan and Morison upfront. I know Morison scored for Wales but to me Morison seems to be the striker who looks like he is lacking in confidence the most.

[/quote]I think it could work, against certain teams, I would possibly include Chris Martin in there, as he can actually hold the ball up a little too, whilst still being good with his feet. That front line, though exciting, may just be Keeganesque in its attacking proportions though!

[Brendo 0]

Surman in a 4-4-2 is a no. Never again. He''s so slow, and with Crofts/Johnson in the centre we really need to get wide, something Surman pretty much never does. I feel Surman could work well in a diamond though. Really reallyimpressed with Bennett though, he needs to start having more shots. Not even kidding, he has the best shot out of anyone I have ever seen play for Norwich. It''s so powerful and his technique is supreme. What a legend!

[norfolkbroadslim 225]

Obviously you then have the likes of Martin, Holt, Morison, Johnson on the bench to come on for the last 20 minutes to do mix it up, hold the ball up if needs be.

 

Not certain how it would be incorporated, but a midfield 4 of Crofts, Hoolahan, and 2 of Johnson/Fox/Bennett seems to have a good mix of attributes about it. If you played Martin upfront with a midfield like that it may mean Martin doesn''t have to link up the play as much and may get more chances to score. Not sure who Martin''s best partner would be Vaughan or Jackson?

 

 

[Jim Smith 2,653]

I don''t think we will get away with playing the diamond regularly at this level as we will get taken apart down the flanks. If we are going to accomodate Wes then as has been said on here numerous times we should try 4-2-3-1 formation which enables us to play two defensive midfielders to give us some solidity and play all three of Bennett, Wes and Pilkington (if fit). I am sure Vaughan or Martin could also play a bit deeper as of the 3 if need be as well.

Don''t understand why Lambert has not tried this yet.

[Loopzilla 5]

[quote user="Jim Smith"]I don''t think we will get away with playing the diamond regularly at this level as we will get taken apart down the flanks. If we are going to accomodate Wes then as has been said on here numerous times we should try 4-2-3-1 formation which enables us to play two defensive midfielders to give us some solidity and play all three of Bennett, Wes and Pilkington (if fit). I am sure Vaughan or Martin could also play a bit deeper as of the 3 if need be as well.

Don''t understand why Lambert has not tried this yet.[/quote]I''d be interested to see that formation, mostly because, purely on the basis of their Youtube compilations (!), Bennet and Pilington both seem to have a cracking shot on them.

[BarclayCanary (Former HDDH) 0]

I like the sound of 4-2-3-1.

[splutcho 196]

I agree Wes is absolutely vital and his half hour or so yesterday has surely guaranteed him a starting place next week, but I also think that the diamond is going to see us picked off far too easily; you can''t give that amount of space in midfield to PL teams.

What about playing 4-4-1-1 with Wes just behind Holt? Other than that I saw 4-2-3-1 being suggested, which could also work.