I've read on here that people think our defence isn't the problem as we have quite a good defensive record this season. Those people saying the real problem is the attack.
IMO the reason our defensive record is so good isn't actually because of our defenders, it's more down to the 352. It's a formation that is actually quite good at stopping the goals from flowing in as it gives us more possession and therefore less attempts at goal against us.
Logically speaking, LVG is using the formation to cover for what he probably considers poor defenders in a traditional back 4. IMO he thinks Rafael is a liability hence his lack of game time and doesn't really trust any of the CB's.
This formation in turn is stopping the creativity which leads to less goals being scored. Some say we don't have the players for it which is half true. I think we could be quite good in a 352 with the players we have but the two types of players we're missing most in it is a left wing back and a right wing back of real quality. I love Shaw as a player but he really isn't a wing back and Rafael, even if he could stay fit, is unproven in that role.
For us to go back to a back 4 next season I think LVG has to buy two top drawer centre backs and one top drawer right back. People will talk about needing tons of players this summer but our squad is pretty good at the moment and if we just got those 3 defenders this summer I reckon we'd do very well next season.
Our defence.
posted on 16/1/15
De Gea.
posted on 16/1/15
I agree with most of this. However, I think we should revert to a back 4 asap. Because the improvement in defensive record isn't enough to offset the damage being done to our offensive record imo. I heard a stat the other day, that our win ratio with 4 at the back is 80%, whilst our win ratio with 3 at the back is 36%. I don't know if this stat is accurate and of course it doesn't take into account the standard of opposition when playign with the respective formations. But i do know that the only trimes we've hinted at playing well this season, it has been with a flat back 4. With three at the back, we are ponderous at best
posted on 16/1/15
Yeah, i'd like to see a back 4 again. I just don't think LVG thinks he has the players for it and as he sees them in training you have to assume he knows bestest.
posted on 16/1/15
The problem we have is LvG trying to shoehorn his strikeforce into the team.
With this same formation against a variety of teams, we have ripped them open, but for poor finishing against Spurs the game would have finished in the first half.
Against Southampton the finishing let us down again or we could have won the game.
I actually think Shaw could do a decent job as a Wingback.
All LvG needs to do is bench one of Rooney/RvP/Falcao and play a midfielder in midfield. Preferably Herrera and the problem is solved
posted on 16/1/15
Rafael --- Jones/Smalling --- Rojo --- Shaw
Think that's possibly the best we can muster at the moment, though McNair seems to bring bit of luck!
posted on 16/1/15
got to be 4 at the back.
its killing our gmae going forward.
if we were allowed to play a more expansive game on a more regular basis id be confident that a team consisting of players like of rooney, mata, Di Maria, Falcoa, RVP, Herrera would outscore the opposition 8 or 9 times out of 10.
if LVG is that concerned then play a back 4 with 2 defense minded cm to help provide cover, and let the more advanced players just do their thing.
posted on 16/1/15
I think Smalling and Rojo have formed a decent partnership in a back 4. Apart from the 2nd half vs Leicester we haven't struggled defensively with a back 4 and have played much better football.
posted on 16/1/15
comment by If JA606 did BoringJamesMilner... (U16990)
posted 8 hours, 1 minute ago
De Gea.
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