Doesn't seem to be the consensus, but I've got a lot of admiration for our players. Wycombe will win matches playing that way. As unattractive as it is, the pressure they put on our central defenders was immense. And, other than one aberration from Halme, we stood up to it. That deserves a lot of credit. I've no problem with their penalty. Yes, the first offence was outside the box, but after Halme kicked him outside the box, he then fell on him inside the box. The ref is allowed to play advantage for the first offence and pull us up for the second offence. Anyway, it showed our resolve. Woodrow did some daft things, but he also had a few amazing touches and, unusually for him, won a lot of headers. I still think it's barmy to play 3-4-3 every game. We've got so much talent in central midfield and we're so lacking in talent up front that to play 2 central midfielders and 3 forwards is underselling us and we could achieve more. We'll win games with this formation, as we are doing, we've got talent in the squad and the manager is clearly a great motivator, but we're going to lose games that I think we'd win if we played 3-5-2 rather than 3-4-3. Woodrow is the first striker on the team sheet and I don't think he's got any competition, even though he's not the fully rounded player yet. We're basically filling the other two forward positions with anyone we think can run about a lot. Personally I think Victor is by far the best option for one of those. His touch is a long way from great, but he adds so much more to the team in other areas that the others just don't. I'd love to see us give it a go playing 3-5-2 with Victor and Woodrow up front. We won't get promoted with that team, but I think we'd do pretty well. But the formation is fixed, we just rotate players. I don't really get that. I like the manager, he's clearly getting a lot of things right, but I'm struggling with this one size fits all philosophy. Anyway, well done to all tonight, not pretty, but it was a tough game and we won.
Thats pretty much how I see the formation. I'm not sure about Adeboyejo though. I don't think he's good enough at this level, at the moment anyway. But, main thing is they're getting points this season. See what the transfer window brings....
I've always liked Victor (I can't spell or pronounce his surname so I've stopped trying) but, like you, didn't think he was good enough at this level. Maybe that's still the case, but I don't think the players he's in competition with for the shirt are either. But he's got a tremendous appetite for the game, he's making a nuisance of himself, he's winning the ball back, putting defenders under pressure, and, for me, he's an asset at the moment. I'd love him to prove me wrong, and start banging in a goal or two every game, but even if he doesn't, I think what he is offering is worth a place in the team. Particularly as I don't think we're getting much out of Frieser/Thomas/Chaplin. Not that I have any problem with their work ethic, they're committed honest lads, I just think Victor is more effective right now.
He clearly does have areas of improvement, but big Vic influences the games far more than any of the other striking options. I'm with Jay, I'd go for him and Woodrow up top
I can see why you might say that about VA at the moment. Certainly deserves some game time comparable with our other 'strikers'.
The formation is such an interesting discussion. I can 100% understand people suggesting the extra central midfielder in there, but what we’re getting out of Styles and Brittain could be at risk if we don’t have the three forwards working and stretching the opposition defence. Having two up top might make it easier for their CBs, meaning the full backs can do a better job coping with the overlaps, then meaning Styles doesn’t get in the goal scoring positions he’s been finding himself in. Or Brittain, who with better finishing would have as many goals. I don’t believe we’re just rotating players. We’re still learning this system and you’d hope to see improvement every game. The biggest challenge for me is how we still get something out of Styles and Brittain when we’re forced to sit deeper because of the quality and pace with the likes of Bournemouth and Brentford. What is positive is how it feels like we have better quality throughout the squad than previous seasons. Especially at the heart of the pitch in midfield.
One of the highlights of the night for me was Victor in the left wing position dropping his shoulder and going past the defender. Twice he did it. Maybe there is a player in there...
100% agree re. Victor. He may not be the most prolific, but I feel like we're more dangerous with him on the pitch - especially when we're leading by one goal and the opposition are coming at us. Touch of a cart horse like you say, but he just offers that physicality and drive to make a depleted defence panic.
I thought when Victor came on last night he didn't put much of a foot wrong. As effective in defence as he was up top. Sure he's got a heavy first touch but he seemed better with that last night,and he can hold the ball up and turn his man. Most improved player under Ismael?
Agree on the Victor shout. Maybe he's best used as an impact sub though running at tired defences? Add me into the camp of playing an extra midfielder instead of forward too - 3 of Mowatt, James, Kane, Palmer, Styles is fine by me. All this agreeing with other folk is a strange concept.
He’s getting better with each game in my opinion. Wilko didn’t score many but he was a critical foil for Hendrie and the team. I’m not saying Vic will get to this level but he’s young and starting to show some real signs of progress and it’s great to see. Ivan Tony looked very average for us - he is starting to look like the complete striker for Brentford
Vic caused em problems. But Final ball poor. Got in a great tackle to prevent em scoring. Will get better when he’s able to gain a run of games. ( odd start and sub appearances. That leads to over doing the simple, trying to impress, once or twice trying to create summat at the end, when most pro’s run the clock down) ) I Don’t know what level he’ll reach, but I believe he is a trier. who can only get better.
Agree, plus he tidied up defensively a couple of times as well. He's definitely improving under the confidence Valerien is showing in him
At least we aren't reliant on a 38 year old Akinfenwa up top. He looked like an elephant running on an underwater treadmill.
But the question is, would someone like Styles, Odour, Mowatt or Palmer offer as much in that front three role as Thomas? I suspect so, and would give us more flexibility if we're having a spell where our midfield is struggling.
I thought the question was more about the formation? If we're talking about Thomas as part of the front three I think Frieser is the best option but I can see a case for Victor given recent performances.
I liked that it showed him come off followed straight away for 2 of their subs running on, fair swap hey.
I agree with 3-5-2. Has to be on option. Woodrow & one other. Games like Bournemouth we needed the option to go 4-4-2 (classic two banks of four), but with no left back I guess putting Styles there cuts down on your creativity to get the equaliser. If fit I think Jordan would have made up a back 4. That might have changed the game. Bournemouth have a great team. 4-0 fair enough, but not the whole story.
