Last season Hill was strongly criticised for going in to away games trying to keep it tight to either take a point or try and nick a win on the counter attack. The first two away games of this year (possibley bouyed by the Boro performance) he has set up 4-4-2 with, certainly against Wolves, the intention of attacking. This has led to conceding 8 goals in two games - not helped by our keeper ruining the game plan in both games by gifting the oposition the first goal. We are not good enough individually to play 4-4-2 away from home. All last season we looked exposed when playing 4 across the middle. Even Butterfield and Perkins weren't goood enough in a central two, so Dawson and Mellis certainly won't be. That doesn't absolve the defenders who aren't good enough collectively, although I believe Cranie and McNulty will be. But those two will also look ***** if they have no protection and we fail to retain the ball. 5 in midfield will also make us more creative if Cywka or Mellis can be pushed in to a more advanced position, and the full backs are given more freedom to push on. I fully expect Cranie and McNulty to be first choice once fit. With Hassell and Goldbourne alongside I think that is a solid back four, although we can't judge Cranie yet admittedly. But if Hill plays 4-5-1, or 4-2-3-1, lets not assume it is being negative and demand two up top.
Nothing to do with playing 4-4-2 in my opinion, it is simply because he is choosing the wrong players.
I don't see that he has a lot of choice. I listened to Cranie on Barnsley Player and he said that he hadn't been playing in the games for Leeds because he was a free agent and couldn't risk getting injured. Consequently I would assume he's not match fit. In terms of Hassell, Stones was according to may MoM in the first two games of the season. Personally I would play Hassell but its certainly not a clear cut decision. As for Wiseman at centre half over Collins, I'm not sure. Collins has looked decent at left back, but Wiseman played well against Boro and from the commentary he certainly wasn't to blame at Wolves. But I disagree that conceding goals is only down to the inidivduals in defence.
Oh sorry, I forgot the point of this forum is to say we were "hurrendous" (sic) and demand that our manager is sacked after the third game of the season without offering any explanation or rationale. Thanks for your staggering capacity for enlightenment.
I am not sure I agree - First 2 goals today due to keeper dropping the ball from a free kick and a guy shooting from 30 yards First goal on Tuesday due to keeper throwing out straifht to their striker - nothing to do with the formation - then once we are behind and chasing the game we are vunerable doesnt matter what formation you play if you are a goal down before everyone has even sat down you will struggle
Very fair point, although from the commentary it sounded like he was given too much time to shoot and not closed down by midfield. It must be infuriating as a manager when your game plan goes out the window due to individual errors. I hope Ben Alnwick is still apologising to everyone. Sounds like Steele is back in training, just not kicking through the ball yet.
