Biggest disappointment yesterday

wasn't the fact that we lost - To be honest I fully expected it. They are a quality team who'll more than likely bounce straight back up.

The biggest disappointment for me was the lack of tactical nous shown by Flitcroft which surprised me given the 6 months we' had at the back end of last season
It was as clear as day after 25 minutes that the system was not working and that it was a case of "when" not "if" Wigan scored. We mentioned countless times that someone needed to get tight on the ginger-haired kid because he was bossing the game but no word to Dawson from the sidelines to follow his every step. Hence the free shot a goal. We had 4 in midfield to their 5 and were chasing shadows. Mellis and Goldbourne on the wings with Dawson & Perkins centrally just does not work and is never going to trouble a Championship defence. Kennedy & Goldbourne down the left side is also a weak link when we're defending. Everyone spotted the need for change but those on the sidelines. This was the one game we should have gone 4-5-1 which might be a bit defensive at home but I'm sure pretty much everyone was saying they'd settle for a point prior to the game kicking off.
To me, the game is simple - decide which formation you're going to play and then play the best players in those positions. Cywka, O'Brien, Jennings, RNL are all better wingers than either Mellis or Goldbourne. The changes were made too late and despite Jennings sending off, the game was gone by the time we made a change.
Hopefully that's a valuable lesson learned in Flicroft's football education. The best managers spot the problems and sort them as soon as possible.

 

Pretty much agree with your assessment. However, it doesn't matter what formation you are lined up in when defending a corner.
If we continue to concede from corners a la the last 18 months, we will drop points.

 

99% of fans know 352 suited the 11 personnel. We thought that was formation when team announced and we thought we had a genuine chance. Despite playing the possible champions, it feels like we already thrown one game away playing a weakened formation.

 

No he didn't.

 

Lined up 442. Need to move on but I hope we don't see Perkins and Dawson in the middle of a 4 man midfield again.

 

I agree with the 352 observation. I thought that Wiseman wasnt tight enough to their winger in the first 15 mins which gave them confidence. We were over run in midfield by lets face it better quality players.

Yes we worked hard but Wigan worked smart which is to be expected by a prem team. I just dont think perkins & dawson chasing abart like blue arsed fleas is sustainable. I admire flicker for the toe 2 toe approach to yesterdays game think I would have done the same.... jennings wasnt a sending off but the prem team made sure it was so to summarise my view. We are just as good as them but they were more streetwise than us which is to be expected... anyway its gone another lesson for our great club & I still believe...... cmon u reds!