Team vs Aston Villa

[whitelightwhiteheat]

I'm hoping Adebayor's fit, but I'm guessing he's not going to be so...​

Friedal​

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Walker Gallas Caulker Verts​

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Sandro Dembele​

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Lennon Siggy Bale​

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Defoe​

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We need to start creating more, being more clinical. Finish teams off. 1 goal is not going to be enough 99% of the time! Let's kill teams off.

Must win after last night's damp squib.​

 

[Blake Griffin]

villa are crap but i still think it'll be a struggle, one goal wins until ade gets back up and running will do me fine though.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Dembele played so deep (in a 442 or 4231) is just a waste IMO. It's like the Modric scenario all over again. He's a good footballer who won't exactly let us down there but it's not using him to the best of his abilities.

If Parker's not ready and AVB is convinced he wants to play 4231, he's got to find a better solution. Bring one of the kids in to play the deep role next to Sandro like Perratt or Dombaxe or fuck, even Hudd, push Dembele up into the hole and let him play a bit instead of turning him into an averagely ho hum busy ****.

 

[Mr Pink]

Dembele played so deep (in a 442 or 4231) is just a waste IMO. It's like the Modric scenario all over again. He's a good footballer who won't exactly let us down there but it's not using him to the best of his abilities.

If Parker's not ready and AVB is convinced he wants to play 4231, he's got to find a better solution. Bring one of the kids in to play the deep role next to Sandro like Perratt or Dombaxe or fuck, even Hudd, push Dembele up into the hole and let him play a bit instead of turning him into an averagely ho hum busy ****.

Nothing wrong with his affect on the game first half against United though. I get what you're saying but for me he is a box to box midfielder, as opposed to an in the hole type ala VDV was.

I agree its wasting him in a two in front of the back four if that's the current case, and that's what is expected of him? But in the 4-3-3 set up he should be getting up and down, driving us forward and having the licence to grab the game by the scruff. Obviously he's good off the ball to, tackling and work rate etc so I see that as his best position given his qualities and attributes.

I think what we've been missing most is some guile and class in the final phase of our play, VDV's influence. Some of our build up and approach play has been very good, but decision making and having the ability to affect the last phase of our play has cost us.

Obviously we miss Modric's quality, vision and passing but we've compensated in other respects to some degree. We have looked, on quite a few occasions, stronger away from home - we look tougher off the ball etc, and we have that strength to win the wall back quickly and break on teams.

 

[parklane1]

We're unbeaten in 3.5 games with Jan playing at LB, rather than put a fill in who plays with shoes on the wrong feet, probably best to keep him there isn't it? Surely you can see Jan offers us more going forward than playing Naughton at LB?

I agree with some of that, however Naughton can defend better as a FB then Jan can and against Utd he gave Nani far to much room and let him get past him to easily.

 

[parklane1]

Jan is not a natural LB and it was all to be seen on Thurs when he spent a lot of time tugged in towards the middle leaving the left flank exposed, and thus requiring a disinterested Bale to track back half-heartedly. That resulted in an inefficient defence as well as blunting Bales' attacking runs in the second half.

This, we have one of the best CB's in the country and we want to play him at LB when there is no need. (if Naughton is fit)

 

[Mr Pink]

A lot of betting previews seem to think Ade will start this - can't see it myself but you never know!!!!

If he were to (which I think is hugely optimistic) we would of a fresh enough spine though - with Friedel, Gallas, Sandro (only played 10 mins anyway) and Adebayor. A bit of a moot point though really when one is a keeper and the other couldn't be match fit yet

 

[Spurs_Bear]

I agree with some of that, however Naughton can defend better as a FB then Jan can and against Utd he gave Nani far to much room and let him get past him to easily.

That is true but against a poor Villa team when we're playing at home I would rather stick with the attacking intent. Naughton stunts our attacks as he doesn't provide the overlap, which in turn doesn't create any space for Bale. When BAE is fit then no question, get Jan back into CB with Gallas/Kaboul.

 

[Spurs_Bear]

A lot of betting previews seem to think Ade will start this - can't see it myself but you never know!!!!

If he were to (which I think is hugely optimistic) we would of a fresh enough spine though - with Friedel, Gallas, Sandro (only played 10 mins anyway) and Adebayor. A bit of a moot point though really when one is a keeper and the other couldn't be match fit yet

I would 'Kevin Keegan' it if Ade was fit mate...

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Nothing wrong with his affect on the game first half against United though. I get what you're saying but for me he is a box to box midfielder, as opposed to an in the hole type ala VDV was.

I agree its wasting him in a two in front of the back four if that's the current case, and that's what is expected of him? But in the 4-3-3 set up he should be getting up and down, driving us forward and having the licence to grab the game by the scruff. Obviously he's good off the ball to, tackling and work rate etc so I see that as his best position given his qualities and attributes.

I think what we've been missing most is some guile and class in the final phase of our play, VDV's influence. Some of our build up and approach play has been very good, but decision making and having the ability to affect the last phase of our play has cost us.

Obviously we miss Modric's quality, vision and passing but we've compensated in other respects to some degree. We have looked, on quite a few occasions, stronger away from home - we look tougher off the ball etc, and we have that strength to win the wall back quickly and break on teams.

I would play him in the middle of the 433 all day long, and have posted that up in line-up threads etc, but I said "if AVB is convinced on playing 4231". Which to me it seems so far he is. If he persists in this, then playing Dembele as one of the deeper two will be of limited success because he wants to be getting on the ball and making something happen by dropping a shoulder and going forward. So far this season he's spent as much if not more time going backwards. Which he's better than Modric at but it's a waste.

 

[felmani26]

I would play him in the middle of the 433 all day long, and have posted that up in line-up threads etc, but I said "if AVB is convinced on playing 4231". Which to me it seems so far he is. If he persists in this, then playing Dembele as one of the deeper two will be of limited success because he wants to be getting on the ball and making something happen by dropping a shoulder and going forward. So far this season he's spent as much if not more time going backwards. Which he's better than Modric at but it's a waste.

But then who plays next to Sandro and Dembele?

Is it a Parker who will offer industry, Dempsey who will look to make one runs from deep a bit like Tim Cahill used to or Sigurdsson who we've yet to see the best of and still finding his niche in the side? It's an area which was clearly designated for Moutinho but that doesn't necessarily help our cause now in trying to find the best system for the current personnel.

In some respects I've got more concern from our flanks - both wingers and fullbacks.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

But then who plays next to Sandro and Dembele?

Is it a Parker who will offer industry, Dempsey who will look to make one runs from deep a bit like Tim Cahill used to or Sigurdsson who we've yet to see the best of and still finding his niche in the side? It's an area which was clearly designated for Moutinho but that doesn't necessarily help our cause now in trying to find the best system for the current personnel.

In some respects I've got more concern from our flanks - both wingers and fullbacks.

Parker would be the immediate but not necessarily long term solution. A midfield three of:

Parker Sandro Dembele


Wouldn't be much different to the very effective middle three of

Parker Sandro Modric


That played a few times last season (Chelsea away, Swansea home for example). Also, no coincidence IMO that our best 90min performance this season was away at Reading, the only time we've played a 433.

Long term obviously someone like Moutinho or Cabaye would be even better as they would offer dynamism with a little more intelligence and ingenuity than Parker.


Equally, if not more, of a problem is our lack of intelligence and ingenuity in the final third. Bale, Lennon and Defoe is a really witless trio who offer very little in team play, hold up, passing, interchanging, craft etc.

IMO, they are two areas we must address. We should switch to a 433, even if it means promoting one of the reserves, young players, until Parker is back (maybe even Livermore temporarily).

This would make us stronger and more dynamic and better able to press the ball, it would give our speedy players like Bale and Lennon less responsibility and more opportunity as we'd be better at winning the ball (and they'd be receiving it higher up)

 

[whitelightwhiteheat]

Having seen the pics of training I reckon Ade looks super fit. In a non-gay, match ready kind of way. There's no substitute for match fitness though, so I'm guessing he won't be ready, sadly. Shame. I know Defoe's been scoring goals - but we need more. Much, much more.

 

[Chezaspur]

Well despite being unbeaten in 8, only 1 loss, 5th in the league and beating United, I still think we've played some average/poor football so far. Despite some decent performances from Defoe I would still like to see Ade up front to give us more options.

 

[felmani26]

Parker would be the immediate but not necessarily long term solution. A midfield three of:

Parker Sandro Dembele


Wouldn't be much different to the very effective middle three of

Parker Sandro Modric


That played a few times last season (Chelsea away, Swansea home for example). Also, no coincidence IMO that our best 90min performance this season was away at Reading, the only time we've played a 433.

Long term obviously someone like Moutinho or Cabaye would be even better as they would offer dynamism with a little more intelligence and ingenuity than Parker.


Equally, if not more, of a problem is our lack of intelligence and ingenuity in the final third. Bale, Lennon and Defoe is a really witless trio who offer very little in team play, hold up, passing, interchanging, craft etc.

IMO, they are two areas we must address. We should switch to a 433, even if it means promoting one of the reserves, young players, until Parker is back (maybe even Livermore temporarily).

This would make us stronger and more dynamic and better able to press the ball, it would give our speedy players like Bale and Lennon less responsibility and more opportunity as we'd be better at winning the ball (and they'd be receiving it higher up)

I think away from home 433 is really suited to us and the logic of having Parker and Sandro next to Dembele is sound although most will moan that is too negative, as you've pointed out, it will allow the likes of Bale and Lennon to maintain a high position and makes them particularly effective on the counter then, rather than traipsing back half arsed which is Bale's forte.

At home though, it's a different proposition as the onus is on us to dominate possession and break down stubborn defences and the problem we've both alluded to is the unimaginative forward trio of Bale, Lennon and (currently) Defoe and not particularly helped with our midfield options either.

I can now see the virtue of our pursuit of Willian but I'd absolutely love us to go back in for Isco who has a fantastic football brain on someone so young and I feel would flourish in our setup - particularly if we pursued Moutinho again.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

I think away from home 433 is really suited to us and the logic of having Parker and Sandro next to Dembele is sound although most will moan that is too negative, as you've pointed out, it will allow the likes of Bale and Lennon to maintain a high position and makes them particularly effective on the counter then, rather than traipsing back half arsed which is Bale's forte.

At home though, it's a different proposition as the onus is on us to dominate possession and break down stubborn defences and the problem we've both alluded to is the unimaginative forward trio of Bale, Lennon and (currently) Defoe and not particularly helped with our midfield options either.

I can now see the virtue of our pursuit of Willian but I'd absolutely love us to go back in for Isco who has a fantastic football brain on someone so young and I feel would flourish in our setup - particularly if we pursued Moutinho again.

Agree. To be honest, regardless of how we play we desperately need a Willian, Isco (I like Dzagoev and Eriksen too) to give us back some of the craft we have lost with VDV going.

 

[TheGreenLily]

Lloris​

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Naughton - Dawson - Caulker - Jan​

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Sandro​

Carol ------- Dembele​

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Dempsey - Ade - Townsend​

Would be my pick, some players need a kick up the ass, some need to be rested.

 

[parklane1]

That is true but against a poor Villa team when we're playing at home I would rather stick with the attacking intent. Naughton stunts our attacks as he doesn't provide the overlap, which in turn doesn't create any space for Bale. When BAE is fit then no question, get Jan back into CB with Gallas/Kaboul.

Well its all about opinions i guess, personally i would always pick the players in their best posistions and in the long run that is best for the team.

 

[Mr Pink]

I would play him in the middle of the 433 all day long, and have posted that up in line-up threads etc, but I said "if AVB is convinced on playing 4231". Which to me it seems so far he is. If he persists in this, then playing Dembele as one of the deeper two will be of limited success because he wants to be getting on the ball and making something happen by dropping a shoulder and going forward. So far this season he's spent as much if not more time going backwards. Which he's better than Modric at but it's a waste.

Yeah agreed. He's wasted in the 4-2-3-1 as he's first and foremost not all about just defensive work. He's the all round package and to get the best out of that he has to have a licence to get forward just us much as the defensive side of things.

 

[Mr Pink]

Parker would be the immediate but not necessarily long term solution. A midfield three of:

Parker Sandro Dembele


Wouldn't be much different to the very effective middle three of

Parker Sandro Modric


That played a few times last season (Chelsea away, Swansea home for example). Also, no coincidence IMO that our best 90min performance this season was away at Reading, the only time we've played a 433.

Long term obviously someone like Moutinho or Cabaye would be even better as they would offer dynamism with a little more intelligence and ingenuity than Parker.


Equally, if not more, of a problem is our lack of intelligence and ingenuity in the final third. Bale, Lennon and Defoe is a really witless trio who offer very little in team play, hold up, passing, interchanging, craft etc.

IMO, they are two areas we must address. We should switch to a 433, even if it means promoting one of the reserves, young players, until Parker is back (maybe even Livermore temporarily).

This would make us stronger and more dynamic and better able to press the ball, it would give our speedy players like Bale and Lennon less responsibility and more opportunity as we'd be better at winning the ball (and they'd be receiving it higher up)

Yeah I remember saying Sandro, Parker and Dembele would be an option for some tough looking away fixtures etc.

I think VDV, ahead of Dembele and Sandro in the 4-3-3 would of been perfect, would loved to have seen that.

But yeah the likes of Willian and Isco would of been good additions for this role, and that's the problem for me - we lack that cutting edge in the final third, a cool head, and that bit of quality to affect the game in that area of the pitch.

I think we should definitely be switching to the 4-3-3 and wasn't sure if we had actually resembled it in some instances, but we definitely have to go down that road.

The way I see it;

Dembele is versatile, and he's played the attacking midfielder role and the deeper one. I think if AVB persists with 4-2-3-1 then I would prefer Dembele pushed up into the attacking midfielder role, I agree BC that his offensive qualities are wasted somewhat from that position albeit he's very good defensively.

But here's the pertinent point as far as I'm concerned. I think he's best combining both and all his skills, which is definitely plump in the middle of a 4-3-3 where he has licence to get up and down the pitch, affect the play from deep and higher up the pitch, he's got the work rate for that and it gives him the freedom to surge from deep as well without feeling restricted as a 'protector' in a 4-2-3-1 set up. He's an all rounder for me, a Vieria if you like (I know you definitely agree with him in the middle of a 4-3-3)

We need somebody who has more goals and has that class/invention in them from the most advanced of the trio in a 4-3-3.