Relive every moment of every first team game since the beginning of the 2005/06 season. Our archive of matchday threads originally posted in the General Discussion Forum.
WorcesterWHU wrote:Much like Big Sam stumbling onto our diamond formation, Slav's move to three at the back has been nothing short of revelation given how calamitous it was prior.
I see no reason why the formation should change and it'll be down to Cresswell on one side, and either Antonio or Fernandes on the other, to push their wide players further back. And with the three at the back, it gives Reidy more scope to read the game and confidently step out rather than just sitting back.
After a good start from them they're not in good form; the reverse being the same for us. I dare say I fancy us to get something from this one (famous last words for a Goodison visit).
Important not to overestimate how important the move to 3 at the back has been.
As much as anything moving kouyate who can't pass out of midfield and lacks discipline and replacing him with Obiang is the key change. That would work in a 4 5 1.
Neither manager 'stumbled' upon these formations, it's by design because they're decent managers.
It bugs me when people claim they don't know what they're doing or lucky when they get it right but as soon as it goes to **** they're clueless. We never say when we lose,nah they just stumbled on a piss poor formation, it's why the f*** did he go with that plan. I remember distinctly how many people ****ed off Fat **** for going with 640 vs Spurs out the blue, yet it produced amazing result on the day.
Bilic had a multitude of options he could have tried and he's bravely gone for the current system and he only deserves full credit for going with it and making it work so well.
Bilic explained this in an interview before Chelsea. Large percentage of a change of a formation is phsycological. Players need to believe in something and once they see a positive reaction they start feeling it's a right thing to do. As someone mentioned above the main change was bringing in Obiang and having Cresswell back.
Going to Liverpool this afternoon to make a day of it. The blue natives are restless, but then they always are.
Highly recommend the Macdonald hotel by Manchester Piccadilly station for anyone doing an overnighter when we play the Mancs. Bit pricey but ok if shared and you bring your own plonk.
Doc, if your into your old pubs then The Philharmonic is worth a look, and not too far from the Belvedere. Good selection of ales, decent food although a bit pricey. Certainly worth a visit to the loos, the finest I've seen and I believe they are listed!