As I said on the other thread we looked better defensively with the dreaded five at the back. That’s because the full/wing backs were pushing up in a high press making the midfield quite compact and stifling their attack. Downside was that Whitehall was isolated up front so we’re relying on the energy and skills of the midfield to provide the killer pass. That or the wing backs getting up the line and putting in the crosses. Which to be fair is what they were trying to do yesterday.
Once you drop a defender and go with a standard four at the back there’s no hiding place for them. If you still want the width then you’re light in CMF which the opposition will exploit. Pack the midfield at the expense of wide men and there’s no outlet.
It’s fairly obvious and I’m sure the coaching staff are aware of it. It also reinforces the need for a midfield general. Something I don’t think we have at present.
