Eternaloptimist
Well-known member
Before and after every single game and whether we win, lose or draw, you can guarantee there will be posts about wrong formation, he should have done this, he should have done that etc.
I have always advocated that within reason a skilled, professional footballer should be able to adapt to playing in different positions across the park, and it is a sad indictment to say they can’t
Yesterday I watched Arsenal v Liverpool (2 of the best teams in the Country) and both lined up with a 4 3 3 formation.
Within the first 10 minutes I saw at least 8 players within a 5 square yard area, all going for the same ball. This drew defenders away from their proper position and a few times during the game both sides had just one defender back whilst the others pushed forward
When the ball was on the left the majority of players were drawn over to that side leaving acres of open space on the right and vice versa when the ball was on the right.
There were also times when the lines held firm and both teams reverted to the 4 3 3 as they should be.
But for the majority of the game the players were all over the place which is why I genuinely believe that some posters on here get far too obsessed with “formations” and I really do wonder if it is just an excuse sometimes to have a dig at Critch.
Obviously from the example I have given there is a massive gulf in skill and fitness from lower league teams but the point I am making is that a lot of teams play like that and I have yet to see any single game where a team have stuck rigidly to their starting formation for 90 minutes
It just doesn’t happen.
I am sure The Grim Reaper, who is the forum expert on formations will indulge us with his knowledge.
I have always advocated that within reason a skilled, professional footballer should be able to adapt to playing in different positions across the park, and it is a sad indictment to say they can’t
Yesterday I watched Arsenal v Liverpool (2 of the best teams in the Country) and both lined up with a 4 3 3 formation.
Within the first 10 minutes I saw at least 8 players within a 5 square yard area, all going for the same ball. This drew defenders away from their proper position and a few times during the game both sides had just one defender back whilst the others pushed forward
When the ball was on the left the majority of players were drawn over to that side leaving acres of open space on the right and vice versa when the ball was on the right.
There were also times when the lines held firm and both teams reverted to the 4 3 3 as they should be.
But for the majority of the game the players were all over the place which is why I genuinely believe that some posters on here get far too obsessed with “formations” and I really do wonder if it is just an excuse sometimes to have a dig at Critch.
Obviously from the example I have given there is a massive gulf in skill and fitness from lower league teams but the point I am making is that a lot of teams play like that and I have yet to see any single game where a team have stuck rigidly to their starting formation for 90 minutes
It just doesn’t happen.
I am sure The Grim Reaper, who is the forum expert on formations will indulge us with his knowledge.