20 Nov 2017 15:46:10
Hi Ed001 and fellow fans,

I only saw extended highlights of the match at the weekend with work : (

I was a little disappointed to see we reverted back to 4-3-3 despite the result.

I think there's 2 things important for long term success this season.

1. The backline must have the protection of 2 CMs

2. Salah should be playing up top alongside Firmino. I know he scored 2 at the weekend but I think production will be maintained better playing up top rather than tracking fullbacks.

My questions are this for those who watched the game in full

1. Did Wijnaldum sit back with Henderson a little more to help offer protection in case of break aways? Or did he play his usal box to box role?
2. Was Salah tracking fullbacks and did he stay up top for our own break aways?
3. How was Coutinho's defensive work and did he play as a box to box CM?

I thought the 4-4-2 against West Ham gave us the perfect balance. Surprised we didn't stick with it.

We will certainly have to defend against Chelsea. Just hoping we haven't learned the lessons, only to undo them so quickly.

1.) 20 Nov 2017
20 Nov 2017 16:32:06
To be fair because we really maintained possession for the majority of the game only hendo really looked to be sitting back when attacking out of the midfield. In terms of Salah tracking back, again there were not many points where he needed to. Phil for me had his best game of the season, again didn't have to do much defensive work but his body language looked good, his off ball movement was good, and for the first time all year I kinda forgot he wanted to leave as his attitude on the field was good, even had a nice looking hug with klopp when subbed.

I will say our defense looked solid, lovern still looks to be a bit rash when trying to beat attackers to 50/ 50s but played well overall, klavan looked solid, nothing amazing but solid. And the two outside backs again looked composed, I will say I read Ed01s match report and he wanted Trent to be more involved in the attack, I did think he looked a bit more comfortable in defense, once Salah scored Southampton really just folded and the game was a bit of a breeze. Don't want to be negative but I still have no idea what Simon is doing sometimes, like I feel like he's is trying so hard to show that he's a top keeper that he overcomplicates things, and honestly his distribution is poor still.

2.) 20 Nov 2017
20 Nov 2017 17:58:26
"I was a little disappointed to see we reverted back to 4-3-3 despite the result. "

"I thought the 4-4-2 against West Ham gave us the perfect balance. Surprised we didn't stick with it. "

I am surprised why your are surprised as we have hit a decent run of form.

Formations do not matter as they change throughout the game.

3.) 20 Nov 2017
20 Nov 2017 18:15:48
Surely the sign of a good manager is the ability to change tactics and formations depending on the opposition you are facing.