Glen Johnson

[Chazza]

I hope whoever we go with can offer an attacking threat.

The diamond looks like the formation but that demands attacking fullbacks. Moreno looks the one for left back just not sure on the right side.

[baitman]

Attacking using the full backs will mean we need a more controlling DM and im not sure we have that at the moment.

[RichC]

Been impressed with Manquillo so far, it's good we've got two young RBs that hopefully can push each other on to decide who's first choice once GJ leaves.

[Buzzo]

Another shocker from Johnson today. The defence is just ****e when he's in the team

[DannyMan2006]

Individuals in the defence aren't the issue, the system is.

Tbh the way West Ham played was tough. Enter Valencia would have murdered any right back in the league at the back post today, other than Branislav Ivanovic. That was the reason Manquillo got hooked, as he was being burnt by him.

Main issue was how easy our team allowed the Hammers the option of seeking Valencia out.

[danperkins]

Another shocker from Johnson today. The defence is just ****e when he's in the team

Just kiss him will ya

[DeeTheDog]

I think we have missed Glen when defending set pieces.

[Fredo]

Individuals in the defence aren't the issue, the system is.

Tbh the way West Ham played was tough. Enter Valencia would have murdered any right back in the league at the back post today, other than Branislav Ivanovic. That was the reason Manquillo got hooked, as he was being burnt by him.

Main issue was how easy our team allowed the Hammers the option of seeking Valencia out.

System isn't wrong, just too many players aren't up to their levels yet. That's the issue.

[DannyMan2006]

System isn't wrong, just too many players aren't up to their levels yet. That's the issue.

And that's why the system is wrong. Because too much is made of what's the best system. They're all good if you have the right players. We haven't for a 41212 diamond with Gerrard at the base.

I said in the summer I wanted a couple of top central midfield players. One to replace Lucas and one to provide competition. Emre Can was one. We needed another.

[DannyMan2006]

I think we have missed Glen when defending set pieces.

That's part the reason we brought on Sakho tbh, that we were getting killed in the air.

[Fredo]

We maybe needed a top class central midfielder but the system got us that far last season, so it can't be wrong. We have a new defence (3 new players), plus a new forward, so it will take a bit of time.

Bad systems does not explain the kind of comical goals we've been conceding this season, it's individual mistakes which are the explanation. Not having a dominant goalkeeper is another issue, but I suspect this will be addressed next season.

[DannyMan2006]

We maybe needed a top class central midfielder but the system got us that far last season, so it can't be wrong. We have a new defence (3 new players), plus a new forward, so it will take a bit of time.

Bad systems does not explain the kind of comical goals we've been conceding this season, it's individual mistakes which are the explanation. Not having a dominant goalkeeper is another issue, but I suspect this will be addressed next season.

Last year we had a front three (inc Raheem) of really tricky players that were technically excellent and had a superb speed of thought. Mario isn't that type of player. He's got other qualities, but we won't be the team of last season.

We can't use the same tactics of last season and expect the same results. We need to change it up somehow. If we accept we will not score 100 goals again, we need to accept that we need to concede less than 50. If we don't have the players for a diamond formation, we need to change it. Simple as.

---------Migs--------
----CB ---- CB -----
--------Gerrard------

That will not be effective at keeping us solid at the back. It wasn't last year and it won't be this year. At least not until we sign someone like Hummells or Kompany. Which is never going to happen anytime this season. So let's change.

[Fredo]

I kind of agree that Balotelli is ill-suited to a high intensity 4-3-3 as he doesn't work hard enough and is on the periphery of things.

[baitman]

That's part the reason we brought on Sakho tbh, that we were getting killed in the air.

its only lovren that is getting killed in the air, and thats thanks to sakho.

[danperkins]

Last year we had a front three (inc Raheem) of really tricky players that were technically excellent and had a superb speed of thought. Mario isn't that type of player. He's got other qualities, but we won't be the team of last season.

We can't use the same tactics of last season and expect the same results. We need to change it up somehow. If we accept we will not score 100 goals again, we need to accept that we need to concede less than 50. If we don't have the players for a diamond formation, we need to change it. Simple as.

---------Migs--------
----CB ---- CB -----
--------Gerrard------

That will not be effective at keeping us solid at the back. It wasn't last year and it won't be this year. At least not until we sign someone like Hummells or Kompany. Which is never going to happen anytime this season. So let's change.