What I don't get about Pearson this season.....

[Guest Col city fan]

Lets have it right. We're third, we've had a mini blip, but things are still seemingly going in the right direction.

There's still some things I personally don't get though?

1. Schlupp.... For me, he needs to be playing more consistently at left back. Against Watford (albeit a poor Watford on the day), him and Dyer were unplayable. The pace down that left side was clear to see. I'd like to see Konch dropped now and Schlupp given the chance he needs.

2. Knocky... the general consensus is that he's our most gifted midfielder. At a time when the midfield is contributing so little directly to scoring goals (that's statistically demonstrated) can Pearson not sort out some formation which allows Knocky more freedom to do more damage?

3. Liam Moore... only a few games ago, he was arguably our best performing defender. Now he's not starting. Like Schlupp, is this not a little backward thinking of Pearson?

4. The 4-3-3 when playing away. Its not working, leaves us too exposed and we struggle to stop conceding goals.

Anyway, opinions please. And please none of this 'you're having a go at the manager' nonsense. These are all questions I've been wondering about for a while and the biggest issues I'd like answers to.

[Fox92]

I agree we need a formation where Knockaert is more 'free'. He is our most technically gifted player; a very creative player. But I think we need a right winger first, so that Knockaert can play behind.

[Bob Weasel Fox]

I agree Col re Schluppinator starting games more, albeit perhaps rotating with Konchesky depending on the opposition. Same re Moore with Was perhaps.

The Knocky situation is simple, he should play from the start unless injured suspended or otherwise. Best most creative player since Izzet IMO

I agree away also Col. We need to be solid, more difficult to beat away and use our pacey players and I really don't think the 433 thing works generally

[GingerrrFox]

We should play 3-5-2 away from home. You can get promoted in this league by winning your home games and drawing away from home. I would take a bore draw like we had against Leeds every time away from home if we got promotion at the end of the season. 3-5-2 made us difficult to beat but also gave us a counter attacking threat.

[Walshy5]

I can answer the one about Liam Moore. Miquel has to play because Wenger kicked up a stink and our owners insist Waselewski plays for marketing purposes.

[Munshi]

Agree with most of the main post, not slating Pearson or anything but you can clearly tell that we looked better going forward and (arguably) defensively against Watford with Schlupp as the Left-Back.

With the whole Knocky thing, I just dont get it tbh, a player of his match winning quality should (Presuming he's fit) should be starting every game, you could clearly tell the impact he had on the game against Brighton, we looked a completely different side.

However one thing I dont agree with is your last point, I think 4-3-3 works well most of the time, its just days like Saturday when we didnt turn up on the day and Knockaert not starting set us back a little too much.

[AKCJ]

With regard to point 2.

 

I think we either need to buy another right winger or play 3-5-2 more often.

 

 

Schmeichel

Moore Morgan Wasilewski

RDL Drinkwater James Dyer

Knockaert

Nugent Vardy

 

or

 

Schmeichel

RDL Moore Morgan Konchesky

New RW Drinkwater James Dyer

Knockaert

Wood/Nugent/Vardy

[Nick]

Lets have it right. We're third, we've had a mini blip, but things are still seemingly going in the right direction.

There's still some things I personally don't get though?

1. Schlupp.... For me, he needs to be playing more consistently at left back. Against Watford (albeit a poor Watford on the day), him and Dyer were unplayable. The pace down that left side was clear to see. I'd like to see Konch dropped now and Schlupp given the chance he needs.

2. Knocky... the general consensus is that he's our most gifted midfielder. At a time when the midfield is contributing so little directly to scoring goals (that's statistically demonstrated) can Pearson not sort out some formation which allows Knocky more freedom to do more damage?

3. Liam Moore... only a few games ago, he was arguably our best performing defender. Now he's not starting. Like Schlupp, is this not a little backward thinking of Pearson?

4. The 4-3-3 when playing away. Its not working, leaves us too exposed and we struggle to stop conceding goals.

Anyway, opinions please. And please none of this 'you're having a go at the manager' nonsense. These are all questions I've been wondering about for a while and the biggest issues I'd like answers to.

 

Is there not a respective thread already for each of points 1-4 where all this has already been commented on? (By the OP as well)

[StanSP]

Lets have it right. We're third, we've had a mini blip, but things are still seemingly going in the right direction.

There's still some things I personally don't get though?

1. Schlupp.... For me, he needs to be playing more consistently at left back. Against Watford (albeit a poor Watford on the day), him and Dyer were unplayable. The pace down that left side was clear to see. I'd like to see Konch dropped now and Schlupp given the chance he needs.

2. Knocky... the general consensus is that he's our most gifted midfielder. At a time when the midfield is contributing so little directly to scoring goals (that's statistically demonstrated) can Pearson not sort out some formation which allows Knocky more freedom to do more damage?

3. Liam Moore... only a few games ago, he was arguably our best performing defender. Now he's not starting. Like Schlupp, is this not a little backward thinking of Pearson?

4. The 4-3-3 when playing away. Its not working, leaves us too exposed and we struggle to stop conceding goals.

Anyway, opinions please. And please none of this 'you're having a go at the manager' nonsense. These are all questions I've been wondering about for a while and the biggest issues I'd like answers to.

 

1 - Schlupp - perhaps he's willing to go with more experience at the back considering Miquel is playing these days. He's also probably taking in to account opposition threats and thinks Konchesky is better suited to those opponents. Plus, he is our first choice left-back so maybe Schlupp has to work harder to displace Konchesky. I'm all for giving players chances, however, and think Schlupp should be given more game-time.

 

2 - Knocky - I agree, Col. He needs to play. Especially when he's been the only shining light in 2 dire performances.

 

3 - Moore - Although he was playing well and was one of our best performers, he did have a poor game against Ipswich and then that coincided with good form of Wasilewski (which has since tailed off). Perhaps Moore will play against Burnley. I see it as a good thing that there is a selection problem, so to speak, for the manager. And then don't forget De Laet will be coming back in to the side so I wonder if we'll see the familiar back 4 of RDL/Wes/Moore/Konch. I definitely wouldn't see it as 'backward'. It's also key to not overhype the talent and not to overplay them. Moore is still very young and needs to develop correctly in to the player we want him to be. We don't want him to burnout and pick up injuries which could threaten later down the line. I think it's wise player management by Pearson and maybe we'll see the benefits later on in the season. I hope people don't see that as overly optimistic but I think that's actually forward thinking by Pearson in that he's looking to preserve the fitness of the squad.

 

4 - 433 formation - Again, agreed Col. We may get lucky against lesser teams with the formation, but it does leave us too exposed especially against such an attacking team like Brighton. 

[foxfanazer]

I agree with all of it except the Schlupp bit. He's a decent prospect and there were times when he looked class but for me he hasn't stamped his place on any position firmly enough.

He's become a bit too much of utility man for my liking. I'm sure many will disagree with me

[johnny the fox]

Its an enigma, wrapped inside an conundrum... coated in a mysterious question mark.....

[Bettsj2]

Lets have it right. We're third, we've had a mini blip, but things are still seemingly going in the right direction.

There's still some things I personally don't get though?

1. Schlupp.... For me, he needs to be playing more consistently at left back. Against Watford (albeit a poor Watford on the day), him and Dyer were unplayable. The pace down that left side was clear to see. I'd like to see Konch dropped now and Schlupp given the chance he needs.

2. Knocky... the general consensus is that he's our most gifted midfielder. At a time when the midfield is contributing so little directly to scoring goals (that's statistically demonstrated) can Pearson not sort out some formation which allows Knocky more freedom to do more damage?

3. Liam Moore... only a few games ago, he was arguably our best performing defender. Now he's not starting. Like Schlupp, is this not a little backward thinking of Pearson?

4. The 4-3-3 when playing away. Its not working, leaves us too exposed and we struggle to stop conceding goals.

Anyway, opinions please. And please none of this 'you're having a go at the manager' nonsense. These are all questions I've been wondering about for a while and the biggest issues I'd like answers to.

1 - Schlupp isnt a left back. If anything he should be getting more opportunity on the left wing as Dyers natural successor.

2 - Knocky is class there is no doubt about it but if i'm being honest, I dont think the team and squad as a whole is good or strong enough to carry a free role player. Our best performances have been our most disciplined performances.

3 - When he came off at Ipswich he'd had time away with England and the games previous to that he looked a bit poor so it wasnt really a shock for him to come out for a couple of games. Would deffo bring him back in but because he's 'one of our own' his negatives are more easily forgiven than any of the other defenders.

4 - The critisism of NP last season was the 4-4-2 away from home left us exposed. The 4-3-3 wouldnt if played effectively. James, Hammond and Drinky are the combo for this. King shouldnt be included.

[Corky]

Pearson can't really win on here in terms of formations, people have long complained that his 4-4-2 is too rigid and inflexible yet he tries other systems and still gets criticised.

 

Agree that Moore should play and Knockaert in the side, Schlupp doesn't look like a natural striker or a left-back, winger in place of Dyer seems his best role.

[Jon25747]

Lets have it right. We're third, we've had a mini blip, but things are still seemingly going in the right direction.

There's still some things I personally don't get though?

1. Schlupp.... For me, he needs to be playing more consistently at left back. Against Watford (albeit a poor Watford on the day), him and Dyer were unplayable. The pace down that left side was clear to see. I'd like to see Konch dropped now and Schlupp given the chance he needs.

2. Knocky... the general consensus is that he's our most gifted midfielder. At a time when the midfield is contributing so little directly to scoring goals (that's statistically demonstrated) can Pearson not sort out some formation which allows Knocky more freedom to do more damage?

3. Liam Moore... only a few games ago, he was arguably our best performing defender. Now he's not starting. Like Schlupp, is this not a little backward thinking of Pearson?

4. The 4-3-3 when playing away. Its not working, leaves us too exposed and we struggle to stop conceding goals.

Anyway, opinions please. And please none of this 'you're having a go at the manager' nonsense. These are all questions I've been wondering about for a while and the biggest issues I'd like answers to.

 

I have to say, I couldn't agree more.

[Dan]

We should play 3-5-2 away from home. You can get promoted in this league by winning your home games and drawing away from home. I would take a bore draw like we had against Leeds every time away from home if we got promotion at the end of the season. 3-5-2 made us difficult to beat but also gave us a counter attacking threat.

 

I wouldn't as it became a 5-3-2, and we only looked decent when changing to something more attacking. We won't guarantee draws either by playing for them.

[Leicesterpool]

I have to agree with some of this, Pearson at times makes some weird tactical decisions sometimes good but sometimes bad! I just can't understand how all Liam Moore, Jeff Schlupp and Knocky aren't in the starting eleven. Schlupp is a good average left back, up front i'm not so sure about anymore but on the wing he's lethal! Also on Liam Moore in my opinion he's probably one of the best defenders in the championship at the moment and the best place Pearson can find for him is the bench! Miquel as impressed me recently but there's no way I'd drop Moore for him. I'd actually prefer to see Miquel at left back, we seen him there against Charlton and he appeared to do all right.

[Dan]

Lets have it right. We're third, we've had a mini blip, but things are still seemingly going in the right direction.

There's still some things I personally don't get though?

1. Schlupp.... For me, he needs to be playing more consistently at left back. Against Watford (albeit a poor Watford on the day), him and Dyer were unplayable. The pace down that left side was clear to see. I'd like to see Konch dropped now and Schlupp given the chance he needs.

2. Knocky... the general consensus is that he's our most gifted midfielder. At a time when the midfield is contributing so little directly to scoring goals (that's statistically demonstrated) can Pearson not sort out some formation which allows Knocky more freedom to do more damage?

3. Liam Moore... only a few games ago, he was arguably our best performing defender. Now he's not starting. Like Schlupp, is this not a little backward thinking of Pearson?

4. The 4-3-3 when playing away. Its not working, leaves us too exposed and we struggle to stop conceding goals.

Anyway, opinions please. And please none of this 'you're having a go at the manager' nonsense. These are all questions I've been wondering about for a while and the biggest issues I'd like answers to.

 

1. Defensively he can be a liability, but I fully take your point. He's a very decent player going forward and providing he's covered, he should be fine. I'd like to see him tried there more.

 

2. I agree. We're wasting the best player we've had in years.

 

3. I think it's down to him liking a left footed left centre half and a right footed right centre half - hence why he gives Miquel the nod. I'd definitely have Moore in on Saturday though.

 

4. I agree again. Scrap 4-3-3 away from home because I don't remember a single decent performance with it.

[foxfanazer]

I have to agree with some of this, Pearson at times makes some weird tactical decisions sometimes good but sometimes bad! I just can't understand how all Liam Moore, Jeff Schlupp and Knocky aren't in the starting eleven. Schlupp is a good average left back, up front i'm not so sure about anymore but on the wing he's lethal!

Good average left back?

[Happy Fox]

Miguel has done okay if anything it is Captain Morgan that needs to be dropped replaced by either Moore/ Wasyl, been very poor for the past couple of games.

[Finnegan]

We aren't going to play Knocky behind a lone striker until we sign another winger and / or get promoted.

Nobody really plays a proper top class 4231 in this league. There's much more emphasis on 442 or 451. I hate 352, people need to get their heads out of the nineties.

[hornyhollthefox123]

Schlupp played exceptionally well at Watford, and i would love him to become a superb player...

 

But for now, he's not. Konchesky is the only consistent realistic option..

 

But yes Col, i certainly agree re Liam Moore.

 

I made the point the other day. Our best back four for me is RDL, Moore, Morgan, Konch

[dynamark]

I fear TBH.Shades of last year and earlier.Knock is first name on the sheet for me .By all means take him off later but he wants the ball and takes the game to the opposition.Jeff is suffering from his various position.Brighton we needed to go at them 3 points is a lot better than 1s.

Praying for a positive attitude over the next two weeks this could make or break.

[Aus Fox]

Your post sort of contradicts itself in point 4 you talk about leaving us exposed at the back, yet want to play Schluup at left back who in my opinion is better going forward, but is an aweful defender.

You want Knocky in a free role, yet that would again leave us more exposed with 3 attacking players going forward and not defending.

We can't have it both ways we either go more attacking whic leaves us a bit more exposed, or we get tight at the back.

I agree about Moore but I think he just got played out of the team, the joy of how well this team is playing is one or two games below par and your out.

I fully expect Moore or De Laet to be back in against Burnley if not both.

[Guest Sharpe's Fox]

Schlupp isn't a very good left back, could be a good winger but can't touch Lloyd and had his chance up front against Forest and was pretty poor. Why drop Konchesky when he is playing well and the squad obviously value him (third place in Players Player of the Season awards) even if a lot of us don't.

[Guest]

I've been saying this for ages......