May-Z

The width is unlocked by the positions of the wingers being in front of the central attacker rather than tucked in behind. If you think of the average positions as the starting positions, you can see how much easier it is to use width behind full backs earlier. As opposed to the wide players being fed with the ball dropped back to them. With chance for defenders to close up. What you say about switching flanks also worked well as it meant the ball could be used earlier when crossing rather than it having to be checked back first. It's the type of stuff Gerrard just refused -or didn't know how to - tweak.

Assuming the person 'watching today' was watching their current team get pumped 4-0...

He said "individually and collectively"!

Top: Fulham average positions Bottom: Brentford average positions. (Yes, it's upside down but so it's easier to compare by attacking in the same direction) Just look at the difference in CM. The coverage of that area and the support for the central striker is night and day. No wonder we could play some intricate passes between three or four players when attacking today. You also got loads more width up front to hit early and create chances from wide or on the break.

I hope he's at home squirming about how he's just been made to look a clearing in the woods. He'll probably be sat there blaming the players for not doing that for him.

Wolves 21 shots, 0 goals Leicester 5 shots, 4 goals. Fire up the turbo-lolz

I've just seen his goal as I missed it on my stream. What a finish! That's what they call 'three bites at the cherry' right?

Probably a good 'last five minute, midfielder on for a striker to see out a game with hustle and bustle' type sub, but not much else.

Absolute class. The ball sticking in that final third makes such a difference. In fact, you could see the change when McGinn and Coutinho came on. We were much more careless with the ball.

But also 100% believable at the same time

Yeah, bit of a shame really. I thought that would be a bit of good man-management to give him a few minutes. But I do get that Ramsey and McGinn needed sweetening up and keeping onside....and that Chambers and Archer needed cajoling too. If Sanson isn't on next match, I think he may be done.

My interpretation is similar to what happens to Grealish at Man City and England. You want to be in the team and doing your best. However, the shape/system/tactic that the manager wants doesn't suit your game. (Or at least bring the best out of it) Ergo, you try hard to carry out the managers plan so you're not dropped....but your game suffers because of it. Then in Gerrard's case, he comes out and blasts you after the game to the media saying you're not doing what is expected and must get better to compound the I'll feeling.

The CDM we needed after all.

That CM pair looks so much better. Passes can go in and be passed off quicker, and first time. Defensive covering is done as a pack and not own person getting overrun.

If Brentford did play into our hands, credit to Danks for identifying that and putting Bailey in a formation where it could use him.

Great finish. Also, nice movement to jink the defender in the first place.

I think what this system will do is mean that it isn't as devastating for us though. Cash won't be as far forward and will hold position a bit more, menacing the gaps are smaller.

Playing Luiz on his own as a DCM is 'light'. There will be Dendonker in with him and Emi in front to give them a passing option.

I'm reading the words 'audacious' and 'acrobatic' when people are describing the goal. Don't think I've heard him referred to as either before!

Whiney word removed as well.

Get him some game time tomorrow. Even a 10-15 min spell at the end gives him the welcome back that means we can use him.

Could be quite a good way to reintroduce players into the said again. If Sanson and Guilbert make the bench, for example, it means they could be back onside very quickly. Even moreso if they get a bit of time in the game. I'd be tempted to make sure it happened, especially with Sanson. We've got to be able to use our assets instead of them rotting away.

Retaining the ball is so important. Our players just haven't been in the position to do it well in the system Gerrard used. Dougie/Kamara get the ball, other support is miles away out on each flank, or crowded out in the middle. What I will say though, a long ball is a decent option sometimes, but if you haven't got wingers, it shouldn't be used. Why we tried to go long so often with two narrow 10s is perplexing. Although, probably because of my first point about lack of options.

Not an issue, for me. Leave it with McGinn, but drop him. Give it to Young, Mings, or Martinez who are actually on the pitch.

Will be interesting to see how much Danks deviates from the norm. If he immediately switches formation and brings in somebody from the cold it will be quite telling as to what Gerrard was pushing onto his staff. I can't see us sticking with what's gone before...so I predict a change to 4231 but with personel largely the same. Martinez Cash Konsa Mings Young Luiz McGinn Bailey Buendia(or Coutinho) Watkins Ings Not exactly what I'd do, but it's what I think we'll see. (Maybe Ramsey wide left with Watkins up top instead of Ings.)