Interesting the contrast of views on last night, I thought we were ok but lost to a good side. Whilst West Ham didn't look swashbuckling I think they were deliberately cautious so they didn't get done on the break, I thought they always looked like they could ramp it up when they needed.
We are definitely looking more solid although we have conceded yet another two goals. I like Gibbs and think he is a better defender than he gets credit for however he is not a great back post defender and could do better on the second although it was an excellent cross. I wonder if going forward he'll be replaced by Townsend who i don't think is better than Gibbs but is actually good in the air, he is strong in this area for a full back. The way we are setup is likely to involve us defending lots of crosses into the box.
We are setting up in a narrow 4411 so as to not expose the centre backs too much and so the wide players can help out the central two off the ball. This works well as it allows Pereira to remain in dangerous positions. It's a Hodgson-esque setup really, full backs don't bomb on unless we have established possession with the two central midfielders remaining in there. Protects against the counter and allows for some possession if a little bit limited going forward at times.
I think you put Gallagher in the centre in place of Livermore and we improve very quickly. Of we can then supplement him with a better midfielder than Sawyers and we will look strong in there. We then need to add a striker and possible defender. Bartley has looked good the last couple of games, the system doesn't expose the cbs too much and relies on them having aerial prowess, which he has so it might suit him however he doesn't convince me. Others have concerns over Ajayi, as do I, however like I have said elsewhere he can and is improving and I think can be coached to improve. Either way we need reinforcements, I wouldn't want Furlong as a rb in this system so need O'Shea (or someone new) in there and I dont want to see Ivanovic at all so leaves us a little short.
Definitely something to build on, shame the next game is City and then Fulham, would have preferred it the other way around to carry on the momentum from the last two improved performances.