I think the last 20 minutes was not too dissimilar to the course of a normal game where the winning team sits deeper to see out a victory. I would definitely say the pressure of needing that win and our lack of confidence played its part. I got the impression from O’Shea and Furlong that there was very much a no risks approach.
I’m also not naive to say that Aklardyce’s methods may contain periods of the game where you soak up pressure from the opposition.
I think Phillips is included ahead of both Diangana and Robinson because of the balance he provides the team. Especially when we have the enigmatic Pereira on the other flank. I cannot see Allardyce lining up with a side that exposes our full backs. If Pereira doesn’t get into position you have the energetic AMN or Gallagher who come across and make it a flat four. I don’t think we can afford to have two wide men with a lazy approach to defending.
Our method to survival is remaining in games, being compact and not opening ourselves up and I think we run that risk with Diangana and Robinson.
I'll be honest I don't ike the style of football, in reality it's hardly any different to Pulis.
We still haven't got rid of HRK, he's hanging on like a limpet.
We were largely outplayed yesterday, that's the long and short of it.
It's not about attacking Allardyce but we are still coming up short in this division, but that maybe largely due to budget constraints.
Oh and Pereira on the wing is not playing to his strengths.