Just managed to watch the game after work and I know the caf can be glum but I'm not sure if some posters even watch the game. We were playing a new formation with an injury hit back 4, and I absolutely loved it. Yes, the stats show they had more shots on target (1dt half only) but there were so many times that we could have been in on goal if not for an overhit pass or a defensive interception. We have a world class keeper so the save he made i don't think his opposite number would save if our passes had gotten through.
The 433 we played today excites me. Mctominay did well I think as it was his first time this year playing as the sole no6. Mobile, adept in the air, good work rate. His passing isnt always the best but all that needs is one of the 2 mids ahead of him to drop back to collect the ball. His job doesn't need to be playing long range passes especially when the 2 centre half's behind him can do that anyway. Varane had 2 clear changes that he saw the run but the ball was cut out unfortunately.
The formation offers options for different games. Today for instance I think donny playing box to box would have been better than Pogba. I think him helping dalot out down our right would have helped a lot given Villarreal were always gonna try and hit on the counter. But we can literally swap a midfielder or 2 dependent on if were playing against a team that sits back, counters or plays with possession and just adjust how far we push up and I think we'd be fine.
Another note is that we have a few players adjusting and when the whole team gels, and everyone knows the runs and positioning of each team mate. Then the chances we had today that didn't pull off, will do and we'll have a chance on goal that 90% of the time our forward line will score.
One thing I would have changed tonight also was how far the wing backs got forward. They can push up but with basically 5 attacking players anyway, they don't need to go past Mctominay really unless the opportunity arises for a forward burst. Dalot for me, if he's given game time and keeps an eye on how far forward he gets, is a lot better than AWB, who basically is useless in any situation apart from 1 on 1 tackling. Dalot Is capable of a wider passing range which helps spread the play. He just needs game time again to adjust.
Performances tonight for me.. De Gea ( obvs), sancho, Mctominay, Varane and Bruno. Cavani and Lingard were instrumental coming on too. Both could be rotated for different games and have a big part this season.
We need to keep this formation though, pick the right players for each game and let it gel. We'll fecking dominate games. I loved the game tonight thought. Saw so much potential in how we played, but more importantly, how we could play.
For Everton, id like to see.
Ronny cavani sancho/Greenwood
Bruno Donny
Mctominay
Shaw/Telles Varane Bailly Dalot
De Gea