Originally posted by curiousOrange:
We seem to have only one trick in mind during the second half.
- Hold up the ball at the right/left flank
- Wait for someone who can cross the ball a bit to drop by
- Get Crouch to position himself in the box
- Get the cross in and hope that the Chelski defenders screw up
- Rinse and repeat
We must have employed the same tactics more than 15 times in the second half.
I am now deeply concerned that this might be a reflection of RafaÂ’s vision of how 4-5-1 should be played.
If that is the case, we might as well drop 4-5-1 altogether because I donÂ’t think thatÂ’s how the 4-5-1 formation should be employed at all.
Look at the wingers in ChelskiÂ’s team. Duff and Robben are players who can cross well but usually itÂ’s their creativity, their movement off the ball and dribbling skills that can win the game for them.
I will be truly worried if Rafa ended up signing some good crossers who are similar to Riise and Zenden (good work ethics but contribute precious little in terms of movement, taking players on and creativity). Simao doesnÂ’t look like the type of players that can dribble well either.
If that is the case, our version of 4-5-1 is destined for failure as we will end up being too predictable and one-dimensional.
This is benitez preferred formation unlikely he will change..