Start games with 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1?

[KG3]

Depends on the opponent

Exactly 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 we should be adapting the formation depending on theopponent and the players we have available for selection.

[theHotHead]

Even the mighty Guardiola chooses formations and tactics based on the opposition, surely that must be in a head coach/manager's job description!!

[DiamondGooner]

I have to say after watching the highlights again ......... we did unbelievable with 4-4-2.

Front two pressed great, wide men did well, defended well enough.

Altogether we looked more cohesive in this shape and it allows us to get Auba and Laca on, wonder if Emery will stick with it after the international break.

Don't get me wrong we've done well in the other games with 4-2-3-1 but we looked more like we got out of jail and dug out a result rather than absolutely dominate like we did Saturday, it was all "We didn't play well but still won" as opposed to performance of the season.

Either way I trust Emery to do what's needed, been a while since I've been able to say that about our manager.

[Yago]

I have to say after watching the highlights again ......... we did unbelievable with 4-4-2.

Front two pressed great, wide men did well, defended well enough.

Altogether we looked more cohesive in this shape and it allows us to get Auba and Laca on, wonder if Emery will stick with it after the international break.

Don't get me wrong we've done well in the other games with 4-2-3-1 but we looked more like we got out of jail and dug out a result rather than absolutely dominate like we did Saturday, it was all "We didn't play well but still won" as opposed to performance of the season.

Either way I trust Emery to do what's needed, been a while since I've been able to say that about our manager.

We played 4-4-2 in the first half and were shit. I think it's more about the players than the formation.

[LMAO]

I think it's more about the players than the formation.

[DiamondGooner]

I have to say after watching the highlights again ......... we did unbelievable with 4-4-2.

Front two pressed great, wide men did well, defended well enough.

Altogether we looked more cohesive in this shape and it allows us to get Auba and Laca on, wonder if Emery will stick with it after the international break.

Don't get me wrong we've done well in the other games with 4-2-3-1 but we looked more like we got out of jail and dug out a result rather than absolutely dominate like we did Saturday, it was all "We didn't play well but still won" as opposed to performance of the season.

Either way I trust Emery to do what's needed, been a while since I've been able to say that about our manager.

We played 4-4-2 in the first half and were shit. I think it's more about the players than the formation.

That may be due to the fact it was 0-0, tactically 4-4-2 looks like its under the cosh until they score, then your in all sorts of trouble as you press more looking for a goal and get countered even easier.

Us vs Atletico last year for e.g, we thought we were doing great then ..............

[BouncySean]

The actual 4-4-2 we played seemed to be more of a 4-2-2-2

I agree though it depends entirely on opponents but the 4-4-2 does look to get the best out of Laca and Pierre.

[thebigbangtheo]

I think that what we can say is, we have seen that 4-4-2 played with the right personnel can work and be very effective in getting the best out of our strike force.

What we can also say with equal validation is that we have not played 4-2-3-1 with the right personnel to get the very best from our strike force or midfield but have still managed to achieve the ultimate outcome, win.