David Moyes has given a fascinating insight into how he is getting the best from Marko Arnautovic describing the issue as a “tactical jigsaw puzzle” he has to make before every game.
Speaking to the official site he said: “If we play with three at the back, as we did against Chelsea, it’s going to be difficult to play with Michail Antonio wide on the right, and Arnautovic wide on the left, because it would mean we will be 3-4-3, which can be too attacking, particularly against the top sides.
On Saturday we were 3-5-2 for most of the game, with Michail down the middle and Marko supporting him, with Manuel Lanzini slightly deeper.
We used their power and strength. I thought those two as forwards could cause problems, and they did.
Marko’s all-round work has been really good. I’ve just said to all the players ‘If you don’t do it I won’t select you because at the moment I need it’.
Football isn’t all about running, it’s about passing the ball as well and other things, but what the people here want to see is players putting in effort, and energy.”
And I think the energy Marko showed is giving the crowd a lift and they are reacting to see if Marko Arnautovic can do it they all can do it.”
Really like what’s coming out of the Moyes regime right now. Sure we’ll lose some games, but the team effort on Saturday was tremendous with a lot more composure on the ball and discipline in shape. It’s really starting to look up for us, and that makes Monday’s so much more tolerable! 🙂
Agree have faith in Moyes I think if can be consistent might go on a good run especially w lil luck & some good ref calls.
But his tactics & formations have been great. Every pundit said play him on LW where he is best but he has been using him on right & cut in scored w lovely left foot finish (which most ly scores w right in PL only 3rd left foot goal) & think allows Arnie give better service on right. Him & Antonio will start to link up better they more they play & I think the Triple A could be huge Arthur Antonio & Arnie all have pace & power they sync up well & can swap in & out will be huge threat!
flexibility. love it.
there’s a thread on another well known forum asking what our first team is. we should have none – play players in the right position, who are in form, for the occasion of who we’re playing that game. end of.
Would say they all deserve to start from last game but good to have options even w our thin squad. And Moyes as adjusted players from their preferred position like Arnie & Cresswell & Ant but gave them instructions & they knew their jobs & did it.
Just hope they keel getting better they should go ahead & extend his contract bc that will help w recruitment & for me if Moyes keeps on like this & we have good cup run & finish top 10 even 12 I would keep him on if still playing like this & arguably he is better in his 2nd season & will have less pressure be more likely to play & bring thru youth
I would love to see what Antonio could do playing rwb with some proper coaching. Love the idea of masuaka down the left, Antonio down the right with Arnie and Hernandez up top and lanzini in the hole behind pulling the strings.
Also as a late crimbo present can we please have jack Wilshere.