Silva’s Playbook

[Dr. Sponge]

What do we think of the new Gaffer’s tactics?

All the talk has been of a 433, but today it was more like 442 or 4411, with Sigurdson as the support striker behind Tosun.

Richarlison and Walcott looked like old style wingers.

Schneiderlin and Gueye were both very deep at times.

Obviously it all changed after the red card.

[Goaljira]

What do we think of the new Gaffer’s tactics?

All the talk has been of a 433, but today it was more like 442 or 4411, with Sigurdson as the support striker behind Tosun.

Richarlison and Walcott looked like old style wingers.

Schneiderlin and Gueye were both very deep at times.

Obviously it all changed after the red card.

They way Sigurdsson played off Tosun is how I coyld see Bernard playing, so thats good to see its a system he wants to play whatever.

Think it'll be more 4-3-3 next week at home though.

[Toffee_4_Life]

I think he’s a smart manager who will adapt his tactics and formation based on the personnel available, the strength of the opposition and where we’re playing.

Couldn’t play his usual 4-3-3 with that midfield or two slow centre backs so he played what was best for the team away from home and it should have got us three points if the ref hadn’t shit his pants.

[BlueForYou]

He has the players on his side, Silva tongue he is - a big asset

[sam of the south]

He has the players on his side, Silva tongue he is - a big asset

I read that as Yoda

[Lxxx]

Noticed Schneiderlin in between the two centre halves a lot. Similar to what Barry did under Martinez.

[sam of the south]

Noticed Schneiderlin in between the two centre halves a lot. Similar to what Barry did under Martinez.

Yeah, and that’s where the similarities ended (between both Martinez’ and Silva’s tactics, and Schneiderlin’s and Barry’s talents )

[Bluedylan]

I read that as Yoda

It's the only way to really make sense of his haiku.

[Jamokachi]

Noticed Schneiderlin in between the two centre halves a lot. Similar to what Barry did under Martinez.

Thought Big Mo had a good game, and I'm really pleased about that. Hope he has a big season with us.

[GLewis]

Thought Big Mo had a good game, and I'm really pleased about that. Hope he has a big season with us.

It’s just still the issue of him with Gueye.

Along with neither of them really passing forward with any regularity they don’t seem to have a natural understanding defensively.

[Jamokachi]

It’s just still the issue of him with Gueye.

Along with neither of them really passing forward with any regularity they don’t seem to have a natural understanding defensively.

Yep. I think you mentioned earlier, I fear for Gueye as I think Schneiderlin better suits how Silva wants to play, and is far better on the ball with a greater passing range. Against lesser sides I don't think we need Gueye 'the destroyer', but that's not to say he won't have a big part to play this season. 

[Lxxx]

Thought Big Mo had a good game, and I'm really pleased about that. Hope he has a big season with us.

Yes he ran around a lot more but I kept an eye on him and nearly every pass is very McCarthy-esque. Before he received the ball he's always got one eye on the next backwards or sideways easy pass instead of picking his head up to see if a more progressive ball is on to catch the opposition out or capitalise on a bit of space. Which then leaves Gana to be the one to start an attack, which clearly isn't his strong point.

It's like he's got all the tools but doesn't want to use them and instead opts to play within himself. Frustrating player.

[Jamokachi]

Yes he ran around a lot more but I kept an eye on him and nearly every pass is very McCarthy-esque. Before he received the ball he's always got one eye on the next backwards or sideways easy pass instead of picking his head up to see if a more progressive ball is on to catch the opposition out or capitalise on a bit of space. Which then leaves Gana to be the one to start an attack, which clearly isn't his strong point.

It's like he's got all the tools but doesn't want to use them and instead opts to play within himself. Frustrating player.

I think there's still the case of confidence here, and the better he plays the more adventurous he'll become.

[Lxxx]

I think there's still the case of confidence here, and the better he plays the more adventurous he'll become.

You'd like to hope so. I think Silva is the type to put an arm round someone and tell them how good they are, or could be if they expressed themselves, so hopefully this rubs off on him as he's clearly a confidence player and not the strongest mentally.

[dunkster]

Yes he ran around a lot more but I kept an eye on him and nearly every pass is very McCarthy-esque. Before he received the ball he's always got one eye on the next backwards or sideways easy pass instead of picking his head up to see if a more progressive ball is on to catch the opposition out or capitalise on a bit of space. Which then leaves Gana to be the one to start an attack, which clearly isn't his strong point.

It's like he's got all the tools but doesn't want to use them and instead opts to play within himself. Frustrating player.

Said similar to my boy that he lacks awareness of what's immediately around him. There were times Baines did well to get out of trouble and make a short pass inside to him and he could have taken the ball on more centrally and forwards but instead would often simply pass it straight back to where it came from.