Been reading here for a while, thought I'd sign up as it was inevitable eventually.
Obviously delighted with how things are at present, first time in years and years we've had a squad which can be rotated without too much loss (if any) of quality.
One thing I keep reading from posters/on Twitter/through the chronicle etc is that Gayle and Mitrovic should be played together. The benefits of Rafa going 4-2-3-1 throughout all of last season, pre season and this season is now beginning to shine through. Everyone in that squad knows their jobs, why? Because Rafa plays a system of which he has recruited personnel to fit the system and not just thrown money at names/players with sell-on potential. Whether it's Colback/Hayden/Shelvey/Diame/Perez starting in the midfield 3 if you like, they know exactly what is expected of them offensively and more importantly defensively. The wingers who play know they have a slight license to go express themselves and create, as one of the two deeper central midfields can always shift across to protect if a counter attack for the opposition occurs. Go 4-4-2 with Mitro + Gayle and we lose all of that instantly. The 'everyone knowing their jobs' in this current squad is pivotal to what we're seeing it now. Seen it for years with England as well, we pick personnel and have no idea of the best system. Rafa has gone system first over the summer and recruited accodingly, drilled it into the players and we are now reaping the benefits as fans. Long may it continue!
In reference to the thread, would take a point Saturday as Brighton play Norwich. Optimist in me wants to grind a 1-0 out - Gayle.
