Fair points Maverick but I suspect Cresswell came in so he could play a back 3 with 2 advanced wing backs to match up with Palace. He switched Kudus central as we had hoped but tactically went with a “double pivot” of Alvatez and Rodruiguez to limit space for Sarr and Eze and Mateta who like to run onto balls into the channels. It restricted Palace first half to one clear on target effort from Mateta but completely nullified us in an attacking sense. We couldnt get the ball or break out when we did and Kudus and Paqueta were starved of service.
He got that wrong but then changed things by bringing Soler on and ditching the double pivot. That just saw us concede almost immediately. Unfortunately the high press that got Fulham to make 2 mistakes for 2 goals failed when Soler, Emerson, Alvarez and one other attempted it against Palace, they broke they and in 3 passes to Mateta a goal was scored. Potter said that Soler was feeling a tight hamstring from Tues which was why he didnt start.
Potter had 2 problems. Conceding “boat loads” of goals and with 3 first choice forwards out, no real recognised outlet. He tried to start by not conceding but got the balance wrong, tried to adjust it and we conceded. The sending off just killed the game.
Lets see what we do at Villa. If Scarles starts and we go to a back 4 it might help although Alvarez or the U21 rookie will have to play as a CB? Who then plays centre defensive mid. Got to hope Summerville is back.
in summary, would not selecting Cresswell and Rodruiguez have led to a better result? No one knows. Maybe but maybe not. I think the wider point is its tough to be too hard on Potter with such limited options. Its not like we had experience and quality on the bench.
Missing your best forwards 4 if you include Antonio, and inheriting a one paced central midfield and centre back partnership in the absence of Todibo, is a huge millstone to be carrying. At this early stage ( 3 games ) Im not going to conclude anything. Its what happens next that is more interesting. Will Potter double down on the defence first approach to stpp conceding the goals? Best form of defence is attack was almost impossible yesterday but with Bowen and Summerville returning, thats the time to get a better idea of Potter. He will have proper alternative options.
imho of course