Today’s performance against Arsenal was of no surprise but yet again it was the manner in which we got beat, what was Coleman actually trying to do by shielding the ball on the line, a player of his experience should know when to get rid in such a dangerous area of the pitch. Then we have Jagielka taking the ball out of defence, goes on a 70 yard dribble beating players in the process, then stops passes it sideways straight to an Arsenal player. Jagielka should focus on what he is good at and that is the recovery tackle using his pace to get the vital block or an interception, he is a liability with the ball at his feet with time and when Howard rolls the ball out he should have the sense to roll it to John Stones first.

Martinez’s formation and football philosophy doesn’t work and it hasn’t all season, we simply haven’t got the players at our disposal that can excel in his philosophy, what we are seeing now is players with no confidence is their own ability, I look at Ross Barkley and can’t believe the change from last season, remember that goal against Newcastle last season, surging forward runs at every opportunity with pace and power at the forefront of everything he was doing. Sadly that part of his game has deserted him and replaced with an inability of keeping the ball, he also has become a liability and a luxury we cannot afford in a relegation battle.

Martinez said prior to the Hull game…

“You don’t win games by changing the style. You win games by being very, very good at what you do and changing only brings doubts. I’ve been in this situation too many times.

And there lies the problem a manager that refuses to change his approach, maybe he see’s it as a sign of weakness, I see it differently for me stubbornness is a weakness, changing doesn’t bring doubts it shows bravery and considering our position now is not the time for stubbornness.

The formation needs to change as does the players mindset, 442  is essential with a direct style of play rather then keep possession side to side. We have to set up solid at the back and use the flanks, this would mean playing with two wingers Atsu on the left with Lennon operating on the right. We all know Lukaku is often isolated up top, Kone would give us more options in the final 3rd where sadly we are lacking, by playing with two forwards you increase your chances of scoring. It would also require both fullbacks to stay back and let the wingers push on, sadly can’t see Martinez agreeing as he says worryingly he’s been in this situation too many times.

Martinez also needs to be brave in his team selection now with luxury and his favourites players binned and replaced with players that are direct in their approach and are ready to roll their sleeves up and fight.

My team would be that below, it’s time to change things up as it is simply not working and with a bench consisting of Baines – Mirallas – Barkley – Naismith – Besic – Barry and Pienaar gives us plenty of options if required.

Howard – Garbutt – Stones – Jagielka – Coleman – Atsu – Gibson – McCarthy – Lennon – Kone – Lukaku

 I can’t wait till this season is over so we can start again, with a mass influx of players coming in and a good few leaving, as this season has been a huge disaster and for some strange reason  I have very little interest in the Europa Cup and very much doubt we have the capability to beat the likes of Roma – Napoli  – Villarreal – Inter – Sevilla and Ajax when we can’t even beat the likes of Hull and Leicester.

I fear if Martinez doesn’t change his philosophy, then we will be relegated which will have more serious ramifications, players sold and lost revenue, but more importantly I doubt we would get back up straight away and end up like Leeds and Forest for many years. It’s really that serious at the moment and the fact that we didn’t get anything from Stoke on Wednesday, means that we have to pray that we beat Newcastle at home.

I feel so negative at the moment and sometimes I do admire Martinez’s stance in wanting to play football in the right manner but it a result business and like any business we are in real danger of going bust if things don’t change and in the words of Bobby we need incredible phenomenal characters and we need them now.

#COYB

Mark

Cumbrian Toffee
Follow me on Twitter @Bluetoffee72