Can Hodgson fix it?

Monday, 26/09/2011

by Dave Wedgbury, Shoot's West Brom blogger

Albion battled out a goalless draw against Fulham with few inspiring moments throughout the 90 minutes.

The main question that crossed my mind as I walked out of the Astle gates was that our experienced manager Roy Hodgson doesn’t appear to really know his best line up and formation. His decisions regarding formation and players' positions did raise a few eyebrows at the Hawthorns when the team was announced.

Although it was touted by Roy that he started with a 4-3-3 formation, it appeared to me that the way the players played we settled into a 4-5-1 formation, with Shane Long leading the line. I felt that Odemwingie was wasted on the right flank and Thomas, renown for his attacking flair was instructed to put his defensive duties first. The dazzling runs at the right back from last season were few and far between, it was obvious that he was covering his fullback and dropping deeper into midfield and at times into defence.

My concern is that Roy will pick his best eleven players, but then try to fit them into his formation, irrespective of whether this results in wingers player defensive and our top scorer last year playing deeper.

It is plainly obvious to most fans that Odemwingie thrives when playing on the shoulder of the last defender, his burst of speed and ability to beat players ensure that he gets numerous opportunities during each match – playing him deeper than Long was a mistake in my opinion, something that seemed to noticed as the game went on with Odemwingie reverting to the front role – suddenly both he and Albion looked more threatening.

I hope that Roy now looks long and hard at his team and makes a decision whether Long can play with Odemwingie, I am beginning to doubt this unless Long plays the deeper role in a five man midfield? Both players seemed to want to take up similar positions in attack and whether in time they can grow into a decent partnership remains to be seen.

I welcomed back Dorrans as we desperately need his creativity and energy in the centre of that midfield, but at the moment he does not look match fit and slowed as the game progressed. Hopefully we can get the lad firing on all cylinders as he is a player who can influence the game for us.

It was nice to see McAuley playing his first Premier League game at the heart of the Albion defence with Olsson, in fairness to him, he did not do much wrong at all – commanding in the air and fairly competent with the ball.  His main test will come when faced with quicker forwards, but for now the lad deserves credit and could make the position his own.

Another point but it does seem that attractive performances and points do not go together at the Hawthorns at the moment, the days of you can score two but we will score three may be long gone – organisation and pragmatism are the menu of the day with Roy – will it keep Albion up and please the fans?

I predict it may just be enough to keep us up, but there will may just be quite a few of us older fans who will be disappointed with what they are watching, but if we are still in the Premiership next year – will anyone care?

• 

• Have your say