We have now lost 3 games in a row and have put in our worst performances of the season.
On our previous bad runs which have brought us down to league 1, the blame, was difficult to assign.
Was it the board and takeover talk, poor management and team selection or lack of effort from the players.
This time the majority of blame must be directed towards the players. But considering the classy Carlisle goals and the money status of Southampton the only game where we could have had a better outing was the Northwich FA Cup game.
Lets put this all into perspective. We are out of two cup competitions. One of which we had no chance of winning, the other completely pointless. We've dropped only three points and that was an away game, our furthest trip north of the season where the opposing side scored two out and out stunning goals. It happens.
The game last night against Southampton had nothing to do with form or ability. It was about history and who wanted it more. The Saints put out the strongest possible side and whilst playing at home we were always going to be up against it. Most people talk about Southamptons 10 point deducation and have them as a playoff team at best. All I see is the richest club in League 1. They can and have spent 1million on at least one player this season. They can and have offered wages no one else can cover. As the season grows they will become more and more dangerous, as it is they were the form side in the game.
I wanted Parkinson to try something new. He dropped or rested a significant proportion of the first team, including Bailey and Racon from midfield.
He experimented with Spring and Semedo in central defence. Llera came back into central defence whilst Youga switched to right back and Basey played on the left. We had two out and out wingers in Wagstaff and Sam. With Shelvey in the attacking midfield/supporting striker role. Mooney was upfront on his own.
We lost 2-1 but this was not a close game. Southampton dominated the first half and although we improved in the second period we were always hanging on.
But we did gain real value from this game.
Parkinson would have learnt a lot about his side especially the fringe players. Winger Holden came on as a sub and gave a decent if raw performance. McKenzie, also a sub, scored and looks to be gaining match fitness.
The much talked about 4-4-1-1 formation was used again and it is now obvious this only works with a fit Burton.
The difference between Mooney playing upfront alone and as part of a partnership with Burton as he did in the closing stages was drastic. Like two different players. The key here is when he had the ball he looked like a good player with a couple of fine shots. Holden who provided the cross for our goal might be closer to a finished product then we first thought. His pace was scary.
Although I would like to think Parkinson was dropping players in reaction to our FA Cup loss it became obvious with the substitutions of Sam and Semedo that he was resting key first teamers for the league game against MK Dons. I have no problem with this.
For some reason we spent the majority of the first half playing the long ball game. With one upfront this was always going to be a fruitless endeavour.
The one player who was lost in the mix, was Jonjo Shelvey, playing in his current position, the game passed him by. He barely had a touch. You can blame formation but also inexperience plays a part. Almost from the first minute he abandoned his role and dropped deeper to become more involved in the game. It failed and left Mooney isolated. You can't blame the kid. The result would have still been the same if he had stuck to his assigned task. The problem was the formation.
If we can only play well with Burton in a 4-4-1-1 then we need to switch permanently to 4-4-2. I think for the majority of players this is a more natural formation.
However in a 4-4-2 unless we play Spring and Semedo, midfield defensive cover for the defense is weak. We might score more goals but we would certainly concede more as well.
I think we should pick the best 11 players to fill a 4-4-2 formation rather than the best 11 players we have.
For what it's worth this would be my team if all players were fit.
Elliot in goal. The back up goalkeeper is a dilemma. Based on recent performances I believe Randolph gives us more stability at the back. Knowing he is unlikely to be offered a new contract and is clearly third choice behind on-loan Ikeme can't help.
Right back would clearly be Richardson with Solly as back up. For the time being I would move Dailly across. He's the fittest player at the club and is experienced in this position.
In central defence I would recall Llera and partner with Sodje. We would like pace but both provide a true physical presence.
On the left I would play Youga. This is just me but I think he is regaining some confidence and consistency.
In midfield we have been light weight. Semedo even with five in midfield is the only true ball winner. I think we need two attacking midfielders and two defensive. On the right Sam is a nailed on starter. However over on the left I would go with Basey due to his ability to both attack and defend. He's not perfect but he gives us width and should complement Youga well.
In Central defense Semedo would play the defensive role and this would allow Bailey, as captain, to be at the heart of team play.
Burton would partner McKenzie upfront. Both have the experience and knowledge to take advantage of most defences.
On the bench I would like to see Shelvey, who I see competing for the Bailey role, and Holden who can play wide left or right. Mooney and yes McLeod are decent cover for the striking roles.
The odd man out in all of this is Racon. His form has not been good. As an attacking midfielder if you don't provide assists or goals then I'm not sure what value you bring to a team. He needs to be dropped to regain his motivation.
Of course I'm not the manager. Which is definitely a good thing. Parkinson will make his own choice and due to the teams fielded on this losing streak he now has more information on what works and what doesn't. Let's hope he learns from those lessons starting with the MKDons.
