The issue is, in my opinion, that the 3-5-2 system that we play is a passing- and- attacking formation. It’s not a resilient or a defensive formation. It’s lovely when the team is confident and playing well ( as we saw in those game against SWfC earlier in the season).
But we’re not going to be playing confidently and we’ll, throughout the course of a 46 match season- and no manager can expect that. So how do we ensure that we still pick up the 3 points when below par?
We need to get past the “love in” with the 3-5-2 wing- back system, which we play. In my opinion, there are far too many gaps and holes in that system to make it an effective or resilient defensive formation, capable of winning promotion out of EFL1.
What’s the answer ? This is something that Shuey and the club’s hierarchy will need to wrestle with. There is an issue- which has led to alarming variances of form and results over the last two seasons.
My solution ( for what it’s worth ) is to play a 3-5-2 system- which is capable of switching into 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 when needed. How do we do that ? You would start by ditching the wing- back system and play a 3-1, at the back- with an outstanding defensive midfielder ( DM) sitting just in front of the back 3. The DM could move back into the 3 to make up a 4,and then back into the midfield to make a 3- whenever that was needed. Also to play with two outstanding and hard working wingers. These have always been the staple of any successful Argyle sides, during my time supporting the club.
