2025/26 David Moyes

[Marcus Kendall]

Playing two slow centre backs is a conscious choice though, given JOB is quicker than Branthwaite.

Yes you're right. It's a conscious choice by the manager. The deeper you defend the more secure in theory you should be defensively hence why a risk adverse manager like Moyes prefers it. The problem is if you're defending deep you need an outlet on the counter attack and since we haven't got any true pace on the counter we just become aimless with the hoofs up to the target man. Another thing that grinds my gears is having everyone back defending corners so you are allowing yourself to get pinned back without an out ball if you manage to clear the corner