Its really simple, we have a terrible back four. The only way to get results with that back four (take your pick any 4 from 8, perhaps with the exception of reguilon) is to drop sissoko and PEH back to support the full backs and sit whats left deep as a four in front of them.
This is incredibly hard to break down, and the greatest threat comes from self inflicted fuck ups and set pieces. It also depends on us (well kane and son really) scoring on the break. Playing like this took us to the top of the league.
Trouble is we invariably did contribute terrible mistakes. Teams soon learned that if they take the front two (Kane especially) out of the game, and we wont score. If we go behind, it is a team ill equipped to attack, and that will inevitably expose out back four, only now without the massed ranks of protection it needs.
But even worse - it was hideously soul destroying to watch. We could stomach it against City, but lesser teams? Eventually even the most ardent JM fans demanded a more progressoughive approach. TBF he has tried, it has led to the current shit show.
There's only one solution. Get a better back four. Much better, especially the centre backs. The problem with that is who? We cant afford any top class ones. we'll go for 2nd class ones at best. Or just take random punts on players like Rodon hoping that they come good. Although given the amount we spent on Sanchez maybe the cheap punt is the way to go. But this team will continue to fail until its resolved.
I am convinced that the rest of the team isn't in bad shape. PEH, N'dombele, (skipp possibly) GLC, Son, Kane, Bergwien (although i'm not convinced) has enough talent to get us in the top four no problem. But not while they have to spend the entire game worrying about the clown show behind them.
JM is clearly out of ideas. he is now just trying any combo he can think of hoping something vaguely effective will turn up.
I know this isn't revolutionary. We all know whats wrong. I just feel a little better for venting.