It seemed to me and those around me today that we were very narrow in the middle. With from left to right Noone, Whitts, Gunnar, and Adeyemi. The latte three playing very much as a 3 in the middle.
If this narrow set up was an attempt at dominating the midfield then it clearly didn't work. As a result when our fullbacks had the ball there was no one in front of them to pass too, resulting in the hoof ball that transpired.
I would think a flat midfield 4 with Whits on the left, Gunnar, Adeyemi in the middle , and Noone on the right would have given us width and a lot more attacking options with the ability to retain the ball.
I see no reason why ALF couldn't drop in when we haven't got the ball to make it a midfield of 5.
Thought Adeymi had a good game today and adds some physicality to the middle of the park.
As for Whits on the left, well, I would be more than happy to see Declan John given a chance, giving us real pace down each wing. Harris too is an option wide right. This is going to upset the whittingham fans, but of rme he isn't a central midfielder as he does not have the engine or physicality, neither is he a winger.