For me the strangest choice of the day was taking McGinn off and replacing him with Carlos after 64 minutes and we'd only just gone 3-1 down. It was the last half hour where we just fell apart completely. We were still in it until that point, and even when the goal went in I thought if we get one back quickly enough there's plenty of time to push for the draw.
I know McGinn wasn't doing much but move him to the other side, or replace him with an attacking player. Emery either has no faith in any of our subs at that point, or he thought we were playing a 2 leg tie.
I wasn't sure why he took off McGinn, but I can sure as hell see why he brought on Carlos: he had to give the guy some minutes, given the loss of Mings! I'd have taken off Cash for Carlos.
I just hope watching Konsa getting destroyed at RCB (of a three) or Cash further up was enough evidence for Emery not to try it again. We seem to have wasted a lot of pre season trying to get the third centre back into the team. It won't work and unbalances the team completely. I just fear the easy way out will be taken v Everton with Konsa at RB and Cash dropped..
I don’t think Emery can be accused of taking the easy way out with anything he’s done since being at the club, and whats pre season for if not to try things. Terrible performance on Saturday, but some revisionism of Emery and the tactics he favours. Not saying he didnt get it wrong on Saturday, but he’s always favoured a lop sided defence
I don't recall him trying three centre backs last season, maybe the odd time when Chambers came on at right back. I do recall a daft attempt trying Cash at right mid at home to I think Wolves that at least he dumped at half time. Cash won't ever be good enough at RWB or Konsa at RB or RCB of a 3. It irks me that it's been tried.
There was no reason at all to go with Diaby & Bailey either. Not sure how many more times Bailey has to let us down, away from home especially, for the penny to finally drop that he can't be trusted. That selection decision screwed up our shape in midfield. Lots of players had nightmare performances but that also extends to Emery on the sideline.
