Focusing on Brian Stock paid off for Nottingham Forest
FOLLOWING the furore caused by the simple decision to play one striker against Hull, Sean O'Driscoll's tactics were always going to be under the spotlight on Saturday.
The Forest boss' team selection against the Tigers might well have paid off if not for a questionable penalty and a clear handball goal.
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Brian Stock
But there were no such issues against Burnley, as Forest again sent out a side shaped to quell the main influences within the Burnley ranks – and predominantly Brian Stock's ability to run the game from his deep sitting role in midfield.
The decision to put Lewis McGugan up against Stock and give him added defensive responsibilities also gave Forest's line-up a more attacking look, as Dexter Blackstock and Henri Lansbury were also restored.
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"We had a game plan, we stopped them doing what they wanted to do. Our two strikers stopped their central defenders and Lewis came in and stopped Brian Stock from doing what he does," said O'Driscoll.
"Burnley like to build their attacks through him, playing in front of the back four. We want to play Lewis where we feel he can do well. Stock plays in front of the back four so we wanted to push Lewis up against him.
"We thought if we do that, he could also get into forward positions and create things for the two strikers.
"We knew that, when they go behind, they like to bring off Stock and play with two wide men.
"We were ready for that and changed things accordingly, going to a slightly flatter midfield ourselves.
"When it works, people think you are genius, when it doesn't, you have to take some stick, I am afraid."
Comments
by wotnostrikers
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 2:33PM
“Sean old mate, stop scrutinising the opposition so much and just now and again send the very good players we have at Forest out to make the visiting side worry about us. It's a wonder our players don't have an inferiority complex, we were playing Burnley not Barcelona for pitys sake.....send for Billy!.”
by mickycolosus
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 9:15AM
“Sorry mate, I accept it's a bit sad. But I was browsing the archives and saw a couple of gems, and had to share them with you all. Personally, the bloke has come up with that much rubbish over the years, I would have thought he would have got himself another name by now!”
by finlandforest
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 7:29AM
“Micky....why the f**** do you have that old posting saved by M15
you take this board way to seriously,
however nonetheless all credit to you, it made me laugh in an otherwise snowy cold environment.”
by mickycolosus
Tuesday, December 11 2012, 12:46AM
“Oh, and here's another classic from the M15 table. This is funny....M15 quotes..
by M15t3rTSaturday, June 18 2011, 1:40PM
"I'm saying the club was right to let BD go. McClaren appears to have all the credentials to be perfect for us”
by mickycolosus
Monday, December 10 2012, 8:13PM
“M15 Just a tip. Don't waste your money on Championship Manager this Christmas. You will be relegated by Boxing Day!”
by mickycolosus
Monday, December 10 2012, 7:50PM
“M15 Had to laugh at that. And you being the one that said Grant Holt was a good third division striker, and Craig Mackail-Smith was not Championship class...Classics...
And Sean obviously listened to the fans, as the team that was 'terrific' the week before, was changed!”
by sluggerred
Monday, December 10 2012, 3:30PM
“They will all have to send their playstations back to be revamped”
by M15t3rT
Monday, December 10 2012, 10:11AM
“I wonder if the plastic managers who regularly comment on here, realised that neutralising Brian Stock was key as I'm sure extended highlights would have shown that most of Burnley's play goes through him.”