Lessons learned from Friday experiment

After every experimental line-up (such as Friday’s), it’s tempting to ask what the manager learned from the experience.

The partnerships on the left and right wings didn’t look right.  Emilio Izaguirre didn’t overlap as often as usual and Stuart Armstrong was less effective than normal.  A lack of space impacted the James Forrest-Adam Matthews partnership on the right.  Forrest was manhandled until he switched left or got inside the box, when he was able to play unhindered.

Ineffectiveness on the wings led to the same up front.  Anthony Stokes doesn’t get to play centre forward too often and didn’t really get much of a chance on Friday.  Stokes anonymity was the most glaring aspect of the game but I suspect the responsibility lies elsewhere.