Clack wrote:
Zarate played as the 2nd striker today, in a 4-4-2, different role from Nolan's role in the 4-5-1 (the main difference that Carlton wasn't so isolated)
I don't buy that at all.  There are numerous different formations out there, and I do see that it can be a little pointless arguing whether a line-up is 4141 or 451.  It can often be semantics.  But our system was 4411, or 433, or 4231 or 451.  It was not 442.  The system was exactly the same as it ever is.  4 at the back, 1 up top, full backs primarily there to defend but have licence to get forward when they can, safely.  5 in midfield with relatively attacking or defending responsibilties dependent on who they are.  The only fundemental difference between yesterday and last season were -

better additional width going forward from the left full back
more movement in centre mid compared to when taylor played there
infinitely more creativity from the attacking central midfielder / deep-lying striker

Or maybe we did play 442 all last year and nolan is one of the worst strikers in the division.  I can kinda buy that argument.