I think it's tricky with the subs now. Five subs is massive. Not one but two more players you can bring on. Managers are still trying to suss out what this means. I think it's the biggest rule change in terms of how it impacts play since the backpass rule in the 90s.
At the end of the game they had four subs on, all attacking players I think I'm right in saying. At the end we had three defenders on there who had played 90 against a bunch of fresh attackers.
It's much harder to close a game out now. You could be coasting 2 nil, then the opposition brings on 4 players or even five and it's a completely different game. Do you stick with the players who are doing well or do you bring on fresh legs.
I would have probably brought crooks on for mcgree as I'd be loath to get too defensive and sit back. Bringing fry on for djiksteel or Bola - a bit of height in the box and most importantly a fresh player - and maybes even Smith for Jones would probably have been a good move.
In seasons past I've always said spend your money on the first xi have a few utility players and rely on the kids.
Now I think it's spend your money on a first 16. Then add a couple of utility players and the kids.
We really need a centreback and a midfielder I think. More so than a striker.