“Unexpected solutions” – four thoughts after Vale’s win over Blackpool

Rob Fielding puts forward four thoughts after Vale’s 3-0 win including pondering whether player absences led to some unexpected solutions in the Vale formation.

Rob Fielding writes…

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Injuries and absences present unexpected solutions

In a funny way, the absence of some regulars on Friday night allowed Andy Crosby to regig his side to great success…

• In the absence of Ojo and Arblaster in central midfield the combination of Alfie Devine and Ben Garrity looked promising. Devine fitted in well to a less advanced role with his range of passing to the fore. Moving Garrity back allowed Vale to field a front three of Wilson, Ikpeazu and Chislett but Garrity was still able to launch some lung-busting runs with Devine covering him. With Arblaster gone could Devine be a ready made replacement for him in central midfield? Out of all the “in-house” options to replace the Sheff Utd loanee (Garrity, Walters, Lowe or Sang being other options) Devine is the one with the best passing range.
• Meanwhile the loss of Massey and Sang (and probably lingering doubts over playing Conor Grant too much during a busy period) allowed Andy Crosby to take a gamble and play youngsters Jack Shorrock and Ben Lomax, who both acquitted themselves brilliantly on the flanks.
• Finally, moving Garrity and Devine back meant pairing Ikpeazu and Wilson upfront. The combination finally gave Vale a cutting edge they have required. Ikpeazu may not have scored yet but his ability to use his strength and power draws in defenders giving the likes of Wilson more time and space. Wilson meanwhile showed why he got a contract extension – when he’s fit he’s easily League One standard if not higher.

Ultimately, Andy Crosby must take the credit for these changes. Playing two upfront was a brave move, handing debuts to two teenagers even braver. It showed he is flexible in terms of tactics and players and not wed to just one formation.

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Two upfront the way to go?

And on the subject of Ikpeazu and Wilson, it would appear that Andy Crosby is flexible enough to change his formation. Two recognised strikers upfront does allow Vale more firepower. It seems the way forward for me as Vale have needed a cutting edge for some time.

However, if Vale are to opt for that formation it only allows room for one player behind the pair. Currently that is Ethan Chislett but then that begs the question of where to play Ben Garrity and Alfie Devine?

Perhaps the solution would be to keep Devine and Garrity in more withdrawn roles but that in turn poses the question of where does the returning Funso Ojo play? It’s a problem but in truth it’s probably a welcome one for Andy Crosby who would almost certainly prefer trying to fit several players into their preferred position rather than shoehorning them into an unnatural one.

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Has Smith recovered from tricky spell?

It’s been an unusual few weeks for Nathan Smith, a near ever-present since 2016. Every player has their ups and downs in form and Smith probably hasn’t been helped by being moved all across the back three. However, he remains the club’s best no-nonsense defender and in addition can usually be relied upon for half a dozen goals too.

He looked back to his best on Friday even indulging in his favourite past-time of winding up the opposition fans with some of his antics. No player should be guaranteed a spot in the side but Vale’s defence does look stronger with him in it.

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Reinforcements still needed

Having said all that, Vale still need some reinforcements. If James Wilson succumbs to injury it will leave the attack much diminished. With Ryan Loft yet to impress, a back-up striker is badly needed. At the back, a left-sided defender may be required. Meanwhile, despite the recent success of Jack Shorrock, there are doubts over the injury record of Conor Grant and Shorrock is so young and raw he may also need a rest – all this means a left wingback option may be a good idea too.

The Valiants have already lost Ollie Arblaster and with doubts over the futures of Tom Conlon and Lewis Cass, it could be a busy window for the club.

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What do you think? Do you agree or think it’s a load of rubbish? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.