Neil Critchley defends his decision to change Blackpool's system for their disappointing defeat to Ipswich Town

Neil Critchley has defended his decision to tweak Blackpool’s system for yesterday’s dismal defeat to Ipswich Town.
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Disappointed Neil Critchley delivers his verdict on Blackpool's miserable defeat...

The Seasiders opted to play with a 4-2-3-1 system against the Tractor Boys on Saturday, with deadline day signing Elliot Embleton playing in the number 10 role off Jerry Yates.

Critchley’s side started off fairly well in the first-half and were enjoying success with their high press.

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But once Ipswich got their noses in front courtesy of Alan Judge’s goal on the break just before half-time, Blackpool struggled to get back in the game.

Yates was often left isolated up front on his own and fatigue set in for Embleton, who has only made 12 appearances for parent club Sunderland in all competitions this season.

Ipswich doubled their lead just after half-time through Luke Woolfenden and squandered several other chances to add to the scoreline in the second period.

Following the 2-0 reversal, a number of Blackpool fans took to social media to question why Critchley had changed from the 4-4-2 system that worked so well against Wigan Athletic and Northampton Town in previous games.

Neil Critchley's side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Portman Road yesterdayNeil Critchley's side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Portman Road yesterday
Neil Critchley's side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Portman Road yesterday
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When asked about the change in system by The Gazette, Critchley said: “They play three in the middle of the pitch with Flynn Downes, Alan Judge and Andre Dozzell and if you allow them to outnumber you and get control in that area, then they can dominate the game.

“I don’t think they did that in the first-half. Our organisation and the way we pressed, we stopped them playing through us and we did it really well.

“In the mid-third of the pitch, we won the ball back numerous times. Hubby (James Husband) was stepping in and Jordan Gabriel was stepping in and the midfield players were nicking the ball back.

“We got into their final third because of that but then we’d turn the ball over on the first pass or the second pass.

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“Those situations are ones you can really capitalise on but we didn’t do that, which was really frustrating.”

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