‘Something I’ll use again’ – O’Neil on switching to wing-backs system at Man City

Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil praised his side's performance in a new 3-4-2-1 formation following a 3-2 defeat at Manchester City. Moving away from his usual 4-2-3-1 setup, O'Neil opted for a compact system with wing-backs to counter the league leaders, stating it gave his team the best opportunity to stay competitive throughout the match.

O'Neil fielded Jacob Greaves alongside Dara O'Shea and Issa Diop in a back three, with Abdoul Ouattara and Leif Davis operating as wing-backs. He highlighted Daizen Maeda's first-half equalizing goal as a worked routine designed to exploit Manchester City's high defensive line, noting he previously utilized this tactical approach with Wolverhampton Wanderers against City.