Mason-Clark Appreciation Thread (1 Viewer)

Mucca Mad Boys · Oct 26, 2025

stupot07 said:
Got to disagree, Sakamoto is the only winger that hugs the touch line, there's lots of examples of EMC coming very narrow I got the CF position when we agreed building down the left.

In terms of BTA he's scored 5 and has 3 assists playing from wide (with licence to rotate an come inside) this season, and 4 goals from the number 10.

Rudoni did indeed get a few assists from crossing from the left hand side last season, but that was floating out wide form the 10 position creating overloads or exploiting space left by EMC when he goes inside.

We will need that extra man in midfield as we go into the run of games against the stronger teams.

It's a moot point anyway, as Lampard makes the decisions not us. Just like when you wanted Sakamoto benched and wright on the right, but Lampard kept picking Sakamoto.

EMC and Sakamoto positionally are similar, they both start wide and cut in to their stronger foot. See Sakamoto's assist yesterday, and for his goal was in a central position. Heat maps of both players confirms this (season):

https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ephron-mason-clark/861315#tab:season

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto stats and ratings | Sofascore

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto profile player page. Goals, matches, stats, player ratings and more.

www.sofascore.com

On BTA, it is important to note the following:
- BTA has played less games in a 2 man strike force (3 games) versus 7 games at RW/LW
- BTA has 1 goal from LW (v Blues)
- From the wing, only 2 goals from open play (QPR + Portsmouth), the other 3 all from set-pieces (2 open play goals at ST as well)

With that in mind, you have 2 credible choices if we're maximising players performances:
1. 4-4-2, Sakamoto & Rudoni (or vice versa)
2. 4-2-3-1 and BTA on a wing, based on numbers - it'd have to be RW

4-4-2 is a formation Viveash reckoned would be a possible 'next evolution' for the squad and its easy to see why. The squad we have is flexible and can impact the game in multiple areas. If Rudoni did play on a wing, he'd almost definitely be switching with players. Interesting conundrum.

Lampard so far has favoured BTA and EMC when we do play with wingers. My suspicion is that he'd continue with that, Sakamoto is in better form than EMC right now, but EMC is generally more threatening.

COVKIDSNEVERQUIT · Oct 26, 2025

Skybluedownunder said:
From memory Rudoni did used to play off the left with us in the earlier days

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That was under Mark Robin's , we now have Frank Lampard to thank, re playing Rudoni in the right position.

SBAndy · Oct 26, 2025

Mucca Mad Boys said:
EMC and Sakamoto positionally are similar, they both start wide and cut in to their stronger foot. See Sakamoto's assist yesterday, and for his goal was in a central position.

Mad how a winger who apparently hugs the touchline ended up in a central position to score.

FWIW I do take the point that in build up they do indeed start wide, but once we’re in the final third there is far more focus (specifically when it’s EMC/BTA out wide) to be far more direct, getting into the box rather than what I’d call ‘traditional’ crossing positions. You also gloss over the fact that I’ve said I feel EMC isn’t fully fit at the moment hence why I would play BTA from the left if we had sufficient options elsewhere, but if we had a fully fit squad I’d probably favour BTA to Sakamoto at present.

Worth also noting that whilst BTA has got goals from the 10 we’ve not really looked as controlled with only 2 centre mids; that has to factor into decision making.

Mucca Mad Boys · Oct 26, 2025

SBAndy said:
Mad how a winger who apparently hugs the touchline ended up in a central position to score.

FWIW I do take the point that in build up they do indeed start wide, but once we’re in the final third there is far more focus (specifically when it’s EMC/BTA out wide) to be far more direct, getting into the box rather than what I’d call ‘traditional’ crossing positions. You also gloss over the fact that I’ve said I feel EMC isn’t fully fit at the moment hence why I would play BTA from the left if we had sufficient options elsewhere, but if we had a fully fit squad I’d probably favour BTA to Sakamoto at present.

Worth also noting that whilst BTA has got goals from the 10 we’ve not really looked as controlled with only 2 centre mids; that has to factor into decision making.

You don't need to take my word for it when there's detailed analytic tools that gives you heat maps of the players positions. For example, Rudoni literally only ever in a central position in the box, otherwise he's on either wing (more right than left) creating overloads and that's why most of this assists last season were crosses.

I agree that we've not looked that controlled playing 4-4-2 but it's not necessarily been having 2 CMs because we controlled the Portsmouth game well despite playing 3-4-3. Perhaps that's a tactical consideration for Lampard because with Rudoni back, perhaps you play 5-3-2, particularly v the likes of Ipswich and Southampton away in December.

SBAndy · Oct 26, 2025

Mucca Mad Boys said:
You don't need to take my word for it when there's detailed analytic tools that gives you heat maps of the players positions. For example, Rudoni literally only ever in a central position in the box, otherwise he's on either wing (more right than left) creating overloads and that's why most of this assists last season were crosses.

I agree that we've not looked that controlled playing 4-4-2 but it's not necessarily been having 2 CMs because we controlled the Portsmouth game well despite playing 3-4-3. Perhaps that's a tactical consideration for Lampard because with Rudoni back, perhaps you play 5-3-2, particularly v the likes of Ipswich and Southampton away in December.

Amazing how people see things differently - I didn’t think we looked to have particular control vs Portsmouth. They picked up pretty much every second ball in the centre, particularly in the first half. Crucially, I don’t think the lack of control meant we played badly, but we could have taken the sting out of the game more comfortably if we were on the ball a bit more.

I cycle back to the point, though, that a lot of shape/personnel decisions in recent weeks have been dictated by fitness. Clearly the 4231 is the preferred shape, and I think this gets the best out of most of our influential players. I wouldn’t be re-shaping the team for BTA when I think he can be more than serviceable out wide whilst allowing Grimes, Torp and Rudoni particularly to flourish.

stupot07 · Oct 27, 2025

SBAndy said:
Mad how a winger who apparently hugs the touchline ended up in a central position to score.

FWIW I do take the point that in build up they do indeed start wide, but once we’re in the final third there is far more focus (specifically when it’s EMC/BTA out wide) to be far more direct, getting into the box rather than what I’d call ‘traditional’ crossing positions. You also gloss over the fact that I’ve said I feel EMC isn’t fully fit at the moment hence why I would play BTA from the left if we had sufficient options elsewhere, but if we had a fully fit squad I’d probably favour BTA to Sakamoto at present.

Worth also noting that whilst BTA has got goals from the 10 we’ve not really looked as controlled with only 2 centre mids; that has to factor into decision making.

Yeah EMC spends a lot of narrow in the final third, especially when we get near the 18 yard box.

Skyblueweeman · Oct 27, 2025

I think because we've been so great this season, it looks like one or more players might be underperforming but taken in context, others are massively performing so it can enhance when someone isn't massively performing.

EMC has been important in our run this season and shouldn't be dropped.

He did struggle to beat his man on Saturday though. Couldn't out-do him on pace. Only once in the 1st half I recall him beating him but that was when the ball bounced forward off him from a tackle.

I like him, need to keep him in. Great player on his day.

TomRad85 · Oct 27, 2025

Skyblueweeman said:
I think because we've been so great this season, it looks like one or more players might be underperforming but taken in context, others are massively performing so it can enhance when someone isn't massively performing.

EMC has been important in our run this season and shouldn't be dropped.

He did struggle to beat his man on Saturday though. Couldn't out-do him on pace. Only once in the 1st half I recall him beating him but that was when the ball bounced forward off him from a tackle.

I like him, need to keep him in. Great player on his day.

I agree, you can't say any of the regular players are underperforming really given where we are, some have just been better than others.

fernandopartridge · Oct 27, 2025

I do wonder whether he's fully fit, he just doesn't seem to have that burst of acceleration to beat his man. Unless he just doesn't have it at all.

Calista · Oct 27, 2025

fernandopartridge said:
I do wonder whether he's fully fit, he just doesn't seem to have that burst of acceleration to beat his man. Unless he just doesn't have it at all.

I don't think speed is really his weapon. He's strong and tricky, can go both sides and is a genuine threat that the opposition always have to cover. Also very competitive in winning the ball. He's a real asset to the squad, and I think he's unlucky not to have more goals to his name.

fernandopartridge · Oct 27, 2025

Calista said:
I don't think speed is really his weapon. He's strong and tricky, can go both sides and is a genuine threat that the opposition always have to cover. Also very competitive in winning the ball. He's a real asset to the squad, and I think he's unlucky not to have more goals to his name.

I know it's not but there are times when he needs it, having used his ability to turn a player he then doesn't get away from him.

KenilworthSkyBlue · Oct 27, 2025

fernandopartridge said:
I do wonder whether he's fully fit, he just doesn't seem to have that burst of acceleration to beat his man. Unless he just doesn't have it at all.

For a winger he's very stocky which naturally will compromise his acceleration over short distances.

Having excess muscle can also negatively impact stamina hence why he often looks more leggy as a game goes on.

wingy · Oct 27, 2025

There was one opportunity on Saturday where he got through and it appeared perfect for the shot but he declined and attempted a pass which didn't come off I don't think, I thought wasted opportunity, however the one time he repeated it and took the shot it was off target,so I think he's lacking confidence,so that could imply he's carrying something.

Sky Blue Goblin · Oct 27, 2025

Has he finished a game this season? Seems to always come off at around the 60-65 mark

fatso · Oct 27, 2025

Hes been very ineffective so far this season, dont know if hes injured or just yet to find top form, he's not beating his man very often now for some reason, and doesnt track his man back when we are under pressure, and I think if memory serves me right, hes managed one goal and an assist so far.
Sakamoto did that in the first 45 minutes on Saturday.

There's definitely a lot more to come from the lad.

Ccfcisparks · Oct 27, 2025

fatso said:
Hes been very ineffective so far this season, dont know if hes injured or just yet to find top form, he's not beating his man very often now for some reason, and doesnt track his man back when we are under pressure, and I think if memory serves me right, hes managed one goal and an assist so far.
Sakamoto did that in the first 45 minutes on Saturday.

There's definitely a lot more to come from the lad.

and yet before that game all Sakamoto had this season was 1 goal.

Offhegoes · Oct 27, 2025

fatso said:
Hes been very ineffective so far this season, dont know if hes injured or just yet to find top form, he's not beating his man very often now for some reason, and doesnt track his man back when we are under pressure, and I think if memory serves me right, hes managed one goal and an assist so far.
Sakamoto did that in the first 45 minutes on Saturday.

There's definitely a lot more to come from the lad.

No way.. His goal at Derby. He created both goals against Blackburn recently too. Great outlet on the left. His direct running and strength. He's not easy on the eye, but teams can't deal with him. Yes, his end product is not always there, and he fades after an hour, but the last word I would use to describe EMC is ineffective.

fatso · Oct 27, 2025

Offhegoes said:
No way.. His goal at Derby. He created both goals against Blackburn recently too. Great outlet on the left. His direct running and strength. He's not easy on the eye, but teams can't deal with him. Yes, his end product is not always there, and he fades after an hour, but the last word I would use to describe EMC is ineffective.

He didn't create any goals against Blackburn at all, that's bollocks, he put in 2 poor crosses that the defenders headed (totally unchallenged) straight back into the danger zone. That's piss poor defending, not brilliant wing play.

By his own standards hes been way below his best so far this season. That's why people are questioning if hes carrying an injury.

Balli001 · Oct 27, 2025

Offhegoes said:
No way.. His goal at Derby. He created both goals against Blackburn recently too. Great outlet on the left. His direct running and strength. He's not easy on the eye, but teams can't deal with him. Yes, his end product is not always there, and he fades after an hour, but the last word I would use to describe EMC is ineffective.

He is the most frustrating player in the team for me. Aside from anything he does on the ball he constantly falls over, doesnt appear to know the offside rule and rarely tracks back

blunted · Oct 27, 2025

COVKIDSNEVERQUIT said:
That was under Mark Robin's , we now have Frank Lampard to thank, re playing Rudoni in the right position.

Thought he was moved left wing back once during a match and played really well. Next game started there and did the back pass against Derby, which put an end to that.
Did play LWB on occasion for former clubs.
Under Lamps he has a free role sometimes.

PUSB-We_are_going_up · Oct 28, 2025

The way the system works:

Grimes drops between the 2 CBs or to the side of them creating a back 3,
Then the full backs push forwards very wide,
Sakamoto and EMC push more narrow unless we’re attacking down their side then they stick a bit wider,
BTA becomes a 2nd striker making a nuisance if himself in the box,
Torp hovers around waiting for any loose balls and to dictate the tempo,
If we’re going down the right Dasilva usually tucks in a little to support Torp and EMC sits around more narrow,
If we’re going down the left MvE usually sits really wide and Saka takes up the same position EMC usually does (sometimes MvE adnd Tats swap roles).
Its easy to see where Rudoni fits in here the 10, chuck BTA on the left where he has been very effective for us, EMC doesnt quite yet look to be firing but BTA is

stupot07 · Oct 30, 2025

wingy said:
There was one opportunity on Saturday where he got through and it appeared perfect for the shot but he declined and attempted a pass which didn't come off I don't think, I thought wasted opportunity, however the one time he repeated it and took the shot it was off target,so I think he's lacking confidence,so that could imply he's carrying something.

I don't know whether it is confidence or that he's just not getting his shots off quick enough. If you look at the goals he's scored, I would say he hasn't scored a single one that you would describe as a typical winger goal, they are nearly all arriving late in the 6 yard box to finish it head home from crosses from the other side.

StrettoBoy · Nov 2, 2025

How Frank Lampard turned Ephron Mason-Clark into the Championship’s best winger
How Frank Lampard turned Ephron Mason-Clark into the Championship’s best winger

Matt smith · Nov 2, 2025

He’s not the championships best winger, not quite

Londonccfcfan · Nov 2, 2025

I cant remember Sakamoto ever being offside. Like literally never!

EMC is always offside at least 3/4 times a game. It's cost him a couple of goals off the top of my head too. One overhead kick vs Burnley and another one this year.

He really should not be offside as much as he is and this part pf his game should have inproved. This really kills our attacking momentum.

He is a very good winger has lots facets to his game. But the offsides infuriates me.

fernandopartridge · Nov 2, 2025

Londonccfcfan said:
I cant remember Sakamoto ever being offside. Like literally never!

EMC is always offside at least 3/4 times a game. It's cost him a couple of goals off the top of my head too. One overhead kick vs Burnley and another one this year.

He really should not be offside as much as he is and this part pf his game should have inproved. This really kills our attacking momentum.

He is a very good winger has lots facets to his game. But the offsides infuriates me.

He's going to get caught offside sometimes with the runs he's making. He plays a different role to Sakamoto on the other side.

Brighton Sky Blue · Nov 2, 2025

The one thing he has mastered is ghosting in at the far post, but what’s frustrating is this obsession he’s got with doing stepovers to the point where he genuinely tackles himself.

Needs to stop overcomplicating things as I think he does the simple things very well.

Mason-Clark Appreciation Thread (1 Viewer)

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Users who are viewing this thread

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency