Observations:
- The TM/A is a very static role and he was un-involved for most of the match. He was only useful when the AML tried to aim for him with crosses. A few balls were lumped forward to him, being a target man, but he's isolated and up against 2x DC and sometimes even a DM too. Not a good role for the lone striker in a 4-1-2-2-1.
- The 2x BBM worked a little better than I thought it would. They usually took turns to make runs, although the LCM made most of the runs, presumably because of the space available since the AML stays wide.
- It's always a good idea to have 1 midfielder on a defend duty to screen the defence, especially against counter-attacks. The DLP/S sometimes doesn't do a good job here. When the other team is in possession in centre midfield in their own half, he sometimes joins the BBMs to win the ball back. That leaves a massive gap behind the midfield and in front of the defence. That is heaven for any AMC. One ball over the top and it's 2 v 2.
- The fullbacks aren't getting forward. PPMs might push Debuchy (if you have him) forward a little, but for the most part they're not involved in the build up too much.
- The AML/AMR wide roles do a fairly good job, but you're utterly reliant on them producing something out of nothing, because general movement isn't good enough.
- In general, you have 3 front players attacking the D-Line of 4 players (possibly 5 if you count a DM) and this is worsened by using fluid, which splits mentality 5/5.
What changes I would make, keeping your formation and roles in mind:
I don't know the squad you have currently, so I'll stick to general advice. You don't have to stick to the roles I suggest, because I don't know your players, but try to keep to the duties. That's more important.
- Give your DR an attacking duty, if you have a capable player. Giving the AMR a support duty (as suggested) would work well as he'd sit narrower and the DR will overlap frequently. You can tinker with giving the AMR "Roam from Position" as a possibility too.
- Change your midfield. It's good in a 3-man midfield like yours to have a mix of duties. 1x Defend, 1x Support and 1x Attack will give a lots of movement. (DM) DM/D -- (LCM) CM/A -- (RCM) DLP/S as an example.
- The striker needs a better role. Giving him a support duty, like a DLF/S will pull the opposition defence out of position and involve him more in general play. The CM/A, W/A, AP/S or even the DLF/S himself can go and exploit that space. Especially against opposition employing a DM (but in general too) the striker can benefit from being asked to "move into channels".
- I'd remove some team instructions too. Play wider, you don't really need, IMO. Ask the AML, to stay wider as a PI. Otherwise, leave that space wide for the AML and DR to exploit. Shorter passing is unnecessary, IMO. Your passing will already be short in midfield and up front because of Control mentality. You're playing out of defence, so passes are shorter at the back too.
- Personal opinion this, but I would remove Exploit Flanks too and only add it if necessary in a match where you're outnumbering them out wide or if they have "weak" players on the flanks.
- Don't be afraid to use Player Instructions. Don't overdo it, but one or two instructions can make a difference too.
