The 4-2-2-2 has to go IMO. I'd like to see a 4-3-3. I think part of Davila's defensive problems were because of that 4-2-2-2 shape leaving him more isolated out there because there wasn't an extra midfielder in the centre to slide across and help cover. There's a reason 4-4-2 (let's face it, it's just a variation of that) went out of favour when other teams started playing 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. It's too hard to control the game and your passing lines are too predictable when you overlay the formations on each other. Some teams can pull it off but I don't think we're one. Especially without a target man.
We really do need an outlet up front though, regardless of formation
. Overall, not a great result but given how much our squad has changed and our typical undercooked preseason I think there's hope there.