Three. That's the number of points Oldham secured in their recent encounter against Rochdale. In a thrilling northwest derby, the Latics showed that despite criticism, they have the right strategy to compete at the highest level. With their lineup clearly established, the plan was to contain and then exploit the spaces left by the opponent.

Oldham began in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with T. Donaghy in goal making key saves to keep a clean sheet. The defense held strong, but it was the midfield where the real battle was fought. David Amos and O. Hammond teamed up to control spaces, with Amos breaking lines and Hammond supporting defensively. This dynamic allowed K. Drummond and M. Fondop-Talum to soar in attack, adding offensive potential to the game plan.

In the second half, Oldham adjusted their approach. As Rochdale began to press, the Oldham side shifted to a 4-4-2, seeking to bolster their defense. This switch not only created a solid defensive foundation but also opened opportunities for counter-attacking tactics. The strategy paid off when Fondop-Talum found the space and scored.

As a fan and journalist, I have always been impressed by this team's adaptability. The ability to alter tactics mid-game reflects the coaching staff's preparation and the players' reading of the match. With playoff pressure rising, this flexibility could be key in the upcoming fixtures.