I end up with what I think that it must be said. Should we do a match analysis like real football in this case? Go on, be useful.
I always try to help and I always say what I think that is important. Nicky have lost a match on a football manager flash game on facebook even though he have played well with a decent formation and tactics. It happens. It happens because it's a free game on fb and it happens because it's football, not chess or baduk (go).
If you ever see my replies you'll notice that I always try to help as much as I can and to provide useful info. And I do exactly the same with patience when someone PM me for a tactic or formation. No need to mention where I put your award, no offense.
So, If you think that there's always a reason for loosing a match on top eleven even if you performed well with good rating and decent tactics, please be my guest.
As far as it concerns nicky, 4-5-1 is just fine against 4-3-3 so dude, I believe 4-1-4-1 was not a bad idea even though you lost. There's no way to prove that 4-1-4-1 is worst or better than narrow diamond. It depends on players (yours & opponent's), performance and luck.