Swindon lost their third league away game of the season as they tasted defeat against Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday.

An early Harry Smith goal had the Robins in front for the majority of the first half until Kane Thompson-Sommers scored from a corner to level the tie just before the whistle.

MJ Williams and Alex Gilbey added to the scoresheet after the break to put the hosts into the play-off places

There were many tactical points to discuss, but what were the key to takeaways as we dissect the defeat?

From an initial four to a three

Ian Holloway set the team up in a 4-3-3 system but at 15 minutes in, Aaron Drinan swapped with Kabongo Tshimanga and shifted onto the right. This is when he settled into a role he also performed in against Gillingham, the right wingback position. The striker dropped into this area to give Town the extra space and flexibility when playing out the back and it matched how MK Dons had set up. With no wingers recruited, the fluid front three that had initially started the tie did not provide what the manager wanted. The potential was there for Ollie Clarke and Drinan to link-up down the right in attempt to overload the opposition out wide.

MK’s organisation and high wingbacks

One key point from a tactical perspective that was the difference between the two sides was MK's organisation and difference with the wingbacks. Both teams played a three at the back, but the wingbacks from the home side were completely different to Town's. Scott Lindsey had Joe Tomlinson and Aaron Nemane pushed very high up and it was never a problem with getting back into shape because of how organised their side was. The midfielders especially contributed hugely in transition and all knew their roles, with their heatmaps being immense. Gilbey was a good example, as he would originally be sat deep but would receive the ball, turn, find another progressive pass to help his side move up the pitch with speed. With the ball working it's way forward, he would push up himself which made himself a option in attack. When the hosts had a crossing opportunity, they could have their striker, midfielder and wingback all in the box with other midfielders on the edge which pushed Swindon back.

Improved press from Town in the second half

One point that was a positive was how the Robins boss made tactical tweaks to help the team from getting overran in midfield. In the first half, the Dons had all the time in the world when playing out the back as there was minimal pressure and they could play the ball into the middle and still have a good amount of time to figure out their next step into getting the ball forward and out wide to create chances.

The second half switch to prevent this was Joel McGregor coming onto the pitch for Daniel Butterworth. This let Drinan leave his position on the right and go forward, so one of the strikers could drop back and the two midfielders could press with more ease, which prevented easy transitional play for the hosts.

Two-man central midfield with Wright helped Swindon’s chances

The switch from a three to two men in the central midfield has already been briefly mentioned but it could be something the team is built around. It didn’t really work when it was three in the central positions as Butterworth did struggle in that role and didn’t put his mark on the game.

When it was a two man midfield, Wright pushed up to support them and he does bring a lot when he has the freedom to get himself involved. He has a good eye for a pass and whilst he had a fairly average game on the weekend, he plays best in that role and that is where Holloway can get the most out of him.