Derby thread.
It just had to be done.
Both teams lined up in a back 3, but played in very very different ways.
EB - Interesting decision to put in Loken Meitei (a winger) in a double pivot with Steinmann.
ATKMB - This is probably their best XI. Maybe Edu over Javi
Derby thread.It just had to be done.Both teams lined up in a back 3, but played in very very different ways. EB - Interesting decision to put in Loken Meitei (a winger) in a double pivot with Steinmann.ATKMB - This is probably their best XI. Maybe Edu over Javi
Derby thread.It just had to be done.Both teams lined up in a back 3, but played in very very different ways. EB - Interesting decision to put in Loken Meitei (a winger) in a double pivot with Steinmann.ATKMB - This is probably their best XI. Maybe Edu over Javi
A huge perk of setting up a 3 back against a similarly arranged team is that it naturally allows easier progression. Since ATKMB lined up with only 2 forwards, it was naturally a 3v2 in favor of EB for the initial build-up.
This, combined with the fact that they had two great ball playing CBs in Fox and Neville makes it as easy as it gets to play out of defense. But the opposition probably knew this and just didn't bother pressing high
What was disappointing though, was how much space Steinmann was given. I expected some form of covering or marking by the forwards on him. Allowing him time can be fatal, and we all saw how composed he was on the ball today.
To facilitate the progression via Steinmann, EB would need options in front of him. For this, they had Loken who would combine with him often, but they also had Pilkington and Maghoma who would drop deeper to get the ball. Loken played in close quarters for flick ons/ one-twos
To facilitate the progression via Steinmann, EB would need options in front of him. For this, they had Loken who would combine with him often, but they also had Pilkington and Maghoma who would drop deeper to get the ball. Loken played in close quarters for flick ons/ one-twos
To facilitate the progression via Steinmann, EB would need options in front of him. For this, they had Loken who would combine with him often, but they also had Pilkington and Maghoma who would drop deeper to get the ball. Loken played in close quarters for flick ons/ one-twos
ATKMB sought to press Steinmann through their mids, as they did so effectively against kBFC. But, he completely outclassed them in the first half. Maybe the fact that they choose to man-mark their options instead of zonal marking leaves them prone to runs behind them
ATKMB sought to press Steinmann through their mids, as they did so effectively against kBFC. But, he completely outclassed them in the first half. Maybe the fact that they choose to man-mark their options instead of zonal marking leaves them prone to runs behind them
ATKMB sought to press Steinmann through their mids, as they did so effectively against kBFC. But, he completely outclassed them in the first half. Maybe the fact that they choose to man-mark their options instead of zonal marking leaves them prone to runs behind them
A few more examples of how Pilkington and Maghoma came narrower and placed themselves between the lines. The formation becomes a sort of a 3-4-2-1 here (TBT Fowler at Brisbane Roar)
A few more examples of how Pilkington and Maghoma came narrower and placed themselves between the lines. The formation becomes a sort of a 3-4-2-1 here (TBT Fowler at Brisbane Roar)
A few more examples of how Pilkington and Maghoma came narrower and placed themselves between the lines. The formation becomes a sort of a 3-4-2-1 here (TBT Fowler at Brisbane Roar)
This really hurt ATKMB in the first half because these players continuously found pockets of space, and forced the MB fullbacks to narrow in and close them down. This in turn opened up wide spaces where Narayan and Surchandra could flourish.
This really hurt ATKMB in the first half because these players continuously found pockets of space, and forced the MB fullbacks to narrow in and close them down. This in turn opened up wide spaces where Narayan and Surchandra could flourish.
This really hurt ATKMB in the first half because these players continuously found pockets of space, and forced the MB fullbacks to narrow in and close them down. This in turn opened up wide spaces where Narayan and Surchandra could flourish.
More on that last point - another advantage of having a 3 back vs a 3 back is that the wingbacks are up against each other in a 1v1. The better individual performer wins space. Especially so against ATKMB where they have no wingers. Sur beat Bose here and easily passed to Maghoma
More on that last point - another advantage of having a 3 back vs a 3 back is that the wingbacks are up against each other in a 1v1. The better individual performer wins space. Especially so against ATKMB where they have no wingers. Sur beat Bose here and easily passed to Maghoma
More on that last point - another advantage of having a 3 back vs a 3 back is that the wingbacks are up against each other in a 1v1. The better individual performer wins space. Especially so against ATKMB where they have no wingers. Sur beat Bose here and easily passed to Maghoma
This situation also allowed EB to build through the right flank, if Steinmann was unavailable. But, this was well contained by Jhingan who rushed on Maghoma and Bose and McHugh who fell back and covered.
Even though ATKMB gave way to EB through the centre, they covered their right side extremely well. Though Rana had the fewest touches in their back 3 (33/202), ATKMB knew that him and Narayan were the weak link. Even Pilk had to drop for support. ATKMB pressed hard here.
Even though ATKMB gave way to EB through the centre, they covered their right side extremely well. Though Rana had the fewest touches in their back 3 (33/202), ATKMB knew that him and Narayan were the weak link. Even Pilk had to drop for support. ATKMB pressed hard here.
Even though ATKMB gave way to EB through the centre, they covered their right side extremely well. Though Rana had the fewest touches in their back 3 (33/202), ATKMB knew that him and Narayan were the weak link. Even Pilk had to drop for support. ATKMB pressed hard here.
The aforementioned scenario led to the following play wherein Javi would've had a good shot if Williams played the pass properly. Dangerous.
On to when ATKMB had possession. They enjoyed only 33% possession in the game, and almost 33% of their balls were long balls. Meanwhile, EB had around 14% of their passes as long balls.
When the Mariners were building from the back, EB held a 5-4-1 mid block. There were times where it also became a 5-3-2. They didn't press the CBs aggressively but instead sought to block options around and beyond the halfway line.
When the Mariners were building from the back, EB held a 5-4-1 mid block. There were times where it also became a 5-3-2. They didn't press the CBs aggressively but instead sought to block options around and beyond the halfway line.
When the Mariners were building from the back, EB held a 5-4-1 mid block. There were times where it also became a 5-3-2. They didn't press the CBs aggressively but instead sought to block options around and beyond the halfway line.
They were okay with McHugh or Javi dropping deep to receive the ball, but the trap would trigger if they got possession around the mid third. Even when ATKMB went for long balls, because of 3 CBs and wingbacks, Krishna and Williams were contained well
Prabir couldn't create as much trouble on the right and the main defenders could sit deep and compact to nullify threats. Steinmann also screened or joined the backline in case someone was out of position.
SECOND HALF:
Starting with the goal, it occurred because of a turnover on the left flank. Pilkington down, and only Loken around to stop Jayesh. As we all know, he isn't a natural mid and lacks defensively. This gave Jayesh enough space to turn and run
The eventual shot by Krishna had a very low chance of going in, but it did. Habas got his goal and now he was ready to frustrate Fowler
A good development for ATKMB in the second half was that they were able to contain Steinmann. They were more aware of his threat, and took extra efforts to cover him. EB were still effective with Pilk and Maghoma dropping, but it wasn't as good as the 1st half
Balwant didn't do them any favours there, and they chose to sub on Rafique - someone I really liked tonight. He took on Pilkington's position and Pilk went up front as a striker. The game overall didn't change as much tactically.
Ambekar also replaced Rana as Fowler tried to attack more, and Narayan became LCB. I understand that EB were attacking more, but Narayan's lapse played a huge role in conceding the second. Maybe Rana would have dealt with it better.
That's it for tonight. Habas' men walk away with yet another classic Krishna miracle. EB left reeling, but with a lot of positives to take. Talking points:
ATKMB
- Soosai is desperately missed
- What will they do when their xG demons catch up
EB
- Great great outing for a first game
- Fowler brings a lot of promise. Fun playstyle, and good use of his resources
- Some Indians here are very very underrated (sur, rafique especially)
- A 7th foreigner in January might give them a run for top 4
Thank you for reading this. As always, likes and shares appreciated. Have a good weekend :)
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