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First goal: basic stuff but pleased to see these changes implemented. A simple ball to the back post, nodded down by Buchanan to create an awkward situation for #Swans, and is much more effective than a lofted ball into the centre of the box. #dcfc tried it previously with Davies
Waghorn pulls Guehi out wide to create the space in the box for Kazim to latch onto. Rooney outlined that this was worked on in training and was the idea of Shay Given. Free kicks may seem simple, and this one certainly was, but I’m so pleased to see us capitalise.
I’ve previously mentioned how I want a left footer on the right wing so I was pleased to see Waghorn play. He drops inside the right half space and then makes a forward run into the box, creating a front 2. This is how #dcfc tried to overload the area during the first half.
In having this winger drop into the half space, our potential to successfully get the ball into the area is increased.
Here, the pass into the area from Waghorn isn't possible, so he joins Kazim in the box to create an overload for Byrne to cross into. https://twitter.com/SwansAnalytics/status/1336467825679081475?s=20
Here, the pass into the area from Waghorn isn't possible, so he joins Kazim in the box to create an overload for Byrne to cross into. https://twitter.com/SwansAnalytics/status/1336467825679081475?s=20
Second goal: Knight finds space in behind by running off the shoulder of two opponents by exploiting their blind side. Whilst Jozwiak again pulls Guehi out of the backline, Waghorn joins Kazim up top to create this front 2.
This is something that Knight frequently does in order to help his team mates find the pass to break midfield lines. Knight could be #dcfc's most physically fit player, allowing him to do this for the full 90, which becomes even more of an asset later on. https://twitter.com/RastafariMoore4/status/1328410552436207616?s=20
Knight now has a clear crossing opportunity and #dcfc will fancy their chances with a 2v2 in the area, particularly with the aerial presence of Kazim.
Despite the deflected cross, Jozwiak moving to occupy the space on the edge of the box allowed the clear shooting opportunity.
Despite the deflected cross, Jozwiak moving to occupy the space on the edge of the box allowed the clear shooting opportunity.
It's worth mentioning however that the dexterity of Jozwiak was vital in order for him to get the shot off.
Lots of players often get the ball trapped under their feet when it is slightly behind them. https://twitter.com/dcfcofficial/status/1339272467349721094?s=20
Lots of players often get the ball trapped under their feet when it is slightly behind them. https://twitter.com/dcfcofficial/status/1339272467349721094?s=20
The pressing of #dcfc has vastly improved under Rooney. We initially sit back in a compact shape and allow possession before pressing in small groups when the right moment comes. Straight after the first goal, Jozwiak steps out to apply pressure...
(cont.) which forces a pass into central midfield. In this instance, a long ball would have been preferable for #Swans, but Fulton steps out to offer this support.
Bielik now presses the player, regaining possession and offering #dcfc a wealth of space in midfield to attack.
Bielik now presses the player, regaining possession and offering #dcfc a wealth of space in midfield to attack.
Out of possession, #dcfc frequently dropped into a 4-5-1 shape with Waghorn and Jozwiak dropping into the wide midfield areas.
Whilst this example looks to be quite rigid, our midfield tended not to be a flat shape.
This midfield overload allows players to step out and press.
Whilst this example looks to be quite rigid, our midfield tended not to be a flat shape.
This midfield overload allows players to step out and press.
Looking at PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action), which takes a basic look at the pressing intensity of teams, #dcfc tended to sit off and conserve energy during the opening half an hour (PPDA highest at 26.3) and then began to press much more after 30' (PPDA lowest at 5.5).
The organisation and the intensity of our pressing has vastly improved, which is particularly noticeable after our more than shaky start to the season in this regard. https://twitter.com/11pts1win/status/1327294797997072384?s=20
The quality of #dcfc's chance creation has much improved under Rooney, and that seems to be continuing.
#dcfc have generated an xG of >1 in 5 of the 6 games he has been in charge (this had occurred in 2 of the 13 previous games). The aerial presence of Kazim has been integral.
#dcfc have generated an xG of >1 in 5 of the 6 games he has been in charge (this had occurred in 2 of the 13 previous games). The aerial presence of Kazim has been integral.
Rooney's decision to initially revert back to the basics (ie. getting players into the area and creating chances close to goal), not only increases our chances of scoring goals, but has also now laid the foundations to work on the intricacies in #dcfc's game.
Nathan Byrne was fantastic again on Wednesday, and is proving to be 'an absolute snip', and a more than ample Bogle replacement.
There was an emphasis on the full backs progressing the ball in wide areas rather than recycling it to the midfield - we're stretching the pitch.
There was an emphasis on the full backs progressing the ball in wide areas rather than recycling it to the midfield - we're stretching the pitch.
What more can I say about this guy?
Whilst the decision to spend big on one player as opposed to three or four was a questionable one, Bielik is showing potential to be worth more than what #dcfc paid for him.
P.S. try spot an unsuccessful defensive action...
Whilst the decision to spend big on one player as opposed to three or four was a questionable one, Bielik is showing potential to be worth more than what #dcfc paid for him.
P.S. try spot an unsuccessful defensive action...
Looking at Bielik's pass map, you can see how effectively he distributes the ball to the wide areas.
But what's most pleasing is how #dcfc's central midfielders are finally having the lion's share of our possession.
But what's most pleasing is how #dcfc's central midfielders are finally having the lion's share of our possession.
Previously, passes from Matt Clarke to our other centre back (whoever may be playing) would almost always be our most frequent combination, showing a real lack of ball distribution.
Now, however, Bielik has changed this, with our most frequent combination being Bielik - Knight.
Now, however, Bielik has changed this, with our most frequent combination being Bielik - Knight.
Take this long ball Bielik made vs. Stoke (which came off beautifully, by the way):
The confidence to try this after one scan of the pitch and find Jozwiak on the right, has bypassed the entirety of Stoke's midfield line, and #dcfc now have the ball in the final 3rd.
The confidence to try this after one scan of the pitch and find Jozwiak on the right, has bypassed the entirety of Stoke's midfield line, and #dcfc now have the ball in the final 3rd.