Read on Twitter
Leicester City 2-0 Southampton
-Maddison (37’)
-Barnes (95’)
Full-time thoughts (a short thread).
#LeiSou
-Maddison (37’)
-Barnes (95’)
Full-time thoughts (a short thread).
#LeiSou
Rodgers opted for the 4-2-3-1, which is becoming #LCFC’s most common formation - now that injuries aren’t limiting the potential of the side.
I’d suggest that, aside from Albrighton (who I’d replace with Pérez), & maybe Justin/Fofana - that’s the full-strength side.
#LeiSou
I’d suggest that, aside from Albrighton (who I’d replace with Pérez), & maybe Justin/Fofana - that’s the full-strength side.
#LeiSou
Southampton were happy to concede possession (mainly through forcing it forwards) in their attacking sequences, as their structure & counter-press is built around reacting/claiming the second balls.
This allowed them to control the early stages of the fixture.
#LeiSou
This allowed them to control the early stages of the fixture.
#LeiSou
It seemed like Rodgers asked #LCFC to do something similar, or the defensive players naturally forced progressive passes (maybe because of a lack options in midfield) quite frequently, but #LCFC’s system isn’t built to claim second balls.
Hence the control disparity.
#LeiSou
Hence the control disparity.
#LeiSou
Interestingly, the good chances #LCFC created in the first-half came from dispossessing/collecting the ball in advanced areas (a turnover).
We’re not structured to utilise second balls, but can profit from them. They’re designed to offer good chances (in transition).
#LeiSou
We’re not structured to utilise second balls, but can profit from them. They’re designed to offer good chances (in transition).
#LeiSou
Out of possession, #LCFC matched Southampton’s 4-4-2, with Maddison pushing next to Vardy. The pivot pushed into a central two, and the wingers (Barnes/Albrighton) formed a midfield four.
A slight shift from the 4-2-3-1 they played during possession sequences.
#LeiSou
A slight shift from the 4-2-3-1 they played during possession sequences.
#LeiSou
In an average first-half for #LCFC, which was a credit to Southampton’s energy, press & intent to make runs behind the defensive line, both Ndidi/Tielemans stood out.
Ndidi for negating *everything* & YT for executing four/five incredible passes - incl. an assist.
#LeiSou
Ndidi for negating *everything* & YT for executing four/five incredible passes - incl. an assist.
#LeiSou
Southampton’s 4-4-2 was effective at isolating the man in possession, #LCFC struggled to combat this. Even with an extra man in the midfield (3vs2), the intensity of their CM’s negated the superiority & forced these scenarios - limiting how progressive we could be.
#LeiSou
#LeiSou
In the attacking third, #LCFC squandered a couple of great chances (either entirely or lowered the chances of scoring) by misplacing the pass. Taking the receiver too wide, leaving it short, or just overplaying it.
McCarthy’s early sweeping in the back of #LCFC’s mind.
#LeiSou
McCarthy’s early sweeping in the back of #LCFC’s mind.
#LeiSou
That’s not to say we didn’t create some great chances, we did. Fully deserving of the goals we scored tonight, it’s merely outlining a potential route to find more goals for the team.
If we can sharpen the passing in those areas, we’ll be frightening in transition.
#LeiSou
If we can sharpen the passing in those areas, we’ll be frightening in transition.
#LeiSou
I’ve mentioned it already, but our pivot was exceptional, even off the ball - Ndidi’s tenacity is matched by Tielemans who both push the XI to press with great intensity/purpose.
Tielemans passing enabled all of the positive actions for #LCFC (2 assists as well).
#LeiSou
Tielemans passing enabled all of the positive actions for #LCFC (2 assists as well).
#LeiSou
Aside from his goal, Maddison was quiet. I don’t mind that, finding pockets in the #10 wasn’t easy & when the opportunity arose he took it - which has become a theme for him this season.
Pérez’s pressing quality & tight-space manipulation was good off the bench.
#LeiSou
Pérez’s pressing quality & tight-space manipulation was good off the bench.
#LeiSou
The two substitutions of Vardy/Fofana were hopefully more tactically influenced (rather than injuries).
Söyüncü looked great, his passing is more complete than Fofana’s & does help alleviate pressure - particularly against an organised/effective Southampton press.
#LeiSou
Söyüncü looked great, his passing is more complete than Fofana’s & does help alleviate pressure - particularly against an organised/effective Southampton press.
#LeiSou
His partner, Jonny Evans, was near enough faultless tonight - again. After looking leggy during the earlier stages this season, his composure & timing of tackle really aided #LCFC’s reclaiming of possession.
The CB’s looked more comfortable when it was Söyüncü/Evans.
#LeiSou
The CB’s looked more comfortable when it was Söyüncü/Evans.
#LeiSou
Often the unsung hero, but Albrighton was exceptional tonight. I still feel his game is suited to playing as a wing-back, but he’s showing good quality in the final third during these games as a winger.
Versus teams with attacking LB’s he’s almost a must have.
#LeiSou
Versus teams with attacking LB’s he’s almost a must have.
#LeiSou
