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Leicester City 1-3 Leeds United
-Barnes (13’)
-Dallas (15’)
-Bamford (70’)
-Harrison (84’)
Full-time thoughts (a short thread).
#LeiLee
-Barnes (13’)
-Dallas (15’)
-Bamford (70’)
-Harrison (84’)
Full-time thoughts (a short thread).
#LeiLee
We started in the 4-2-3-1 formation, which was slightly surprising - and adventurous - against Leeds’ high octane pressing.
A double pivot (Mendy/Tielemans) with a #10 (Maddison) that likes to play alongside the forward did give gaps in the midfield for Leeds.
#LeiLe
A double pivot (Mendy/Tielemans) with a #10 (Maddison) that likes to play alongside the forward did give gaps in the midfield for Leeds.
#LeiLe
An excellent opening goal from #LCFC, great drive/carry from Barnes (who is v. good at progressing play from deep in this way) before a clever combination with Maddison.
The goal is created by the quick touch & body manipulation to shoot before the GK expects it.
#LeiLee
The goal is created by the quick touch & body manipulation to shoot before the GK expects it.
#LeiLee
Leeds’ recovery has been impressive this season, and there quick equaliser attests to that.
Maddison misplaced a few passes in the transition (early doors), which is particularly dangerous against Leeds & unfortunately, #LCFC were punished - not once, but twice.
#Lei
Maddison misplaced a few passes in the transition (early doors), which is particularly dangerous against Leeds & unfortunately, #LCFC were punished - not once, but twice.
#Lei
It was a lob-sided press from #LCFC, which was forced by Albrighton’s intensity - this is a negative though.
Alioski (LB) was used as the “out” ball too often, as Albrighton would press a more advanced player, freeing him up - giving Leeds a deep passing lane.
#LeiLee
Alioski (LB) was used as the “out” ball too often, as Albrighton would press a more advanced player, freeing him up - giving Leeds a deep passing lane.
#LeiLee
Leeds’ press (man-to-man) caused a lot of issue for #LCFC.
You need to play brave from the back, maybe utilise a player who’s marked as a bounce pass, to give space to the defenders - instead of forcing the ball forwards creating transitions (benefitting Leeds).
#LeiLee
You need to play brave from the back, maybe utilise a player who’s marked as a bounce pass, to give space to the defenders - instead of forcing the ball forwards creating transitions (benefitting Leeds).
#LeiLee
But, #LCFC were scared to play intricately out the defence - because it’s somewhat high risk.
Leeds are good at covering options whilst pressing, but there’s still passing lanes available (even if they’re slightly covered), these are the brave passes we needed to use.
#LeiLee
Leeds are good at covering options whilst pressing, but there’s still passing lanes available (even if they’re slightly covered), these are the brave passes we needed to use.
#LeiLee
Throughout the first-half, Mendy would drop between the CB’s to provide another option.
With the change at HT, the three CB’s outnumbered Leeds’ front line - meaning if they wanted to press they had to push a midfielder - creating space for #LCFC in deep areas.
#LeiLee
With the change at HT, the three CB’s outnumbered Leeds’ front line - meaning if they wanted to press they had to push a midfielder - creating space for #LCFC in deep areas.
#LeiLee
By allowing Mendy to stay in the #6 role more frequently both in/out of possession, #LCFC had a more balanced battle in the midfield vs. Leeds.
The 3-4-3 formation allowed the double pivot to hold its position better, a smart alteration from Rodgers.
#LeiLee
The 3-4-3 formation allowed the double pivot to hold its position better, a smart alteration from Rodgers.
#LeiLee
The joy found in the 3-4-3 formation was during Leeds’ adaption period.
Their man-to-man press needed to adjust - to understand which players pressed who. Once this was rectified, #LCFC’s joy in transition was nullified & attacking intent became laboured.
#LeiLee
Their man-to-man press needed to adjust - to understand which players pressed who. Once this was rectified, #LCFC’s joy in transition was nullified & attacking intent became laboured.
#LeiLee
The issue #LCFC had is Pérez’s role (the false #9) relies on him connecting play with those around him.
Both him, and Maddison, couldn’t get the ball to stick; couldn’t utilise the players around them & didn’t offer the pace to run behind the defence.
#LeiLee
Both him, and Maddison, couldn’t get the ball to stick; couldn’t utilise the players around them & didn’t offer the pace to run behind the defence.
#LeiLee
It made the attack one-dimensional, but also forced a lot of turnovers with both (Maddison/Pérez) being dispossessed far too often.
You can’t have two “de facto” #10’s that are misplacing passes/being tackled as frequently as #LCFC’s were, it disrupts all momentum.
#LeiLee
You can’t have two “de facto” #10’s that are misplacing passes/being tackled as frequently as #LCFC’s were, it disrupts all momentum.
#LeiLee
I’m not going to scapegoat any individuals, I’m purely outlining that this system (which doesn’t have Vardy/Ndidi inside it) is dependant on the #10 dictating the game - and not giving turnovers, as Ndidi’s excellent at neutralising those, so without him #LCFC struggle.
#LeiLee
#LeiLee
