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Another brief tactical summary thread, this time on Hamilton's emphatic 4-1 win in the Lanarkshire derby today:
Alexander set up his side in a 433 formation with O'Hara the only addition from their win over Kilmarnock. Hamilton fielded an unchanged side from their 1-1 draw with Rangers previously.
Hamilton began the game bravely by pressing Motherwell aggressively all over the park while leaving players high to stop Well playing out.
In an attempt to stop Well's increased build up through their CBs since Alexander's arrival, Ogboe and Anderson sat high on Mugabi and Lamie and stopped Kelly distributing the ball to them as seen from their positioning below.
Hamilton's build up consisted mainly of short distribution to their defence for them to go direct towards Ogboe. This was used to a much greater effect than previously in the season thanks to Callachan's more advanced midfield role and Anderson's insistence to stay tight to...
...the ST meant Ogboe constantly had players in support of him. The best example of this can be seen in the 3rd goal.
Callachan was having particular joy when drifting out into the left half space (see heatmap below) and with the assistance of the left CM, Hamilton were able to combine well in this area (see 1st goal) and provide McMann with several good crossing opportunities.
After O'Donnell's sending off, Motherwell switched to a 423 then shortly later, a 342 in an attempt to gain some more control over the midfield.
It is understandable that a sending off can disrupt a team's tactical game plan but throughout the match it was really difficult...
It is understandable that a sending off can disrupt a team's tactical game plan but throughout the match it was really difficult...
... to identify what Motherwell were actually aiming to do in possession.
The midfield was particularly disappointing and lacked urgency to get up the field quickly to support the attack. They rarely offered up any passing options centrally and, in general, were reluctant to...
The midfield was particularly disappointing and lacked urgency to get up the field quickly to support the attack. They rarely offered up any passing options centrally and, in general, were reluctant to...
... pick up possession which is perhaps credit to Accies early press.
As the game progressed Accies dropped a little deeper but still held significant control of the match. Hakeem Odoffin was tremendous throughout at breaking up opposition play and totaled the most tackles (5) and interceptions (4) in the game.
But he also offered Accies a calmness in possession and was comfortable at spreading the play under pressure. Not to mention this little piece of skill 
Odoffin has been fantastic this season and Accies will have difficulty keeping him past his contract's expiry this summer.
Odoffin has been fantastic this season and Accies will have difficulty keeping him past his contract's expiry this summer.
Rice seems to have found a much more balanced midfield in Trafford-Callachan-Odoffin as opposed to the flat 2 of Callachan-Martin he used earlier in the campaign.
Of course I'll have to take some of the credit for highlighting this issue previously for @PureFitbaw which you can check out here: https://purefitbaw.com/2020/09/10/analysing-accies-what-do-hamilton-need-to-do-to-start-scoring/
To summarise, a bad day at the office for Well who, regardless, should still survive the drop fairly comfortably.
Meanwhile, like clockwork, Hamilton look to have hit some good form at the business end of the season to potentially avoid relegation for a 7th year running.
Meanwhile, like clockwork, Hamilton look to have hit some good form at the business end of the season to potentially avoid relegation for a 7th year running.
