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So I'm in the process of rewatching the #ARSLEE game. Did the 1st half. Some interesting talking points.
Given we have a training comp going just before, I actually want to talk a bit about what is so interesting about Leeds and what Arteta did to counter. This is about tactics
Given we have a training comp going just before, I actually want to talk a bit about what is so interesting about Leeds and what Arteta did to counter. This is about tactics
Bielsa has done something beautiful at Leeds. A high stamina team that wants to score goals.
They press very high and very early, leading the PPDA with 8.7 (ARS 16.5)
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jqI32/2/
They do this by man marking the entire midfield and wings and forcing overturns.
They press very high and very early, leading the PPDA with 8.7 (ARS 16.5)
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jqI32/2/
They do this by man marking the entire midfield and wings and forcing overturns.
Arteta countered this by doing some interesting things.
Opt for a low block
Give Leeds time in their 1/3
Shadow press with the 3-4 forward players. Midfield follow dropping CMs all the way.
This forced play to be funneled back to Meslier, who had no option to go long.
Opt for a low block Give Leeds time in their 1/3 Shadow press with the 3-4 forward players. Midfield follow dropping CMs all the way.This forced play to be funneled back to Meslier, who had no option to go long.
Meslier had a howler of a game. Given oceans of time to primarily pass it to a defender, only to get it back. Or kick it long.
Out of the 27 long balls he attempted, only 48% hit the target.
He ended with the second lowest passes completed of the players that played 90min
Out of the 27 long balls he attempted, only 48% hit the target.
He ended with the second lowest passes completed of the players that played 90min
On the ball, Bielsa actually had the ability to watch the freely available training comps Arsenal uploaded to YouTube, to see what they were going to do
The midfielders and forwards would constantly drop to show for the pass and one touch lay off.
This created problems for Leeds
The midfielders and forwards would constantly drop to show for the pass and one touch lay off.
This created problems for Leeds
By dropping, one touch lay off and spin Arteta managed to beat the press.
Prey Leeds forward and out of position
Use man marking to create 1-1 opportunities for forwards
Forced defenders to drop deep.
Deploying so many low touch players meant Leeds were chasing shadows
Prey Leeds forward and out of position Use man marking to create 1-1 opportunities for forwards Forced defenders to drop deep.Deploying so many low touch players meant Leeds were chasing shadows
Also, by deploying 3 youngsters who are comfortable through the middle, the right and the left, meant they would constantly drag defenders out of position, opening space for midfielders, fullbacks and Auba.
At defense, deploying 2 CBs who are comfortable going into the attacking third, also meant Leeds needed to commit players to stop a bombing Gabriel and Luiz.
Philosophy was clear - if one beats the 1-1, someone has to drop their man to defend you.
Philosophy was clear - if one beats the 1-1, someone has to drop their man to defend you.
I'm going to see if I can upload some clips of things that stamp this into perspective, but just quick - how many noticed Leeds would constantly rough up Arsenal players?
Alioski and Raphael had a knack to shin kick and fall on top of players. Primarily Saka and Gabriel.
Alioski and Raphael had a knack to shin kick and fall on top of players. Primarily Saka and Gabriel.
