Newcastle has one of the best pressing structures in Europe, especially at home, we all know that. However, the challenge was interesting against a team who clearly shows improvements in build-up. Center back-Enzo-Cucurella was the main target for Magpies in the press.
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Given Newcastle high line of pressure, Enzo and Ugochukwu had to make different moves, to create space and force Newcastle to dismantle the line of press. Enzo dropping-off and Ugochukwu in midfield. That's why Joelinton and Guimaraes man-marking has been key.
Enzo Fernandez could not receive the ball and pass it to Cucurella properly. It was a risk to implement constant 2V1 on Enzo or individual pressing with Guimaraes's aggressive runs. But reward was worth it regarding how high on the pitch Newcastle recovered the ball.
Chelsea aspiring the press is clearly something implemented now, and Newcastle, thanks to Howe's pressing structure, sporadically fell into the trap. Thanks to the coordination of runs : while Almiron is attacking Badiashile, Riley is covering the space created to mark Cucurella.
Even if Chelsea made interesting moves and passes in build-up, Newcastle globally took advantage over the Blues in the press, and Chelsea had no options but playing long balls, most of the time. I am still impressed each game by this Eddie Howe's pressing.
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