Smart teams (like Villa) now make it very difficult for teams who build play using the 3-2-5 structure.
The DEF front 6 form this kinda shape ⬇️ w/ the 2 CFs blocking passes into Midfield & the wide Midfielders closing the half spaces, blocking passes to Wingers & pressing CBs
The DEF front 6 form this kinda shape ⬇️ w/ the 2 CFs blocking passes into Midfield & the wide Midfielders closing the half spaces, blocking passes to Wingers & pressing CBs
If White received & his first touch went across his body (closing off the line) McGinn pressed whilst Watkins/Rogers pressed Saliba (middle CB) & Bailey pressed Gabriel (left CB).
This led to a key chance for Villa within the opening 25 minutes.
This led to a key chance for Villa within the opening 25 minutes.
Within this 3-2-5 shape you can see Arsenal’s DMs are blocking the space as much as Aston Villa’s CFs.
Sometimes it is easier for the opposition to mark two players (man for man) rather than 1 (who has more room to roam in, causing confusion).
Less = more options.
Sometimes it is easier for the opposition to mark two players (man for man) rather than 1 (who has more room to roam in, causing confusion).
Less = more options.
One option - which Guardiola has adopted - is to stagger the midfield 2 (so they aren’t in a straight line) and drop one of the 10s to the side.
This creates 3v2 down the sides. Pep uses KDB in this position (time & space to pick a pass) as does Ange with Maddison.
This creates 3v2 down the sides. Pep uses KDB in this position (time & space to pick a pass) as does Ange with Maddison.
Arsenal did a couple of rotations where Timber dropped to CB & (left footed) Gabriel came to left back.
This opened up space for Partey (one less player blocking the space) & caused Watkins/Rogers & Bailey more of a problem.
More like a simple 4-3-3 shape…
This opened up space for Partey (one less player blocking the space) & caused Watkins/Rogers & Bailey more of a problem.
More like a simple 4-3-3 shape…
Another fairly simple solution was for Partey to drop between the CBs with only Timber in midfield. Watkins/Rogers were less sure who should pick up Timber and Partey had lots of time to pick out a pass or carry the ball forwards.
Tactical evolution is key.
Tactical evolution is key.
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