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Posted: 07 Sep 2012 09:59 AM PDT
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Essentially, the standard back four saw the full-backs pushed on 40 or 50 metres up the field on a regular basis, with Micah Richards (right side, later Pablo Zabaleta) and Gael Clichy (left side) used as hugely offensive wing-backs, utilising their pace and athleticism to stretch play and offer a constant outlet the entire width and length of the pitch. The two centre backs then were protected by two deep-lying midfielders, one the anchor and one the more versatile and supporting player who kept the ball moving, always offered an option to receive the ball and switched play frequently. Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure dovetailed nicely in these dual roles, with Nigel de Jong almost exclusively the anchor when he figured in the team. Ahead of them, the wide midfielders—usually Samir Nasri and David Silva, with James Milner the third option—played on the opposite flank to their preferred foot, enabling them to cut infield and get heavily involved in both build-up and attacking phases of play. While they increased congestion in the centre of the pitch, for City this was actually a positive as their technical ability allowed them to pass quickly around opposition players and the spaces they left out wide was quickly filled by the aforementioned roving full-backs. Carlos Tevez—when not off playing golf—was of course the central player who had licence to drop deep or into the channels as well as run beyond the centre forward, Sergio Aguero, according to the flow of the game. With Aguero as the main man up top, City were guaranteed pace, power and goals—similar traits to those offered by Mario Balotelli, but with far more frequency and consistency in all areas. Why, then, has Mancini made the decision to try and change a successful system which fitted many of the players in City’s squad? Firstly, we must recount that Mancini did use this system last year already, in several select instances. It is a tactical system he already had in mind and it has served him, and others, well over the past season or so. Let’s take a look at how they lined up during preseason and, with recourse to specific playing staff, in their Premier League match against Liverpool: 
Manchester City Tactical Formation
Whether you choose to identify it as a 3-5-2 or a 5-3-2 is irrelevant; the positions of the wing-backs depend largely on where the ball is on the pitch at any one moment and which team is in possession of the ball. What is important, and apparent, is that there is a clear back three, two central midfielders and two forwards, with Samir Nasri floating in between the two zones according to need. The arrows show that Mancini’s idea was for Milner and Kolarov to drive into the space ahead of them from deep, pushing back Liverpool’s defence and keeping them on the back foot, leaving a three-against-two situation in the middle of the attack (Liverpool lined up 4-3-3) for City to exploit on the ball. Even if Liverpool dropped one central midfielder deeper to align themselves with Nasri, City would have fancied their chances with good movement and quick passing to cause damage in a three-on-three situation. Against bigger sides, better passing sides, City want to be able to have possession higher up the pitch quickly after a turnover of the ball. Playing with wing backs who can attack quickly allows them to do this and keep passing options open without reducing their midfield presence—but it does come at a cost. Last season a big part of their success was due to the combination and approach play of the Nasri-Silva axis, which they lose one of playing 1-behind-2 in attack. There is, however, a potential remedy for this—instead of playing his favoured two striker system, Roberto Mancini could, while Sergio Aguero is injured at least, feature David Silva and Nasri playing behind Carlos Tevez. Tevez has the work-rate and presence to lead the line himself and certainly provides the goals, while the creativity and movement of having both creative players in the side behind him will aid City in maintaining possession and continuing their build-up play in the final third. What they lose in immediate penetration from having one less forward—Dzeko or Balotelli—in the penalty area to start with should be offset by creating a better quality (and a higher number) of chances for their combined attackers to score from. At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool proved better adversaries on the day than perhaps City were expecting and were able to cause frequent problems for the City rearguard in the channels between wing-back and outside central defenders due to quick passing and movement and impressive ball retention over lengthy periods of time. This led to City players trying to close down, and therefore following the ball out of their base defensive positions. This prompted Mancini to switch tactics later on in the game, bringing Silva on to play higher and removing Milner, thereby reverting to a standard back four. City will certainly play both systems this season, back three and back four, according to need. They arguably do not have three central defenders consistent enough to play a back three for the entire campaign anyway, and the effectiveness of Nasri playing entirely central, all the time, is yet to be fully established. However, the new signing of the dynamic former Inter Milan full-back, Maicon, certainly points to the probability of the wing-back system being a continuous option for Mancini as he looks to continue City’s success. |
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Posted: 07 Sep 2012 02:32 AM PDT
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Brendan Rodgers offered plenty of talking points in an interview on Thursday and some key questions were, at least partially, answered for fans anxious to know where improvements in Liverpool’s league form are coming from. In a wide-ranging interview in the club’s press room, Rodgers spoke candidly about how he sees the Reds improving in future transfer windows as well as touching on the deadline day just past, on the way he wants Liverpool to play this season and how tactics might have to change to suit the available players between now and January. Describing how his three man midfield generally works, the Reds manager explained how Arsenal were able to overrun his side in midfield in the 2-0 Anfield reverse last weekend, and how they attempted to combat this by switching from the usual 4-3-3 to a slightly more lateral-movement enabling 4-2-3-1. Ultimately, of course, it was to little avail as the Reds lacked a real cutting edge in the final third to create quality scoring chances. With Joe Allen forced into a deeper holding—or “controlling”, as Rodgers terms it—role in midfield due to the enforced absence of Lucas Leiva, the manager also referenced that there would be “another 50%” to come from the former Swansea City player once he was moved into his best position. Having been a stand-out first team player so far this season despite Liverpool not winning any matches thus far, that statement bodes well indeed for the Reds’ future. Further forward, Rodgers accepts that Liverpool have not yet learned to be patient enough to approach the game in the manner he requires. More time is needed, he says, for the players to become accustomed to not trying to score with every single attack. Due to the lack of numbers in the final third—Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll exited the club over the summer, with only Oussama Assaidi and Fabio Borini to replace them—young flyer Raheem Sterling has become a big hit with fans after several dynamic performances at the beginning of what will be his first full season as a regular member of the first team. [There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.] Brendan Rodgers hinted that further youngsters would also be likely to get a chance with Suso, an 18-year-old Spanish playmaker, one of those mentioned as being in with a shout. Even if there is no quick fix to remedy Liverpool’s current ails, what is abundantly clear from listening to Rodgers speak is that there is a plan in place. There is a strategy and a framework, to which all involved at the club—from the manager to the players and including the ground staff and gate security men, according to Rodgers—are important assets in and must work to their greatest potential to help Liverpool FC achieve their aims. Undeniably, there is plenty of work to do and a long—and at times difficult—journey to undertake to put Liverpool back anywhere near the top pile of Premier League teams. But Brendan Rodgers is, for one, of the unshakeable belief that once they come through the “ugly part” of learning his methods and implementing them in games, the Reds will once more be a force to be reckoned with. Follow @karlmatchett// |
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Posted: 06 Sep 2012 05:55 PM PDT
 Australia scored an emphatic 3-0 win over Lebanon as they prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Jordan next week.After watching them struggle against Scotland last month, any performance was likely to be an improvement. There was much to like about Australia’s dominant performance against Lebanon. While the Lebanese side was the weaker of the two, it was nice to see Austrailia have a strong start to their World Cup Campaign. Their passing game was slick, their crosses were sticking and they were moving the ball well through the middle of the pitch. Tim Cahill and Alex Brosque finally looked like they might be on the same page in attack. With Mark Bresciano pulling the strings in behind, the Aussies were back to the dominant attack that we know they can possess from time to time. Now all they need is some consistency. Fulham goalkeeper, Mark Schwartzer remains one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and is one of the national team’s best players. He’s become a savior from time to time and forever a legend since the 2006 World Cup qualifier. However, without a solid defensive line in front of him, Schwartzer is left helpless to repel the attacks that come—something that simply must change as the Socceroos seek to mount their challenge for 2014 World Cup qualification. Lebanon was a good warm-up and an excellent opportunity for the Socceroos to work on their passing game throughout midfield. But let’s not overlook the fact that this was a very weakened team and a match that Australia really should have won with relative ease. We can start talking about how good they are when they defeat Jordan next Wednesday. |
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Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:28 PM PDT
 When Javier Hernández became a Manchester United player in April 2010, it was quite a surprising transfer move for Mexico’s supporters and media.At that very moment, Javier began to show his true worth as a footballer with Chivas de Guadalajara, his former team. He soon began scoring goals regularly in the Mexican First Division. Despite lacking international experience and only being 21 years old, his name began to emerge as a strong possibility for the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup. Hernández began enjoying the most efficient part of his career soon after Sir Alex Ferguson and Jorge Vergara (Chivas de Guadalajara's owner) announced that he'd be joining the red part of Manchester. After terrorizing international defenses and scoring four goals in two games at the World Cup, Hernández arrived in Manchester with the strong intention of making himself an important player for his new team. The Mexican's first season as a United player was nothing short of amazing and, above all, beyond all expectations. He managed to score 20 goals in all competitions and suddenly won the supporters’ love and respect. The respect he earned didn't stop there; Ferguson always talked about how important his presence was in the starting eleven. Unfortunately for the young Mexican, the same luck that was experienced in his first season abroad wasn't nearly as present in last year's 2011-2012 Premier League. His time on the pitch was reduced considerably as the emergence of young English striker Danny Welbeck made headlines. Welbeck soon began scoring goals and getting more time on the pitch, which meant Hernandez found himself spending more time on the bench. Despite the setback and having to deal with his new role, Javier scored 10 goals in the English Premier League and 2 more in the UEFA Europa League, finding the net a total of 12 times. Now with the 2012-2013 season already underway, the Mexican has found himself amongst one of the most deadly attacks in world football. The arrivals of Japanese playmaker Shinji Kawaga from German champions Borussia Dortmund and Dutch international striker Robin van Persie from rivals Arsenal have made the competition even more difficult. Add Kagawa and van Persie to Wayne Rooney, Welbeck and Hernández, and the phrase "competition for places" certainly comes to mind. If one word was required to describe Javier Hernández, then "perseverance" would have to be a favorite. His strong mentality is remarkable and his desire to succeed, despite the hardships he's faced along the way, is still extremely high. I personally know him, and his intention is to stay positive and face this situation with the same commitment he's shown Manchester United fans everywhere over the past two years. Above all, he seeks to continue learning from all his teammates, including the new members of United's attack, that will make competition for places that much harder. |
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