In a slow and methodical FA Cup semi-final, deep buildups and counterpressing came to the forefront. Though neither team had dominated the shot count, Chelsea were more efficient in bypassing Manchester City’s pressure, to secure another trip to Wembley, thanks to the work of the front two. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. January’s […]
Manchester City came into this game knowing that they had to work to do to atone for mistakes in the past. But Borussia Dortmund had no intention of rolling over for their guests. With fire in their bellies and nothing to lose, they pegged back City early on. Yet, their rebellion could only last so […]
Manchester City’s dominance is a known quantity, but few would have given their visitors a chance of holding their own in his matchup. However, Dortmund’s 4-5-1 block contained the host’s 4-3-3 system, leaving the identity of the winners in this two-legged affair up in the air. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Manchester […]
The defensive game plan of Leicester City disrupted their opponents’ buildup, but an aggressive counterpress left the Foxes’ cornered. Manchester City know more than one route to victory, which their next challengers will have to consider. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. The matchup between the Premier League’s number one and three took little […]
Carlo Ancelotti’s switch to a 5-3-2 defensive shape was sensible and organized, against a Manchester City team that missed their usual fluency. However, the missing offensive plan and loss of defensive cohesion could only last for so long, as City tweaked their approach to score two late goals. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]
Setting the tone for European conquest with a 2-0 win in the first leg, Manchester City looked to finish off the job. Relentless from the off, their fluid 4-3-3 system caused all manner of problems for Borussia Mönchengladbach, putting the tie to bed early in a routine display. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel […]
United took an instant lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and continued to put the pressure on City with aggressive defending in the period after. City eventually gained control for the remainder of the first half but could not break United down. City were shocked again early in the second half as a United transition […]
Manchester City continued their recent form by showing dominance of possession and territory against Gladbach. The German side had a decent defensive idea and tried to be constructive playing out from the back, but City ultimately had too much for them as Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus provided the goals which handed City control of […]
Manchester City’s flawless record in 2021 offered Arsenal little hope of finding a result against the best team in the land. City delivered, as their typically fluid 4-3-3 shape shone through, blitzing the home team early on. Mikel Arteta’s men fought back with their own intriguing structures and similar principles, but City looked in first […]
Protracted and substandard. This wasn’t your usual Guardiola and Mourinho matchup, yet the alarming ease in which Manchester City brushed past Tottenham Hotspur made this a big talking point in each other’s seasons. City were able to play on autopilot, with rehearsed movements getting them past the block, whilst Spurs looked clueless and deprived of […]