Tactical Breakdown: Atalanta 0-5 Liverpool
“I don’t think any system could have defended tonight Sadio, Mo & Diogo, the way they played, with the support of the others.”In his post-match presser, Jürgen Klopp was bubbling with praise for his entire team, championing the manner in which the team defended with concentration and discipline, and attacked with synchronicity and fluidity. It was a significant departure from the nature of Liverpool's most recent games, with a distinct shift in tone, tempo and action, akin …
Liverpool vs Atletico tactical analysis: Liverpool unlucky or a Simeone masterclass?
Despite dominating the ball and creating the lion’s share of the chances, Liverpool succumbed to a 3-2 defeat in front of their home fans as Diego Simeone’s Atleti survived the bombardment to score three goals in added time. Simeone’s side showed the catenaccio and Bilardisme mentality that has made them one of the most respected teams in Europe. Nonetheless, Liverpool were able to open up cracks in Simeone's disciplined set-up to create chances that could have won the game. Liverpool's performance …
Tactical Preview: Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 victory at the Wanda Metropolitano heralded the end of Liverpool’s phenomenal winning streak. The performance itself was more concerning than the defeat though, with Liverpool merely creating eight chances (four of which were shots from outside of the box), one Big Chance, but not managing to get a single one of those on target. Liverpool’s 0.6 xG was one of the lowest generated in recent memory. The Atletico Madrid defensive shape was immovable and robust but rarely …
Norwich 0-1 Liverpool: Tactical Breakdown
"It's like a free shot tomorrow because we have to deliver in the following 11 games."The comments of Norwich City manager, Daniel Farke, epitomised what lies ahead for Liverpool FC. No team expects to beat Liverpool, but every single team craves to be the one that finally fells the mighty red behemoth. Liverpool, on a seemingly unstoppable charge towards an unprecedented flawless season. Nonetheless, amidst ghastly conditions, brought about by the menacingly destructive Storm Dennis, Liverpool travelled …
Liverpool vs Sheffield Utd - Tactical Analysis
Liverpool met Sheffield Utd at Anfield for their first game of 2020, hoping to pick up where they left off in 2019. In securing a comfortable 2-0 victory, they did just that. Liverpool's tactical approach was an intelligent one given the challenges presented by their opponent's system & Christmas scheduling.
They were able to simultaneously control possession of the ball whilst seeking to exploit their opponents' pressing system. Klopp's tactics contributed to the team breaking the club record for passes …
Liverpool 3-1 Manchester City: A Tactical Breakdown
When the fixture list was announced, all eyes immediately scanned for one fixture: Liverpool vs. Manchester City. Last season, the fixture at the Etihad provided some of the most breathtaking, tactically stimulating and utterly brilliant football England has ever seen. It was a credit to football and to sport. This time, the Anfield leg offered Liverpool the opportunity to go nine points clear of their rivals, in November. Titles cannot be won in November, but they can be lost. Whether …
Tactical Analysis: Van Dijk Shines as Reds Pass Turf Moore Test
The stage was set for Liverpool to drop their first points of their new campaign. No sooner had the referee ushered the ball towards the centre circle to kickstart proceedings, than Sean Dyche was seen gesticulating towards his players to kick the ball long towards the Liverpool defence. Why? Well, as Sean Dyche pointed out without any concern for subtlety, the sun was shining directly into the eyes of Liverpool's defence and keeper. The message was clear: hit early long …
Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal: A Tactical Breakdown
After a series of underwhelming performances, Liverpool's victory against Arsenal was a significant step in the right direction. Whereas in previous games, Liverpool had conceded a number of chances, and defended poorly, through not pressing effectively or making positional errors, the fixture on Saturday evening was far more akin to the efficient, composed and effective performances which came to define Liverpool's ruthless machine-like intensity over the course of last season.
Liverpool set up in their typical 4-3-3 formation, but whereas …
Liverpool 4-1 Norwich: A Tactical Breakdown
Liverpool's Premier League game against Norwich was the first genuine test Jürgen Klopp's men have faced since becoming European Champions. This was the first occasion in which points were at stake, the team would be able to set a marker and display their intent for the season.
The scoreline indicates a strong performance, and the side picking up from where it left off. Yet there were a number of signs that indicate both change and qualitative variance compared to last …
Liverpool 0-0 Bayern Munich: A Tactical Breakdown
There are very few clubs with the prestige and history of Bayern Munich. Irrespective of their current form or standing, when a club such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Barcelona are set to visit, everyone sits a little straighter. These fixtures are precisely what makes Europe's premier competition the best club competition in the world, in any sport.
Yet when Bayern Munich were drawn against Liverpool, it was one of the few occasions that they were not immediately considered …