Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea vs Manchester City
“The Positives and Negatives In His Debut Game”
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“The Positives and Negatives In His Debut Game”
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Like in pre-season, Chelsea forms a 4-2 shape that transitions into a 3-2-2-3/3-2-5 shape against Man City's 4-1-4-1
Maresca opts not to invert his FBs to create a double pivot — instead, he uses Caicedo and Lavia as the base from the start
(@Effmatch)
Maresca opts not to invert his FBs to create a double pivot — instead, he uses Caicedo and Lavia as the base from the start
(@Effmatch)
Gusto as the right-back, primarily advances to the wide areas — allowing Palmer to move inside and operate in the half-space where he can exert more influence on the attack.
Cucurella joins Colwill and Fofana to form a back three.
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Cucurella joins Colwill and Fofana to form a back three.
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In the structure, Chelsea have the central overloads vs Kovacic — with both Palmer and Enzo looking to receive in the pockets/between the lines and connect the play.
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Lavia had a great game vs Manchester City — providing retention under pressure while also contributing to Chelsea’s progression.
97 % pass completion.
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97 % pass completion.
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This is a great example of the build-up that connects what I've explained in previous tweets.
Lavia receives under pressure ➡️ Finds Palmer between the lines ➡️ Connects play to Gusto wide ➡️ Cutback to Enzo.
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Lavia receives under pressure ➡️ Finds Palmer between the lines ➡️ Connects play to Gusto wide ➡️ Cutback to Enzo.
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Due to Enzo's high positioning, he often finds himself in great attacking positions.
However, his execution in these situations is an area that requires further improvement.
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However, his execution in these situations is an area that requires further improvement.
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Caicedo also takes up more advanced positions than Lavia, which can look like a midfield three with Enzo.
This might be one of Maresca's intentions for tactical flexibility — however, he looks to more just occupying rather than receiving there.
(@markrstats)
This might be one of Maresca's intentions for tactical flexibility — however, he looks to more just occupying rather than receiving there.
(@markrstats)
Palmer primarily operates on the right-hand side, but there are instances where he roams to the opposite flank — particularly when entering the final third.
I'll take this as a positive.
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I'll take this as a positive.
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An interesting tactical choice in this game was Maresca's decision to position Nkunku as a winger — a player who excels more in central areas, just like Palmer.
He may not pose a significant threat in wide areas but can retain possession and operate effectively in tight spaces.
He may not pose a significant threat in wide areas but can retain possession and operate effectively in tight spaces.
His profile as a winger is more valuable when Chelsea faces teams employing a low block, as it aids in sustaining pressure.
Combination play is also one of his strengths, and this is a great example to showcase it.
Enzo pins Akanji high — allowing Nkunku to combine with Jackson and attack central areas.
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Enzo pins Akanji high — allowing Nkunku to combine with Jackson and attack central areas.
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In the second half, Neto replaces Nkunku as the LW.
This change allows for more one-on-one situations, although it remains limited as he only played for around 30 minutes.
This change allows for more one-on-one situations, although it remains limited as he only played for around 30 minutes.
Maresca also adjusts Enzo's role, positioning him deeper to form a double pivot with Caicedo — while Dewsbury-Hall moves into the left half-space.
(Lavia subbed off)
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(Lavia subbed off)
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Chelsea create a similar number of chances with more xG — there are also many examples where they receive in great positions but are unable to create anything from there.
(@OptaAnalyst)
(@OptaAnalyst)
Now let’s talk about Cheksea’s out-of-possession where they look to form a 4-2-4/4-4-2 shape against Chelsea’s 3-3-4/3-4-3 to 3-1-6.
(@Effmatch)
(@Effmatch)
First and foremost — to make 4-2-4 to 4-4-2 block work, it requires the front line to block the central access, and the wingers to have the defensive work-rate to recover.
If not, the double pivot would be exposed and stretched.
If not, the double pivot would be exposed and stretched.
Example 1.
The front 4 doesn’t completely block the central access — forcing Caicedo to step up and leave gaps/central access in the pockets/between the lines.
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The front 4 doesn’t completely block the central access — forcing Caicedo to step up and leave gaps/central access in the pockets/between the lines.
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Example 2.
Man City have 6 players in the attacking line which overloaded Chelsea’s double pivot.
Once they find access, they can directly attack the gaps.
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Man City have 6 players in the attacking line which overloaded Chelsea’s double pivot.
Once they find access, they can directly attack the gaps.
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Example 3.
The front 4 are able to block the central access so Man City decides to attack the wide areas.
If the winger (ex: Nkunku) tracks back, it allows Lavia to defend the central areas and help the defensive block to be more compact.
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The front 4 are able to block the central access so Man City decides to attack the wide areas.
If the winger (ex: Nkunku) tracks back, it allows Lavia to defend the central areas and help the defensive block to be more compact.
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Example 4.
If Nkunku doesn’t, Lavia is forced to defend wide areas which can stretch the double pivot or leave central access for the opponent to attack.
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If Nkunku doesn’t, Lavia is forced to defend wide areas which can stretch the double pivot or leave central access for the opponent to attack.
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Man City's 1st goal:
— Gvardiol baits Palmer ➡️ Creating space for Doku
— Gusto hesitates ➡️ Leading Caicedo to defend wide areas
— Double pivot stretched ➡️ Allowing Doku to cut inside
— Bernardo attacks gaps between the CBs (Fofana and Colwill)
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— Gvardiol baits Palmer ➡️ Creating space for Doku
— Gusto hesitates ➡️ Leading Caicedo to defend wide areas
— Double pivot stretched ➡️ Allowing Doku to cut inside
— Bernardo attacks gaps between the CBs (Fofana and Colwill)
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The second goal resulted from Kovačić exploiting central gaps of the double pivot with his ball-carrying ability.
However, this example differs slightly as it stems from a build-up situation but you can see how he attacks the double pivot.
However, this example differs slightly as it stems from a build-up situation but you can see how he attacks the double pivot.
Still so many things to be worked on Chelsea’s out-of-possession, it’s crucial to be compact as a unit in the Premier League.
Defending starts from the front.
Defending starts from the front.
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