Tactx
@Tactx_
I'll cover this in more detail tomorrow with, hopefully, a tactical camera view. (Need it for second half for full picture of Chelsea man-to-man press) Chelsea set out in a mid 4-4-2 block. Man City dropped Kovacic low and pushed the full-backs high (creating a 3v2)
This allowed City to build with ease. Rather than using the width, they played into Chelsea's block. In this instance, Akanji, with time on the ball, plays into the traffic. Chelsea win it and break.
The problem with a midfielder dropping onto the defensive line (Kovacic) is they don't defend transitions like a defender. The 3v2 is gone. Chelsea should have scored their second.
Man City soon realised they needed to play around the block rather than through it. Chelsea, for all the attacking talent, have poor pressing players in wide areas.
The shifts to playing around forced the Chelsea wingers back onto the defensive line. Particularly on the right with Madueke.
This led to him playing Marmoush onside for the goal, which was then compounded as Gvardiol followed up to score. The concern for me is the defender's body position the ball over the is signalled.
Maresca knew he had lost control and reverted to a man-to-man press from the hour mark. Man City played over it and opened Chelsea up. This is 1 minute before the Haaland goal. I'll cover this tomorrow with better camera angles.
It was the same scenario one minute later as Chelsea pushed on aggressively. One direct ball and Haaland scores.
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