Thread by @DominicWells_SJ

Leicester City 2-1 Crystal Palace
-Castagne (50’)
-Iheanacho (80’)

-Zaha (12’)

Full-time thoughts (a short thread).

#LeiCry

The same system (3-4-1-2) and personnel as the WBA game for #LCFC, which was to be expected.

The pressing structure (4-4-2) remained the same - Maddison as the LM/Castagne (RM), outlining Rodgers’ intent to implement this in/out possession setup vs. any team & shape.

#LeiCry

Palace opted for a 4-5-1 (out of possession) which transitioned into a narrow 4-3-3 in possession.

Their trigger was Milivojević, who would play as the DM - looking for vertical passing lanes (which would arise from their front three occupying in the half-spaces).

#LeiCry

Early on #LCFC struggled to find their own vertical passing lanes (into Maddison/Iheanacho - who had both drifted into half-spaces) in possession, as Palace’s midfield three shuttled across the pitch in a compact block covering passing lanes/intercepting passes.

#LeiCry

This “stacking” of the centre (or ball-side) from Palace, meant there was space on the opposing side of the pitch - via a switch.

#LCFC utilise a formation that stretches the extremities, yet refuse to play long into the opposing wings (in spaces they’ve created).

#LeiCry

As the first-half progressed, #LCFC were forced into utilising the wings - or playing long balls over the top - to create chances. That’s a by-product of Palace’s structure & the Foxes “trying to adapt”.

This isn’t the same as switching into space - like I mentioned.

#LeiCry

I did notice something positive from the first-half. Players in depth carrying/dribbling through the press to help remove Palace players from the block.

Fofana, Ndidi, & Söyüncü all successfully carried out from the defensive third & this allowed easier central passes.

#LeiCry

Aside from this, #LCFC really struggled to create - despite seeing a lot of possession (64%). Palace outclassed the Foxes; structurally, tactically, & in terms of game-management.

An astute deep-block capable of utilising Benteke’s strengths to combine w/ runners.

#LeiCry

The early goal in the second-half was pivotal.

Tactically, it was a clever adaption that enabled the scorer (Castagne) to occupy the space for the goal. Pushing Tielemans wide (away from the congested centre & into a valuable space for creation) allowing TC to advance.

#LeiCry

Quite an obvious implementation was playing Thomas high/wide, often used to escape Palace’s congested block.

After being found in lots of space, Vardy would then drift into the left-channel (again) to create numerical advantages down that side - with Thomas.

#LeiCry

Rodgers saw this avenue as #LCFC’s best chance to create, therefore he switched Castagne to that side & replaced Thomas with Albrighton.

By having those two as the wing-backs, you have two comfortable players operating “high/wide” - stretching the opposition’s block.

#LeiCry

It’s through this positioning of the wing-backs, that #LCFC were able to create the second goal.

Albrighton dragged the LB wide & opened a space for Iheanacho to run into & is well found by Evans - the rest of the goal is absolutely magical from Kelechi.

#LeiCry

The finish is excellent & beats Guaita with ease due to the nature & timing of the strike.

Iheanacho shoots early, with a defender between himself and the GK & utilises both of them to disorientate/blindside the GK.

Only a player with confidence takes that chance.

#LeiCry

Albeit in a cameo, I thought Pérez highlighted his acumen out of possession with a few (3) excellent turnovers.

His anticipation/awareness to opposition mistakes & dispossess them is levels above Maddison’s - despite the latter offering better on the ball quality.

#LeiCry

The end result is down to Rodgers’ tactical adjustments & the players ability to adapt their style to his demands - which rewarded #LCFC with a few clear chances for Pérez/Vardy - should’ve scored.

It wasn’t a “great” performance, but it was an excellent three points!

#LeiCry