Thread by @DominicWells_SJ

Leicester City 1-0 Manchester City
-Iheanacho ([PEN] 89’)

Full-time thoughts (a short thread)

#LeiMci #CommunityShield

After fielding a strong XI vs. Villarreal, #LCFC played arguably their “starting XI” for the season against Man City — aside from missing a replacement CB for Fofana, with Amartey starting at RCB.

It was a 4-2-3-1, Maddison (#10) behind Vardy — pivot: Ndidi/Tielemans.

#LeiMci

It’s finally a game worthwhile dissecting from a tactical perspective, and I will do so through the thread.

Probably the most notable deployment was the out-to-in progression in the wings, with Barnes/Pérez both inverting for the overlapping wing-backs to advance into.

#LeiMci

On the right, Pérez tends to invert deeper in the pitch & will create a lot of space for Pereira to advance into, while Barnes inverts whilst carrying possession into the box — enabling a late overlap for Bertrand.

Similar end products, but created differently.

#LeiMci

The building phases followed patterns of last season, progress through the full-backs rather than a midfielder receiving from the CB’s.

Despite this, Maddison often dropped into a CM position to create a vertical lane for the defence/midfield & was utilised frequently.

#LeiMci

The press was consistent/energetic, Maddison supporting Vardy with the CB’s — while the wingers pushed onto the full-backs.

The structure was good, but Fernandinho (CDM) became a free man when Maddison pressed the CB — enabling an escape out the press.

#LeiMci

Considering his usage, Amartey was fantastic. Good positional awareness/discipline despite only really playing as the RCB in a three.

He covered danger when Söyüncü undoubtedly pressed out the line, and also timed his tackling/commitment with quality & consistency.

#LeiMci

In possession, Amartey rarely played vertically — tending to use Söyüncü’s on-the-ball ability instead of attempting passes himself. This simplicity did make #LCFC fairly one-dimensional when progressing, and is an area of potential issues if another CB doesn’t join.

#LeiMci

Regardless, Amartey’s overall game was worthy of Man of the Match — imo.

Dealt with inverting runs from the flanks, central runners, and passes through the lines, whilst always commanding his aerial duals. His game also wasn’t overly reactive (good for a newcomer).

#LeiMci

I thought Tielemans was excellent.

The most utilised midfielder in possession for #LCFC — unsurprisingly — but always positive in his actions. He tracked runners effectively as well, with this being his second pre-season game, that’s very impressive.

#LeiMci

The importance of quality at full-back is pivotal with #LCFC, they’re dependent on them to create through the pitch. Today, Pereira/Bertrand were brilliant in that capacity.

Occasionally it’s just making unused runs, but also about being available in the final third.

#LeiMci

They also balanced the attacking responsibilities with their defensive duties. Often, when one progressed (mainly Pereira) the other would shuttle into the defensive line. This enables a balance despite being asymmetrical — neutralising counters.

Simple, but effective.

#LeiMci

The substitutes also impressed. Soumaré highlighted his press resistance/verticality against good opposition, KDH played as a #10 (unusual) but still offered assurance in possession. Daka/Iheanacho have a good understanding/role differential — enabling chances (& goal).

#LeiMci

Overall, I thought every player did their role & performed to a good level — with a few exceeding this.

Yes, Man City weren’t “full strength”, but we looked sharper, fitter & exploited these weaknesses with great decisiveness.

A good introduction ahead of the season.

#LeiMci