Thread by @Chris17_t

Match Analysis: How Conte beat Guardiola

• defensive setup
• ManCity’s wing play
• Kane’s masterclass

#MCITOT #Tottenham #Tactics #SundayShare

[THREAD]

Tottenham started the game pretty well in their basic 3-4-3 shape. ManCity wanted to press them in an aggressive 4-2-3-1. De Bruyne as the 10 marked the ball-near 6 and the ball-far winger tucked in to the ball-far 6.

But this wasn’t always executed well at the beginning. The ball-far winger didn’t tuck in enough at times. Moreover, the pressure on Tottenham’s back line wasn’t high enough. Therefore, Tottenham was able to switch the play and access the open space ball-far.

Furthermore, Kane was also often the outlet. He dropped deep cleverly to help in the build-up and be a passing option. As soon as Kane dropped deep, the inside forwards (Son, Kulusevski) made runs in behind. Kane could then pass in behind or switch.

This created a dilemma for ManCity’s back line. Follow Kane or drop deep and follow the runs of the inside forwards? As ManCity’s fullbacks often pressed far up on Tottenham’s wingbacks, spaces between the FB and CB opened for the inside forwards to exploit.

However, ManCity dominated the game after the goal. Tottenham dropped deep into a 5-4-1 mid to low block. It was a solid defensive performance, but ManCity also found some was to exploit it. Nevertheless, let’s first have a look on Tottenham’s defensive setup.

The main aim was to close down the center and force ManCity wide. From there, the Citizens are usually less dangerous.

Kane looked to cut passing lanes into Rodri. Only the ball-near CM would push up on ManCity’s CBs. The inside forwards looked to cut passing lanes into the half-space (if a CM moved up) or pressed the FB. The wingbacks marked the wingers and the half-backs marked ManCity’s 8s.

The ball-far CM marked the striker (Silva) if possible. If not, the central defender marked him.

When an inside forward pressed the fullback, the CM would use his cover-shadow, to cover the player in the half-space.

This defensive setup forced ManCity wide. Though, as already mentioned, they found some ways to exploit it. Firstly, on the left, Cancelo would move wider to occupy the wing zone in the last line. Since Kulusevski mainly looked to close the half-space, Cancelo would be free.

Later, when Tottenham dropped even deeper, the inside forwards also tracked back to help the wingbacks. This created a free player deeper or space in the half-space when a CM moved up. ManCity tried to exploit these spaces often and one led to a goal.

Moreover, Silva often moved to the left half-space. He then pinned Tottenham’s left half-back, meaning one player would be free. ManCity often tried to find the player in the half-space.

Furthermore, with Silva and the high position from Cancelo, they tried to overload the left side. Then, ManCity often switched to the other side. Where Walker was deeper and inverted, forming a temporary back 3. Also, De Bruyne positioned himself outside the block to create.

But as you can see, ManCity could mostly just cross from the outside. They never really accessed central spaces or got in behind regularly. But let’s get back to Tottenham in possession:

Kane was still very important for Tottenham’s build-up. Therefore, ManCity later switched to a 4-1-4-1 press. This helped to cover Kane better. Rodri could use his cover-shadow to cut passing lanes to the striker. Also, this made ManCity less vulnerable to switches.

In the 2nd half, ManCity still dominated, but had even more problems to create high quality chances. Instead, Tottenham created better chances. Kane was again the most important factor.

Their counterattacks were deadly. Kane usually dropped deep and was the first passing option, after a ball was won. The inside forwards would then make runs in behind. Kane often made amazing line-breaking passes to them.

Furthermore, as Kane dropped deep in the build-up, he would dynamically occupy the box, starting from a deep position. This makes him harder to mark as the defenders are already in a static position to defend a possible cross. This can be seen on their 2nd goal as well.

The problem for ManCity was maybe that Rodri was left alone in the center. But one still has to praise Tottenham’s counterattacks.

ManCity’s penalty also came from a cross from a wide position, their only real chance creation method.

Tottenham’s 3rd goal was also similar to their earlier ones. Kulusevski made a run in the space between FB and CB. He crossed inside, where Tottenham occupied the box with great dynamics, making them difficult to mark.

Conclusion:

A draw probably would have been fairer, but Tottenham’s performance shouldn’t be underestimated. Obviously, ManCity dominated the game, but it’s nearly impossible to restrict this side to little chances just as Tottenham did.

Tottenham’s counterattacks were deadly, and Kane showed again why he is one of the most complete strikers on the planet.

I hope you enjoyed this thread! Feedback is appreciated!