Thread by @MT_Analysis

Manchester City vs Liverpool

· Klopp vs Guardiola
· Bernardo – Akanji Movements
· Ball-Carrying
· Gravenberch Effect

[THREAD]

With the central overloads, Man City could find the gaps and the free man to progress the ball against Liverpool’s 4-3-3 press.

The space between the lines was too big for Mac Allister to cover, allowing Man City’s progression.

Trent was pinned by Doku, and this gave more space for Bernardo.

To limit Bernardo’s space, Szoboszlai tried to move closer and track his movements

Matip also tried to be more aggressive from behind.

But Man City also have Alvarez to receive between the lines, which means they can patiently bait the press to find either Alvarez/Bernardo.

1Liverpool also weren’t disciplined enough to limit Bernado’s space consistently.

Not much cover from Mac Allister also created more issues.

Akanji in the hybrid role provided some great movements to help Man City's progression.

Finding access to Akanji then to Bernardo, was often seen in Man City’s build-up.

Klopp on Liverpool's 1st Half Press vs Man City

(@CoachesVoice)

Since they were often underloaded against Liverpool's RHS, Man City relied on Bernardo's positioning to help Doku.

Whether he moved closer to Doku or drifted away to give him more space.

Bernardo on Doku.

https://x.com/City_Xtra/status/1728909220396073216?s=20

Man City controlled possession and their progression was top, but their final action wasn’t good enough.

So many chances were wasted.

Despite Man City playing well, Liverpool were quite unlucky to concede the 1st goal (unusual Alisson’s error).

Ake, though🕺

Meanwhile, Man City pressed with their 4-4-2 and tried to minimize central progression.

Liverpool had the numerical superiority in the build-up, which allowed them to circulate and bait the press.

When goal kicks, Man City were transitioning into man-to-man press and this forced Liverpool to play more direct.

Man City were able to recover quickly and this prevented Liverpool’s progression.

Man City were able to force 10 high turnovers from Liverpool.

https://x.com/markrstats/status/1728423220448252220?s=20

It’s tough to break through Man City’s block/press with passing since they were compact.

Ball-carrying like Matip did in this example, created chaos and a ‘domino effect’ in Man City's defence.

Jota, Salah, and in particular Nunez often offered the runs/movements to attack Man City in transitions, but they often messed up the final action, and this became wasted.

With Man City blocking the central areas, Trent dropped outside the block/press to receive the ball.

It was first seen in the 1st half (late), and more often in the 2nd half.

Trent on His Role Change.

In order to limit Bernardo’s space, Trent’s positioning of the press became more aggressive.

It’s risky since it gave Doku more space, but he was able to intercept the pass.

Gravenberch and Diaz came on in the 2nd half, and this added more intensity to Liverpolo's press.

Just like Matip, Gravenberch gave more ball-carrying options for Liverpool to progress the ball.

Gravenberch also provided off-the-ball runs which helped to open the space.

He dragged Rodri wide to give Liverpool central access to attack.

In Liverpool’s equalizer, Gravenberch's ball-carrying started Liverpool's counterattack, and he was able to drag Rodri (again).

That and Gakpo’s runs gave Trent space for the goal.

Jurgen Klopp’s subs were able to make an impact on the game and this helped them to collect an important point from Etihad Stadium.

https://x.com/OptaJoe/status/1728426424124772501?s=20

Trent 💥

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