Newcastle United FC v LIVERPOOL FC

Email: Scotthastings@hotmail.co.uk

Twitter: @SHastingsCoach

LinkedIn: ScottHastings24

Creativity

Reina plays a fantastic forward pass into Sturridge - as the ball is traveling Coutinho has found himself a pocket of space just in case the ball is knocked down. Not only that but LFC have a 2v1 on the left hand side with the added support of Henderson. As Coutinho receives the ball he has two forward options who both run between players - great innovation to play a disguised pass with the outside of the foot, fooling everyone by looking at Henderson initially.

Example of Sturridge (long) and Coutinho (short) both offering options when Henderson's travelling forward. Coutinho picks it up and plays a 1-2, he is aware of oncoming NUFC defender trying to delay the attack, shows great innovative play as he almost halts his movement before unbalancing the DEF with an incisive change of pace. He continuous to drive forward forcing NUFC to delay, movement of Sturridge creates space for Henderson, better decision making could of produced another goal.

Utilizing Wing Backs

Possession With Purpose

Offensive Philosophy

Sturridge offers short option and sets it back to Gerrard. Gerrard shows great awareness and plays a clever pass back. Johnson exploits open space which relieves pressures on LFC and gives them time to shuffle over to support. Instead of rushing, LFC keep possession and slowly work their way forwards until Gerrard plays a penetrative pass in behind NUFC high defensive line. The ball is played at a perfect weight that allows Downing to cross first time.

Another example of Liverpool' keeping possession with purpose. LFC playing 1/2 touch football slowly tiring NUFC players, dropping in pockets between NUFC lines and almost 'popping' the ball off. LFC slowly make their through the thirds playing forward passes when they can. Coutinho being the creative spark driving forward and utilizing Enrique. If you pause it just as Coutinho receives the ball, notice how high both wing backs are, both applying the attacking principle of width.

Carragher starts with the ball in a full back position and is supported by Lucas movement to drop deep. This creates a solid three at the back including Agger which allows Johnson/Enrique to push higher/wider to offer additional attacking outlets. As noted before this creates a midfield overload in favour of LFC as well as the security of 'defensive balance' as Lucas drops in. As the ball is passed in to the creative Coutinho, Johnson is at the top of our screens looking to receive the ball or make third man runs. Forward pass played into Sturridge and Johnson maintains width which stretches NUFC, shows great attacking intent and tries to use his momentum to create an opportunity.

Three key themes stand out from LFC offensive philosophy;

- Possession

(It allows LFC to rest when in possession so they can work harder when they haven't got the ball. By retaining/recycling the ball it can fatigue opposition teams and allow players to find opportunities to play between the 'lines')

- Creativity

(Possessing creative/positive players such as Suarez, Coutinho, Suso and Sturridge that can drop deep to receive the ball pose a problem for opposition teams, who picks them up? Players like these hold ability to create opportunities for themselves and others )

- Utilizing Wing Backs

(Almost play as LW/RW, LFC's wing backs help create an attacking overload in the middle and final thirds. Offer great width, and their third man runs pin back opposition wingers/wing backs).

Transitional Play - Defence To Attack

Defensive Compactness

Transitional Play

Defensive Discipline

Defensive Philosophy

Slightly different scenario with Henderson already recovering and pressing from behind. LFC defence are delaying the attack which allows this to happen. As soon as LFC regain possession, Henderson makes a great forward run on the blind side of the NUFC defender - who is more worried about Coutinho's run and tries to step up. As Henderson closes in on goal, great support from team mates create a 3v1, shows great composure and picks out team mate and LFC score again.

LFC when out of possession are compact as a unit/team. They are defensively organized and are strengthened by their two additional screening players in front of the defence as well as recovering LAM (Henderson)/RAM (Downing). Henderson does well to force NUFC back, cue TRIGGER to PRESS TOGETHER. At this point Ben Arfa's only option is to go back, Coutinho recognizes this and presses with Henderson and regains possession. As this transition happens Sturridge is instantly stretching NUFC by creating space for Coutinho to drive into, great creativity again and LFC score a goal.

Ball begins in a wide area but gets played inside to Ben Arfa. LFC start position is great, restricting space by keeping compact and closing the distance between their defensive and midfield lines. Lucas drop back almost as a CB which allows Enrique to start wide in case LFC regain possession. As ball travels in, three players drop to track NUFC runs still creating a 3v2, as this happens another three players 'sandwich' Ben Arfa and regain possession. Enrique offers an attacking outlet and plays a forward pass into Sturridge. The forward pass reduces pressure on Liverpool' and allows them to regain shape and push up.

Three key themes stand out from LFC defensive philosophy;

- Discipline

(Identifying when, how and where to press the ball or being able to hold positions, even screen or delay attacks until support arrives, then press quickly as a team/unit)

- Organization

(Understanding roles and responsibilities within the system, organizing after/during transitions, providing correct angles and distances when supporting players)

- Compactness

(When out of possession Henderson/Downing dropping in to create four man midfield, distances between players becoming tighter, shuffling/screening/delaying attacks)

A transition is defined as a passage from one stage to another - in relation to football; a passage from attack to defence, or defence to attack also known as counter attacks.

Transitions in football are often the differences between winning and loosing games furthermore how quickly a team react to transition can determine if they create a goal scoring opportunity or deny one.

This slide explores the effectiveness of Liverpool FC's transitional play focusing on;

- Defence to Attack

(Organization, Pressing as Unit/Team, Attacking Outlets)

- Attack to Defence

(Quickness of Recovery, Support, Delay/Deny)

Transitional Play - Attack To Defence

Defensive Organization

LFC keeping their shape but pressing NUFC touches early, they delay the attack by forcing the ball backwards/sideways enabling team mates to recover. They keep their discipline until they identify the triggers to press the ball. The first man is pressing deflecting inside into LFC players that are providing the support. Enrique keeps unit compact but aware of run in behind. Gerrard and Coutinho pressing with Henderson forcing NUFC backwards. Pressure forces mistake and Coutinho drives forward, looses possession however Henderson's initial pressure forces NUFC error and LFC regain possession again.

Newcastle United FC (0)

v LIVERPOOL FC (6)

27/4/13

LFC loose possession just outside the attacking third, as you pause at '40.17' you notice a defensive overload as well as a compact unit with good distances between each other. In addition you have a Carragher delaying the attack which provides supporting players time recover and box NUFC players in, furthermore Agger is positioned 10 yards behind in a suitable covering position. LFC apply pressure together as Lucas reduces distance between himself and Cisse as the ball is passed to him, Lucas stands up and his body position is forcing the ball backwards or sideways (again allows LFC time to recover) and regains possession.

Initial pressure from Henderson is forcing the ball backwards. LFC have a 6v2 defensive overload in the middle and you can clearly see the compactness of the back four with the two screening players in front. The area is compact with each players angles and distances about 5-10 yards from each other. If the football does come across, LFC can just shuffle over still keeping compact looking to deflect/deny play. NUFC get frustrated and cross the ball with just one player attacking it. Liverpool' regain possession.

AP - Final Third Decision Making

High Tempo Pressing

Overall Performance

LFC Footballing Philosophy

Ball Retention/Recycling

Fantastic positive play from Coutinho driving into the attacking third. As he plays into Sturridge he has three decisions to make, does he; touch and strike, reverse pass to Coutinho, open out and slot Henderson in. By the time Sturridge cuts back to try and create himself some space, NUFC have recovered and the chance has gone. As he sets back to Henderson the ball possibly could of been struck first time, or guided across the goalkeeper to his far post, the disguised pass to Coutinho wasn't on.

Again, the initial pressure was quick by Sturridge. Henderson's body position makes play predictable and determines what support his team should provide, he deflects the ball down the line as Lucas tucks in to keep the area compact as well as creating a 3v2 defensive overload. LFC force mistake and make a quick transition, playing a forward pass into the dropping Sturridge who 'drives' into the attacking third.

The first phase of LFC pressure looks to deflect the ball either sideways or backwards away from the goal, Henderson/Downing drop in to create a four man midfield as well as Coutinho pressuring opposition players from behind, notice how compact they are as well as the distances between each player. Additionally note how disciplined LFC remain, choosing times to press carefully, looking to capitalize on loose touches or when NUFC players put their heads down.

Liverpool FC demonstrated both a great attacking and defensive performance against Newcastle United FC.

The attacking intent to score six goals was fantastic, but even more impressive was the teams ability to not loose concentration, remain defensively organized as well as keeping control of the game when in possession. It was a real professional performance from everyone.

I would like to conclude this presentation by pointing out some possible action points for future games. The action points (AP) are both from attacking and defensive perspectives which arrived from possession breakdowns or areas NUFC tried to exploit during the game.

Liverpool FC footballing philosophy revolves around three central themes;

- Play offensive/attacking football

- Control/dictate games with the ball

- Hard work when out of possession

*All the above must be implemented with discipline*

In addition Brendan Rodgers has introduced his own philosophy of; ball retention/recycling, organization as well as the concept of high tempo pressing. All of which reflect/reinforce the central themes at LFC.

Next slide shows brief examples of 'Rodgers

implemented footballing philosophy

AP - Exploitation of Wing Backs

Carragher can't go forward, decides to keep the ball and recycle it. As ball travels notice position of both CB's, almost playing as 'Full Backs' as Lucas drops in to support. As LFC apply attacking principle of 'Width', it stretches NUFC which gives Lucas space to turn. At this point both Enrique and Johnson have gone high and wide which creates an attacking overload. Coutinho plays between NUFC midfield/defensive line, shows great vision to pick up Johnson's forward run.

Defensive/Offensive Organisation

Goalkeeper Statistics

As Ben Arfa picks up the ball in the middle third, Enrique's start position is very high. LFC look to delay the attack but communication between Shelvey/Enrique breaks down. Shelvey should be delaying initially as he was closets to the ball, furthermore Enrique should be aware of the forward run from Anita as well as the space behind him. This was a common theme that NUFC tried to exploit the spaces behind Johnson/Enrique however LFC defended successfully against these when the ball was either delayed or adequate cover was provided from the screening players in front of the defence.

Defensively LFC are compact, with two banks of four as well as two screening players who look to apply pressure from behind opposition players creating a 'sandwich'. Henderson's initial pressure is deflecting the ball wide into an area LFC defensively outnumber NUFC 4v2. Enrique alert to forward runs. Note the distances between LFC plays which gives them an advantage when pressing as a team/unit.

Offensively LFC possess good options going forward. As Carragher pick ups the ball, Johnson creates width and looks to make a forward run. This initial movement creates space for Gerrard and Downing to exploit, in addition with Downing dropping to receive the ball it gives Johnson the opportunity to drive into the empty space that was previously occupied. LFC play a simple ball into midfield, which is set back to Gerrard for a first time pass into Johnson's forward run.

• 100% successful distribution into defensive thirds.

• 60% successful distribution into middle thirds.

• 20% successful distribution into attacking thirds.

Transitional Statistics

Defensive Statistics

Introduction

• 58% LFC ground tackle/interception success rate compared to NUFC 83%

• 57% LFC aerial tackle/interception success rate compared to NUFC 54%

• 'Successful' determined by regain/retaining the ball. 'Unsuccessful' defined by loosing possession/battles or second balls

The purpose of this presentation is to provide a detailed analysis report of Newcastle United FC (NUFC) v LIVERPOOL FC (LFC) at St. James Park on 27/4/13.

The presentation has six clear outlines;

- Provide a notational analysis on; goalkeeper, defensive, offensive and transitional play statistics.

- LFC footballing philosophy

- Epitomize LFC's defensive philosophy

- Exemplify LFC's offensive philosophy

- Effectiveness of LFC's transitional play

- Reflection of the overall performance

• 'Successful Defense to Attack' transitions are determined by; possession regains, entering opponents half/attacking thirds after acquiring the ball or if LFC retained possession.

• 'Successful Attack to Defense' transitions are defined by; how quickly LFC regain possession within the time frame of 0-6 seconds as well as how effective delaying/denying/deflecting opposition attacks was.

• 'Area Occurrence' refers to the regularity of successful/unsuccessful transitions.

Offensive Statistics

• 37.5% LFC goals to shots success rate compared to NUFC 0%

• 30 LFC attacking entries compared to NUFC 32

• 'Attacking Entries' defined by successful entries into the attacking third were a team has retained possession.