What a performance from City at a difficult away game. A textbook work against a compact mid-block press, an old enemy of Guardiola teams. This time the mid-block press was in the form of a 5-3-2.
How did they manage to overcome this though?
1. Bending the rules of positional play through overloading wider zones.
2. Using wider full backs for build-up.
3. Playing the 3rd man for progression.
1. Bending the rules of positional play through overloading wider zones.
2. Using wider full backs for build-up.
3. Playing the 3rd man for progression.
The method of progression was defined by opponent's jump to press. If CM jumps, your CM is available.
For instance;
If WB jumps find your winger.
For instance;
Using these approaches while bending the rules of positional play and overloading the traditionally-defined zones resulted in open pockets for runners.
For instance;
Amazing that 3 of 5 goals (2nd, 4th, and 5th) came through these approaches and their derivatives. Masterclass by Guardiola and his players!
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