The goal we conceded against Villa highlighted one of the issues a 3-2 build-up can create 1/
City have been using a 3-2 shape in the build-up since the resumption after the World Cup. On Sunday, Bernardo Silva formed the 2 with Rodri, dropping into a left back role out of possession when necessary 2/
Villa didn’t implement a great press on Sunday and were reluctant to commit bodies to it. We can see they are simply deploying their front 2 to block off the pass into Rodri and Bernardo, clogging up the centre of the pitch and challenging City’s back line to go round them 3/
Even with a relatively lacklustre press, and bearing in mind Guardiola prepared for Villa’s shape and set City up accordingly, there were times where they could exploit City’s 3-2 shape 4/
When the wide defenders receive possession in a 3-2 shape, it’s often relatively simple to isolate them and put them under extreme pressure. Laporte was superb on Sunday and there probably isn’t a better cb in the world for that role in possession 5/
But, he still had some issues. Here, early on Dias finds Laporte in space. Villa’s front 2 shuffle over, covering Rodri, Bernardo and the ball back to Dias. That creates a problem for Laporte. Villa’s basic 4-4-2 press has left him without an simple out ball 6/
What happens is something we often see in this set up. Gundogan drops back from his high starting position to receive possession. That’s a good vertical pass and City can play from there. But it’s also quite risky, it puts Gundogan under immediate pressure facing his own goal 7/
When Gundogan doesn’t drop back from 8, City have to be more creative. Laporte again receives wide on the touchline here, Bailey has Bernardo covered and Watkins is covering Rodri and Dias. Dias is miles away due to Ederson joining in at ‘cb’. There’s no one dropping from 8
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Ramsey closes the gap to Laporte. Bernardo drops to give Laporte an option but Bailey follows him. That opens up a little bit of space for the pass into Rodri. Laporte plays it and Watkins is a whisker away from intercepting, it’s almost a 50:50, but Rodri wins it 9/
It feels relatively easy to put City’s wide defender in a tricky position in a 3-2 set up. Cover the midfield 2 and the central cb (who is often some distance away) and it becomes difficult. Vertical passes and risky balls inside from defenders aren’t ideal for Pep’s City 10/
In the 2nd half Bernardo holds his out of possession position at left back when City win it back. Laporte receives from Ederson and immediately it’s simpler for him. He can bait Bailey knowing Bernardo is free at fb. Rodri has more time and space in midfield to free himself 11/
Laporte pops it past Bailey into Rodri in space. Bernardo wide, giving City a 4-1 shape, makes Laporte’s job much easier. Villa’s front 2 can’t sit on a City midfield 2 and force the ball wide. Rodri has the space to free himself as a lone 6, reacting to Laporte’s actions 12/
For the goal, Ederson passes out to Laporte. City are back in a 3-2. Akanji, the central cb, is very wide right. Laporte is isolated and has few options with Rodri and Bernardo again covered by Watkins and Bailey 13/
Bernardo runs off the back of Bailey but he’s signalling to Laporte to pass vertically into Gundogan who is dropping from 8
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Laporte decides that option is too risky and plays the pass into Bernardo. Again, it’s a 50:50 pass and Bailey gets a foot in. Villa win it back and get themselves on the scoresheet 15/
The 3-2 build-up gives City the same numbers as the 4-1 build-up but it’s easier for teams to isolate a wide defender, often a cb not used to playing against the touchline. Even a player as proficient in possession as Laporte can be forced into risky passes 16//
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