Player Focus: Phil Foden vs Brentford
— Central Role
— De Bruyne & Haaland’s Effect
— 2nd Career Hat-trick
[THREAD]
— Central Role
— De Bruyne & Haaland’s Effect
— 2nd Career Hat-trick
[THREAD]
Despite his starting position from the left side, Phil Foden operated more on the central areas.
Pep Guardiola used the diamond midfield in deep build-up, with Alvarez being the most advanced while De Bruyne — Foden as the double 8s.
They patiently waited for Brentford’s jumps to progress against their M2M press.
Pep Guardiola used the diamond midfield in deep build-up, with Alvarez being the most advanced while De Bruyne — Foden as the double 8s.
They patiently waited for Brentford’s jumps to progress against their M2M press.
Bernardo was positioned high and wide on the right side — creating the overloads and combination play to bypass the press.
This allowed Foden to attack the box more often from the left/central.
This allowed Foden to attack the box more often from the left/central.
Man City then transitioned into a 4-1-5/3-1-6, with Foden/De Bruyne/Alvarez interchanging to receive deep and help the progression — especially with Bernardo staying wide.
Brentford were defending very deep which left more space in front of the box, so Man City tried to attack from a distance.
Flekken had a great performance last night, saving 12 of Man City’s attempts.
Flekken had a great performance last night, saving 12 of Man City’s attempts.
In the process of Foden’s 1st goal, Brentford defended in a mid-block but the pressure & defensive marking were sub-optimal. Toney/Maupay didn’t track Rodri’s movements, allowing him to progress.
Mee (LCB) & Pinnock (CCB) were worried about De Bruyne & Haaland, which created gaps between the backline that Foden could attack with his late run.
Mee (LCB) & Pinnock (CCB) were worried about De Bruyne & Haaland, which created gaps between the backline that Foden could attack with his late run.
Similar thing happened in the 2nd goal, both Mee & Pinnock were pinned by Haaland — allowing Foden to attack the gaps between the LCB/LWB and receive De Bruyne's cross.
Foden is very clever in finding the space in the pockets — a valuable attribute against low-blocks.
Allowing Man City to attack the center despite Brentford’s compact shape.
Allowing Man City to attack the center despite Brentford’s compact shape.
Other examples vs Newcastle (H), for references.
In the 3rd goal, Brentford’s defensive block was not compact enough (gaps between Nøorgard & Janelt), so Rodri could easily find Foden in the pocket.
Haaland pinned Mee & Pinnock (again) — allowing Foden to get more space.
Hat-trick.
Haaland pinned Mee & Pinnock (again) — allowing Foden to get more space.
Hat-trick.
Pep Guardiola on Foden.
"He has played a lot of games, he is a guy that plays different positions and has the ability in spaces and the centre of goal because he likes to arrive in the box."
"They [Brentford] are so deep, spaces are difficult so to have a player moving in these spaces is so important. He loves moving in the 18-yard box and he is playing his best season since we are together."
"He has played a lot of games, he is a guy that plays different positions and has the ability in spaces and the centre of goal because he likes to arrive in the box."
"They [Brentford] are so deep, spaces are difficult so to have a player moving in these spaces is so important. He loves moving in the 18-yard box and he is playing his best season since we are together."
Phil Foden:
“Obviously it would help if I played one position and learned that position every game but I’m a person that adapts and plays a lot of positions when needed.
“But I just enjoy playing anywhere in the middle. I think that’s where I see myself playing the best football so I hope that I can keep getting more game time in the middle and hopefully keep playing there as much as I can.”
“Obviously it would help if I played one position and learned that position every game but I’m a person that adapts and plays a lot of positions when needed.
“But I just enjoy playing anywhere in the middle. I think that’s where I see myself playing the best football so I hope that I can keep getting more game time in the middle and hopefully keep playing there as much as I can.”
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