Premier League 2016-17 Tactical Analysis: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp got the better of Antonio Conte in the battle between two of the Premier League’s most innovative tacticians as goals from Dejan Lovren and a scorcher from Jordan Henderson were enough to outdo Diego Costa’s second-half strike as the scores ended 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
It was Conte’s first defeat as Chelsea boss while the Reds continued their impressive start to the season.
An emphatic performance built on more than a couple of good goals will have Merseysiders purring at the prospect of (and whisper it lightly)…lifting the trophy next May. Right now, though let’s take a look at where exactly the match was won and lost?
Regressive tactics gave Reds edge
In truth, the Londoners shot themselves in both feet inside the first 20-25 minutes with some really negative stylings. Effectively, they sat back for extended periods and just allowed the visitors to come at them, hoping that their defensive mindedness would suffice in keeping the likes of the creative Philippe Coutinho and energetic Daniel Sturridge quiet.
Looking at Liverpool’s first goal, we saw that there were four Chelsea players in their own box marking absolutely nobody. It was indicative of their plain poor awareness, ineffective zonal marking and slowness of thought and movement.
In truth, it was surprising to see such a disappointing showing from a side that have prided themselves on an industrious work ethic since the beginning of the campaign.
Also read: Who said what: World reacts to Liverpool outplaying Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge
As Coutinho flighted his cross in – a delectable one indeed – his job was made so much easier as a result of the majority of blue shirts being positioned nearer his side of the goal. Realising all he has to do is flight the ball towards the back stick where David Luiz was manically attempting to keep track of two players, Lovren anticipated it beautifully to knock the ball home with a well-directed volley.
Conte was hailed as a master tactician in the build-up to his arrival, especially for the way he had the Italy national team playing at Euro 2016, but he got his defensive stance so wrong on this occasion and that is a worrying sign that the Pensioners will hope doesn’t evolve into a fully-fledged trend.
Liverpool were too quick, positive and smart for Conte’s men
Jordan Henderson’s thunderous long-ranger that had mouths aghast at its brilliance was certainly the stand-out pick of the match, of that there can be little question.
However, although it proved to be the decisive goal, their win was founded on much more than the few nanoseconds it took for the ball to travel from his boot past Thibaut Courtois.
This match was won and lost in the mentality of each player’s head. As referenced, Chelsea were far too negative for too long, but as well as this Liverpool were just too quick and proactive.
At times, it was the simple approach that almost brought them the rewards. From as early as the second minute, they had their first shot on target as Sadio Mane teed up Sturridge who jinked into space to fire at goal from the precipice of the 18-yard box, and Courtois almost spilled it into his own net; the Reds were unafraid to test their opponents, and that was a hugely crucial element on the night.
Since the arrival of Klopp from Borussia Dortmund, the Pool really have been an exciting team to watch – even for neutrals. Indeed, as Squawka pointed out in the build-up to the game, they’ve also become pretty effective at making their pulsating prowess count:
Premier League goals scored since Jürgen Klopp's appointment:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 16, 2016
Liverpool (63)
Man City (62)
Arsenal (59)
Chelsea (54)
Man Utd (42)
They were switched on at the key moments. That was the difference.
Whether it was a quick throw-in to catch the Chelsea rearguard off-guard, a cleverly worked set-piece or a willingness to spread the play wide and stretch an unfamiliar backline out of shape, they had the measure of a frankly submissive Chelsea across the pitch.
Chelsea showed flair too late
Nobody can deny that Chelsea threatened to mount a comeback, and they could have made Liverpool pay for not pushing further ahead when they piled on some pressure in the latter stages. However, it was a case of too little, too late in the end.
When Eden Hazard combined with Nemanja Matic on the right side of Liverpool’s penalty area, it looked as though the Serbia international still had plenty of work left to dig the ball out from his feet and into the path of Diego Costa, but his touch into the Brazil-born Spain international was exquisite and the recalcitrant striker did well to steer the ball home for his fifth goal in five games.
It hinted at their offensive quality, and it had many wondering just why they hadn’t thrown the kitchen sink a little earlier.
Minutes later, Costa was in again, swivelling on the ball in the box, and had he directed his strike anywhere else apart from straight at Simon Mignolet, he might well have levelled the scores. Would it have been deserved? Probably not, but such are the fine margins of football.
It wasn’t just their lack of attacking effort that caused concern either as nobody seemed to have signed up to any defensive duties. Even N’Golo Kante, who is generally considered one of the best interceptors, tacklers and workhorses in the modern game couldn’t do anything of note to stop Liverpool and get his own side ticking.
Perhaps it was a case of being overwhelmed. Chelsea fans will hope it was just a once-off occurrence.
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