Connor Holden
@connorholden.bsky.social
Football Analyst/Content Creator
🔵Chelsea lineup:
🔹Badiashile RCB (Gusto starts to provide extra support on that side, retreating from an inverted position to defend 6v5 and nullify their overloads
🔹Neto + Madueke start to add direct speak and stretch potential on BOTH sides 👍
🔹Badiashile RCB (Gusto starts to provide extra support on that side, retreating from an inverted position to defend 6v5 and nullify their overloads
🔹Neto + Madueke start to add direct speak and stretch potential on BOTH sides 👍
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
🔵Chelsea lineup:
🔹Badiashile RCB (Gusto starts to provide extra support on that side, retreating from an inverted position to defend 6v5 and nullify their overloads
🔹Neto + Madueke start to add direct speak and stretch potential on BOTH sides 👍
🔹Badiashile RCB (Gusto starts to provide extra support on that side, retreating from an inverted position to defend 6v5 and nullify their overloads
🔹Neto + Madueke start to add direct speak and stretch potential on BOTH sides 👍
With Bissouma having to cover two “pocket players” in the 4-1-4-1 pressing scheme, one of the defenders will have to be aggressive to apply pressure on the spare man
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
With Bissouma having to cover two “pocket players” in the 4-1-4-1 pressing scheme, one of the defenders will have to be aggressive to apply pressure on the spare man
❓How can Chelsea exploit Spurs
The key in this game for Chelsea will be engaging the Tottenham back line into stepping out - this is what Spurs want to do, but the caveat is the personnel they have in this game to do it
The key in this game for Chelsea will be engaging the Tottenham back line into stepping out - this is what Spurs want to do, but the caveat is the personnel they have in this game to do it
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
❓How can Chelsea exploit Spurs
The key in this game for Chelsea will be engaging the Tottenham back line into stepping out - this is what Spurs want to do, but the caveat is the personnel they have in this game to do it
The key in this game for Chelsea will be engaging the Tottenham back line into stepping out - this is what Spurs want to do, but the caveat is the personnel they have in this game to do it
You will often see this 2-3 base, which will have the wide split central defenders, Bissouma as the central point, and then one either side (which can be either a fullback or no8, and is fluid to create confusion)
Spurs will often move from a 3-4 base (when GK is involved) -> 2-3-2-3
Spurs will often move from a 3-4 base (when GK is involved) -> 2-3-2-3
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
You will often see this 2-3 base, which will have the wide split central defenders, Bissouma as the central point, and then one either side (which can be either a fullback or no8, and is fluid to create confusion)
Spurs will often move from a 3-4 base (when GK is involved) -> 2-3-2-3
Spurs will often move from a 3-4 base (when GK is involved) -> 2-3-2-3
📍On ball approach
We know a very big factor in Ange’s system is his willingness to invert BOTH fullbacks and the fluid rotations between those fullbacks + the no8s
We know a very big factor in Ange’s system is his willingness to invert BOTH fullbacks and the fluid rotations between those fullbacks + the no8s
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
📍On ball approach
We know a very big factor in Ange’s system is his willingness to invert BOTH fullbacks and the fluid rotations between those fullbacks + the no8s
We know a very big factor in Ange’s system is his willingness to invert BOTH fullbacks and the fluid rotations between those fullbacks + the no8s
📍Goal kick press
Spurs look to go man for man in the goal kick moments of the opposition, with Solanke playing the role of locking off one side of the pitch with his arched runs
Spurs look to go man for man in the goal kick moments of the opposition, with Solanke playing the role of locking off one side of the pitch with his arched runs
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
📍Goal kick press
Spurs look to go man for man in the goal kick moments of the opposition, with Solanke playing the role of locking off one side of the pitch with his arched runs
Spurs look to go man for man in the goal kick moments of the opposition, with Solanke playing the role of locking off one side of the pitch with his arched runs
📍4-1-4-1
Their more common shape (4-1-4-1) can still become a 4-2-4/4-4-2 if one of the no8s jumps out to apply pressure on the opposition backline
By doing this, Spurs are able to cover BOTH pivot players and keep them facing backwards
Their more common shape (4-1-4-1) can still become a 4-2-4/4-4-2 if one of the no8s jumps out to apply pressure on the opposition backline
By doing this, Spurs are able to cover BOTH pivot players and keep them facing backwards
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
📍4-1-4-1
Their more common shape (4-1-4-1) can still become a 4-2-4/4-4-2 if one of the no8s jumps out to apply pressure on the opposition backline
By doing this, Spurs are able to cover BOTH pivot players and keep them facing backwards
Their more common shape (4-1-4-1) can still become a 4-2-4/4-4-2 if one of the no8s jumps out to apply pressure on the opposition backline
By doing this, Spurs are able to cover BOTH pivot players and keep them facing backwards
📍4-2-4
Spurs have shown their willingness to go between two main pressing shapes, the first of which being a 4-2-4
Spurs have shown their willingness to go between two main pressing shapes, the first of which being a 4-2-4
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
📍4-2-4
Spurs have shown their willingness to go between two main pressing shapes, the first of which being a 4-2-4
Spurs have shown their willingness to go between two main pressing shapes, the first of which being a 4-2-4
📊 Data
🔸59.5% possession (2nd highest)
🔸15.6 shots per game (joint 2nd highest)
🔸11.7 shots conceded per game (6th fewest)
🔸28 goals scored (4th most)
🔸15 goals against (joint 3rd fewest)
🔸86% pass completion average (4th highest)
🔸59.5% possession (2nd highest)
🔸15.6 shots per game (joint 2nd highest)
🔸11.7 shots conceded per game (6th fewest)
🔸28 goals scored (4th most)
🔸15 goals against (joint 3rd fewest)
🔸86% pass completion average (4th highest)
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
📊 Data
🔸59.5% possession (2nd highest)
🔸15.6 shots per game (joint 2nd highest)
🔸11.7 shots conceded per game (6th fewest)
🔸28 goals scored (4th most)
🔸15 goals against (joint 3rd fewest)
🔸86% pass completion average (4th highest)
🔸59.5% possession (2nd highest)
🔸15.6 shots per game (joint 2nd highest)
🔸11.7 shots conceded per game (6th fewest)
🔸28 goals scored (4th most)
🔸15 goals against (joint 3rd fewest)
🔸86% pass completion average (4th highest)
Chelsea vs Tottenham - Tactical Preview 🧵
ttx
ttx
December 6, 2024 at 6:31 PM
Chelsea vs Tottenham - Tactical Preview 🧵
ttx
ttx
The tenacity and short burst ground covering ability of these three help Chelsea to keep the ball in the opposition half, sustain pressure, and ultimately create more chances, as we saw for the opener
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
The tenacity and short burst ground covering ability of these three help Chelsea to keep the ball in the opposition half, sustain pressure, and ultimately create more chances, as we saw for the opener
Jackson plays a huge part in this, timing his run, locking off one side of the pitch, and that being the trigger for everyone to apply pressure, and either win the ball in their trap, or force the ball long to contest the duel and regain possession in this regard
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
Jackson plays a huge part in this, timing his run, locking off one side of the pitch, and that being the trigger for everyone to apply pressure, and either win the ball in their trap, or force the ball long to contest the duel and regain possession in this regard
This would drag McGinn deeper rather than inside, now creating space for the wide CB (Fofana in this instance) to carry the ball forwards and utilise that space being afforded
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
This would drag McGinn deeper rather than inside, now creating space for the wide CB (Fofana in this instance) to carry the ball forwards and utilise that space being afforded
Pin-Combine-Isolate
Chelsea often used these sequences to connect the dots and quickly attack the space on the opposite side of the pitch
Caicedo pinning McGinn and/or Enzo pinning Roger’s infield allowed quick combination play between the other midfield players -> move to isolated side
Chelsea often used these sequences to connect the dots and quickly attack the space on the opposite side of the pitch
Caicedo pinning McGinn and/or Enzo pinning Roger’s infield allowed quick combination play between the other midfield players -> move to isolated side
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
Pin-Combine-Isolate
Chelsea often used these sequences to connect the dots and quickly attack the space on the opposite side of the pitch
Caicedo pinning McGinn and/or Enzo pinning Roger’s infield allowed quick combination play between the other midfield players -> move to isolated side
Chelsea often used these sequences to connect the dots and quickly attack the space on the opposite side of the pitch
Caicedo pinning McGinn and/or Enzo pinning Roger’s infield allowed quick combination play between the other midfield players -> move to isolated side
Pinning McGinn 🏴
Caicedo made his movements inside with the aim of pinning McGinn infield - opening up the passing lane into Neto who could then drive at Digne 1v1 (Neither McGinn or Tielemans close enough to support)
Caicedo made his movements inside with the aim of pinning McGinn infield - opening up the passing lane into Neto who could then drive at Digne 1v1 (Neither McGinn or Tielemans close enough to support)
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
Pinning McGinn 🏴
Caicedo made his movements inside with the aim of pinning McGinn infield - opening up the passing lane into Neto who could then drive at Digne 1v1 (Neither McGinn or Tielemans close enough to support)
Caicedo made his movements inside with the aim of pinning McGinn infield - opening up the passing lane into Neto who could then drive at Digne 1v1 (Neither McGinn or Tielemans close enough to support)
Box Midfield Personnel 🔻
The biggest difference maker in this configuration of the box midfield, is by playing Caicedo as an inverted fullback, the personnel in the box are ALL natural midfield players - technical efficiency ⬆️
🔹Moises Caicedo
🔹Romeo Lavia
🔹Enzo Fernandez
🔹Cole Palmer
The biggest difference maker in this configuration of the box midfield, is by playing Caicedo as an inverted fullback, the personnel in the box are ALL natural midfield players - technical efficiency ⬆️
🔹Moises Caicedo
🔹Romeo Lavia
🔹Enzo Fernandez
🔹Cole Palmer
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
Box Midfield Personnel 🔻
The biggest difference maker in this configuration of the box midfield, is by playing Caicedo as an inverted fullback, the personnel in the box are ALL natural midfield players - technical efficiency ⬆️
🔹Moises Caicedo
🔹Romeo Lavia
🔹Enzo Fernandez
🔹Cole Palmer
The biggest difference maker in this configuration of the box midfield, is by playing Caicedo as an inverted fullback, the personnel in the box are ALL natural midfield players - technical efficiency ⬆️
🔹Moises Caicedo
🔹Romeo Lavia
🔹Enzo Fernandez
🔹Cole Palmer
📊 Data
🔹90.1% pass completion
🔹64.3% possession
🔹58.2 % territory
🔹1.69 xG generated
🔹17 shots taken
🔹10 shots conceded
🔹90.1% pass completion
🔹64.3% possession
🔹58.2 % territory
🔹1.69 xG generated
🔹17 shots taken
🔹10 shots conceded
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
📊 Data
🔹90.1% pass completion
🔹64.3% possession
🔹58.2 % territory
🔹1.69 xG generated
🔹17 shots taken
🔹10 shots conceded
🔹90.1% pass completion
🔹64.3% possession
🔹58.2 % territory
🔹1.69 xG generated
🔹17 shots taken
🔹10 shots conceded
🔵Chelsea Configuration
🔹Caicedo RB OOP -> inverting alongside Romeo Lavia in the pivot
🔹Enzo Fernandez operating as a roaming no8 -> LHS freedom
🔹Palmer as the number 10 -> RHS
🔹Neto and Sancho - high and WIDE wingers - Jackson up top
🔹Caicedo RB OOP -> inverting alongside Romeo Lavia in the pivot
🔹Enzo Fernandez operating as a roaming no8 -> LHS freedom
🔹Palmer as the number 10 -> RHS
🔹Neto and Sancho - high and WIDE wingers - Jackson up top
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
🔵Chelsea Configuration
🔹Caicedo RB OOP -> inverting alongside Romeo Lavia in the pivot
🔹Enzo Fernandez operating as a roaming no8 -> LHS freedom
🔹Palmer as the number 10 -> RHS
🔹Neto and Sancho - high and WIDE wingers - Jackson up top
🔹Caicedo RB OOP -> inverting alongside Romeo Lavia in the pivot
🔹Enzo Fernandez operating as a roaming no8 -> LHS freedom
🔹Palmer as the number 10 -> RHS
🔹Neto and Sancho - high and WIDE wingers - Jackson up top
How Chelsea’s Box Midfield controlled Emery’s Aston Villa 🧵
Did this game show how Maresca can deploy the best “box midfield” in the Premier League?
Did this game show how Maresca can deploy the best “box midfield” in the Premier League?
December 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM
How Chelsea’s Box Midfield controlled Emery’s Aston Villa 🧵
Did this game show how Maresca can deploy the best “box midfield” in the Premier League?
Did this game show how Maresca can deploy the best “box midfield” in the Premier League?
🔵Chelsea lineup tonight vs Heidenheim
🔹Nkunku as the no10, BIG game for him tonight as the primary pocket receiver
🔹Veiga inverting from LB -> pivot
🔹Mudryk and Sancho wing pairing is very fun 🔥
🔹Guiu leads the line, high energy from him tonight 💪
🔹Nkunku as the no10, BIG game for him tonight as the primary pocket receiver
🔹Veiga inverting from LB -> pivot
🔹Mudryk and Sancho wing pairing is very fun 🔥
🔹Guiu leads the line, high energy from him tonight 💪
November 28, 2024 at 4:39 PM
🔵Chelsea lineup tonight vs Heidenheim
🔹Nkunku as the no10, BIG game for him tonight as the primary pocket receiver
🔹Veiga inverting from LB -> pivot
🔹Mudryk and Sancho wing pairing is very fun 🔥
🔹Guiu leads the line, high energy from him tonight 💪
🔹Nkunku as the no10, BIG game for him tonight as the primary pocket receiver
🔹Veiga inverting from LB -> pivot
🔹Mudryk and Sancho wing pairing is very fun 🔥
🔹Guiu leads the line, high energy from him tonight 💪
The ball goes through, Enzo finds himself in a lovely position, but his pass to Felix is cut out - brilliant patient build up, counter movements from the midfield unit, and understanding of time and space 👍 ttx
November 25, 2024 at 5:38 PM
The ball goes through, Enzo finds himself in a lovely position, but his pass to Felix is cut out - brilliant patient build up, counter movements from the midfield unit, and understanding of time and space 👍 ttx
Enzo moves into that space, giving El Khannouss an issue and a moment of indecision, as he tries to pass Enzo on - you can see in this image Colwill instructing the pass to Badiashile too
November 25, 2024 at 5:38 PM
Enzo moves into that space, giving El Khannouss an issue and a moment of indecision, as he tries to pass Enzo on - you can see in this image Colwill instructing the pass to Badiashile too
Enzo realises Palmer is dragging Soumare out towards the right, checks the space, Skipp has now vacated that area too to stop Caicedo receiving on the turn, whilst Ndidi is looking to apply some pressure to the ball side (Badiashile) = big space appearing
November 25, 2024 at 5:38 PM
Enzo realises Palmer is dragging Soumare out towards the right, checks the space, Skipp has now vacated that area too to stop Caicedo receiving on the turn, whilst Ndidi is looking to apply some pressure to the ball side (Badiashile) = big space appearing
This move encapsulates it - Enzo drops deeper, attaching to Leicester winger (El Khannouss), Caicedo is in Vardy’s cover shadow, Palmer is marked by Soumare and Felix is being watched by McAteer.
November 25, 2024 at 5:38 PM
This move encapsulates it - Enzo drops deeper, attaching to Leicester winger (El Khannouss), Caicedo is in Vardy’s cover shadow, Palmer is marked by Soumare and Felix is being watched by McAteer.
Enzo Fernandez was brilliant against Leicester, but it’s not just his quality on the ball, the goal, the assist, or even the off ball work he did… It’s the intelligence
November 25, 2024 at 5:38 PM
Enzo Fernandez was brilliant against Leicester, but it’s not just his quality on the ball, the goal, the assist, or even the off ball work he did… It’s the intelligence