Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC Analysis

Contact: Scotthastings@hotmail.co.uk Twitter: SHastingsCoach LinkedIn: ScottHastings24

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This is an analysis report of the first half between Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC (2/1/2013). The
report will focus on Liverpool FC, and aims to highlight how they enter attacking thirds, attack and
defend set pieces as well as how they pressure the ball quickly to regain possession.

1. Team Line Ups

Liverpool FC (4-2-3-1) Sunderland AFC (4-4-1-1)

SUBS SUBS
25. Reina 1. Jones 22. Mignolet 20. Westwood
2. Johnson 23. Carragher 3. Rose (Vaughan 73’) 2. Bardsley
5. Agger 49. Robinson 12. Kilgallon 19. Bramble
37. Skrtel (Carragher 73’) 4. Sahin 24. Cuellar 15. Vaughan
47. Wisdom 24. Allen 8. Gardener 9. Campbell
21. Lucas 33. Shelvey 23. McClean 10. Wickham
8. Gerrard 30. Suso 14. Colback 11. McFadden
14. Henderson (Suso 67’) 7. Larsson (McFadden 62’)
19. Downing 21. Johnson
31. Sterling (Allen 57’) 28. Sessegnon (Campbell 46’)
7. Suarez 26. Fletcher


2. Match Facts

LIVERPOOL FC STATS SUNDERLAND AFC

3 Goals 0

29 Shots 8

10 Shots On Target 2

9 Corners 5

66% Possession 34%

3. First Half – Brake Down

In this section I have focused on entries into the final thirds as well as the shots and crosses taken
from within this area. This reason behind this is because I wanted to explore how Liverpool attack
and defend these zones both from open play and set pieces.

ATTACKING THIRD (ENTRIES)
LIVERPOOL FC SUNDERLAND AFC
Left Centre Right Left Centre Right

0-15 4 4 3 0 1 1
15-30 1 1 3 0 1 1
30-45 2 4 5 1 1 0
TOTAL 7 9 11 1 3 2

Liverpool FC had a total of twenty seven
entries into the final third within the first
forty five minutes of the game – the majority
coming from the right hand side, however
their entries were fairly balanced with nine
coming from the centre and seven from the
left hand side. The final entries were marked
and deemed successful when Liverpool’
entered the attacking third by a dribble,
penetrative run or forward pass. See right for
an example of a final third entry.


Final Third Entries – Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC, had a total of twenty seven final third entries in comparison to Sunderland’s six,
within the first fifteen minutes, Liverpool’ had a lot of success coming through the middle and left
hand side. Both pictures below demonstrate how wide Liverpool make the football pitch when in
possession - this gives them space to play into. The first picture shows, Downing hugging the
touchline and almost isolated while three Sunderland players attempt to keep the area tight -
what’s happened is that they have created a pocket for Suarez to play in. As Johnson plays that
ball into the ‘pocket’ and Suarez plays a first time pass to Downing so he can cross the ball
unopposed. If I’m going to be critical, Liverpool worked the ball into great areas but didn’t have
enough men in the box for Downing to cross too. Henderson (playing behind Suarez in the 4-2-3-1
formation) should be looking to attack the area Suarez will leave behind him as he looks to
receive the ball between the Sunderland players.

In addition, Liverpool made good use of Johnson, and Wisdom who almost played as two wingers
in these wide areas, this is because the unselfish creative movement of Downing and Sterling who
either come inside or got wider to create space for these players to penetrate. This is a recurring
theme from Liverpool, having a lot of success as well, however with Wisdom and Johnson
commiting themselves, this left Sunderland spaces to exploit.


Final Third Entries – Sunderland AFC

Sunderland AFC only registered six successful final third entries within the first half with 50% of
them coming down the centre. You can see from the start Sunderland’ were looking to play the
ball into Fletcher, so he can hold it and allow his team time to get bodies around to support.
Fletched also run into channels to receive the ball with Sessegnon supporting close behind to
feed off knock downs, flick on’s and second balls. Times they has success was when Liverpool’s
Glen Johnson played higher up the pitch which allowed Sunderland to exploit the space in behind.

First picture shows Liverpool’ comfortable in possession, trying to penetrate the final third, again
Downing has come inside which leaves space for Johnson to exploit, however both Agger and
Downing make incorrect decisions trying to play neat intricate passes in an area Sunderland have
an overload in. Sessegnon regains possession and drives into the space left open by Johnson, you
can just see Johnson making that recovery back.

Next clip shows the forward pass Sessegnon
plays into Fletcher, you would think Liverpool
are in control here with a 2v1 overload in
their favour, however Skrtel - possibly over
aroused – fouls Fletcher which gives
Sunderland an opportunity from a set piece.
Really Skrtel and Lucas should have delayed
the attack, with Skrtel showing wide while
Lucas Covers which will allow Liverpool time
to recover.

Next clip shows a Sunderland set piece in a dangerous area with Adam Johnson looking to use
his left foot to whip an in swinging ball in.


Set Pieces – Liverpool FC

This section aims to highlight how Liverpool FC set up pieces in the final thirds. I wanted to further
explore if they chose to man mark, defend zonally, or a mixture of both, and if they change their
defensive tactics dependent on the area of the set piece. You may argue that in the modern game
throw ins are considered a type of set piece however this report aims to only highlight both free
kicks and corners.

SET PIECES
LIVERPOOL FC SUNDERLAND AFC
FREE KICK CORNER FREE KICK CORNER
0 1 Left 0 3
0 N/A Centre 2 N/A
2 2 Right 1 0
2 3 Total 3 3
0 1 Short 0 0
1 2 Long/Delivered 3 3
1 0 Direct 0 0

Defending Set Pieces (Free kicks) – Liverpool FC

Liverpool’ defended a total of six set pieces in the first half of the game, with 50% coming from the
left hand side as corners, and the additional 50% came from free kicks from central areas as well
as the right hand side. Liverpool’ both man marked as well as marking zones from this set piece.
Had a tendency to ball watch as crosses comes in, six Liverpool players counted within the six yard
box watching the ball which left three Sunderland’ players unmarked. Pushed up quickly after
clearance, came out marking zones rather than players.


Picture below shows Liverpool’ defending another free kick however the set piece is from a
central position. The threat is more apparent as there is an increased likelihood that
Sunderland will take a shot from here. Liverpool’ set up with four men in the wall, with Skrtel -
the tallest player, protecting Reina’s left hand corner and the rest of the wall descends in
height, it is noted that all players jump as the free kick is taken and no one charges the ball.
Henderson is in a position where he is aware of the ball being played in behind for Johnson,
21 to run onto. In addition, four Liverpool players mark man to man, whereas Lucas marks the
zone between himself and the wall, no one marks the man on the edge (white circle).

Defending Set Pieces (Corners) – Liverpool FC

Liverpool conceded three corners in the first half, each coming from the left hand side. At
each corner, the same theme is apparent – Liverpool’s marking. At each corner there is a clear
illustration that they both man mark, as well as mark zones.

Although they never conceded from
these corners, there was a clear lack or
organisation that left opposition
players unmarked. Following on, 2/3
times Sterling reacted slowest to being
organised which left Johnson
unmarked at the back post and the
other time he was marking one of
Sunderland biggest aerial threats –
Steven Fletcher.


Players that wasn’t marking a man, packed out the six yard box, each picture I counted seven
Liverpool players (inc GK) and one man marking the far post. This is the area I would like to draw
attention to (far post) as each Sunderland corner was aimed towards a near post flick on, with
runners towards the back post where players were left unmarked. This caused a problem each
time however when Reina did collect a cross had the quality to pick Suarez out and allow
Liverpool to counter quickly.

Attacking Set Pieces (Free Kicks) – Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC had two attacking free kicks in the first half, both from the right hand side. The first
was a direct shot towards goal and the later was delivered towards the far post. The two free
kicks had Gerrard (right foot) and Downing (left foot) standing over the ball both with
exceptional deliveries/shots – these options gave Sunderland a headache as Liverpool had more
options from the dead ball, to name a few; inswing/outswing crosses to near or far posts as well
as first time shots and layoffs to be considered.

Downing shows his ability from free-kicks (left picture) forcing a good save from GK, even
though shot was taken Suarez looked for a near post flick on and Johnson peeled off towards
back post with Henderson making a late run – Lucas holds position outside 18 yard box. Gerrard
executes accurate out-swinging ball to Agger’s far post run, similar movement from Suarez
towards near post but Johnson holds run for knock downs.


Attacking Set Pieces (Corners) – Liverpool FC

Liverpool had a total of three corners within the first forty five minutes, with two from the right
hand side and one from the left. Liverpool mixed their set pieces about with two being taken
long/delivered into the box and the other being played short. The corner takers (Gerrard and
Downing) took the kick from opposite sides and delivered out-swinging floated crosses for
Agger/Skrtel to attack, each was accurate. Downing floated in and around the edge of the 18
yard box and Sterling offered short while the rest of the players grouped around the penalty
spot then made short diagonal runs across each other to lose their markers. The rest of the
corners couldn’t be looked at because of the camera angle.

Regaining Possession/Pressing – Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC press the football quick and early to force mistakes and regain possession. I’ve
taken clips from within the first half of when they have been successful as well as unsuccessful
to demonstrate how effective their technique is, but also how teams with more quality can
exploit this.

The reason why I wanted to further look into Liverpool FC’s ability to press the ball was because
I saw a quote from Brendan Rodgers (2012) stating that “The only time we rest is when we have
the ball. When we haven’t got the ball is the moment for intense pressure to get the ball back”.

For that reason I explored pressing a bit further and have offered more detail to the findings in
this report.


Regaining Possession/Pressing (Successful) – Liverpool FC

As the ball move here the first man (Sterling) is already looking to press early. As he is doing so,
Liverpool shuffle over and players get in and around the area to make it tight/decrease space.
It’s important to note the first man is trying to deflect the ball into areas where his team mates
are so they can regain the ball, in some case they deflect the ball back so they can push up. As
soon as that happens another wave of intense pressure occurs which looks to either force
players backwards/sideways or long. In the later cases it was an attempt for Sunderland to ‘clear
their lines’ rather than exploit any spaces. Some examples are below that demonstrate the
pressure that occurs in the second and final third.

Four pictures are from two separate clips demonstrating the pressure Liverpool apply, again
they show the ‘first man’s intentions to deflect to ball sideways and backwards into areas
Liverpool have more men. The last picture with the black circles and line shows where I believe
the players should be when pressing because as the ball is transferred Lucas is out of position
which allows Sessegnon to drop deep to receive the ball. In this case he doesn’t and Liverpool
force another long ball, but teams with more quality could exploit these spaces.


Regaining Possession/Pressing (Unsuccessful) – Liverpool FC

Following on the previous point I mentioned, at times Liverpool were caught out from pressing
at the wrong times. Again the first man is looking to deflect the ball inside, but this time not as
much support is shown. You can see that when the ball is transferred, Henderson and Lucas
have already pressed/committed quite high and left a massive amount of space behind them.
Suarez circled because as the ball is being transferred from LB to CB he should already be
covering Henderson which could of cut out the pass to Colback.

Similar scenario above when Liverpool press too many players too quickly. Sessegnon again
finds himself in a pocket between the midfielders and defense, Liverpool try to deflective
inside/back with Downing recovering and attempting to sandwich the Sunderland Player,
however a quick set back and forward pass later, Sessegnon is in behind and running towards
goal and Liverpool end up conceding a free-kick.

Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC Analysis

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