ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester City- Twelve Minutes

Posted by Wallace Poulter on 04/26/2011

Twelve minutes… Twelve minutes that may have secured Champions league qualification… Twelve minutes when Roberto Mancini, finally, got it right.

There are times when I’d like to switch off my tactical brain. To actually watch a game of football as a game rather than looking at it and seeing how the formations are working. I can’t and therefore sometimes get frustrated in what could be rather than what is. I say this because if you step back and look at this season dispassionately what Mancini has accomplished so far is very impressive. The Final of the FA Cup and the inside track on a Champions League place is a phenomenal performance for a team that usually starts four players who weren’t with the club this time last year.

And yet I am regularly frustrated with Mancini’s formations and tactics, especially against teams that the club should win against.

Take for example the 4-2-3-1 formation. It is a counter-attacking formation that when employed with players of pace, and crucially against aggressive attacking teams, can be incredibly effective. The victory over Chelsea last year is a classic example of this when Bellamy and Johnson completely tore apart the Blues. Such a formation is generally not good against stodgy unadventurous teams.

Speaking of Blackburn, City turned up at the Ewood Park and rolled out in… a 4-2-3-1 formation. Adam Johnson is a very good talent, but he’s lost in these types of games and playing David Silva out on the wing is a waste, I believe, of the most creative talent in British football. Yaya Toure played the Attacking Midfielder (AMC) role with Balotelli as the striker.

I’m also a fan of Gareth Barry and have been disappointed with his performance this year. A 4-2-3-1 formation is too restrictive for the England international, he just doesn’t play well when his primary duties are to always stay back. Barry can, and does, put in decent shifts in some games but his more natural game is to roam forward in support of the attackers.

So while City dominated some of the early game, when Blackburn gave Silva acres of space, it was a team that never gave the impression that it was about to rout Blackburn.

What City needed was a more naturally attacking formation. A 4-4-2 wouldn’t work because of the defensive frailties of Kompany and Lescott when not protected by Nigel de Jong and a 4-3-3 just isn't the style of Mancini.

Step forward a “true” Inter diamond. When City have played the Inter diamond this year they have been hampered by Carlos Tevez. Brilliant talent, but he constantly comes back for the ball rather than playing in the channels up front. What you need are two strong and powerful forwards with a creative maestro pulling the strings and two midfielders prepared to join the attack.

And therefore at 72 minutes of the game Edin Dzeko came on for Adam Johnson and City were instantly transformed. With de Jong at the base of the diamond, Barry was finally free to roam forward with Yaya Toure and with both Balotelli and Dzeko up front the central defensive partnership of Blackburn couldn’t double up on City’s one forward. Immediately City swept forward and there were five City attackers, Barry, Silva, Yaya Toure, Balotelli and Dzeko in the Blackburn box facing five Blackburn defenders as Rovers had not reacted tactically to the City change. In fact as Barry stepped into the box, City had six attackers nearer the Blackburn goal, Kolarov was the other, than Blackburn’s six nearest defenders.

Barry passed to Silva, the Spaniard shot, ball ends up with Dzeko… 1-0. All this because City, finally, played the correct formation and the correct players to make that formation work. Mancini reverted to type nine minutes later by pulling off Balotelli for Vieira in an understandable defensive move, but for those twelve minutes City showed the future.

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Comments

Posted by Daniel on 04/26/2011

Watching the post-match interview with Dzeko, it struck me how little confidence he's had lately. If you track down the video, you'll see how relieved he is to have scored. I'm guessing that Mancini has been protecting Dzeko because pressure would certainly have kept mounting. How could he justify starting Dzeko and changing the team that just beat United? Given time, I think Dzeko will come good and will partner with Balotelli regularly beginning next year. I also think we're going to go for another attack-minded, creative midfielder to partner with Yaya and Silva during the summer (as I feel Tevez wants to leave.)

Wallace Reply I know exactly who I want at City and if the papers are to be believed he's available...

Posted by Mark Hancock on 04/26/2011

Great post, as always Wallace, though to me it looked like Mancini was still trying to fit a square peg in a round hole when he brought on Dzeko -- it looked like a 4-2-3-1 with Balotelli moving out wide left and Silva taking Johnson's spot on the left.

I am curious as to what we should even be calling the formation he started with, since Silva (thankfully) is so clearly unwilling to be hamstrung out on the left. Nominally a 4-2-3-1, of course, but with Silva moving so much it's hard to really call it that in execution. I wonder if you have thoughts as to why our left side is not more exposed in that scenario. With Silva often nowhere to be found, and Kolarov somewhat defensively challenged, it seems like a weak point. Just De Jong's unparalleled ability to cover any and every part of the field saving us?

Wallace Reply I haven't studied it in depth but I also noticed that Silva wandered a lot. I think, and again I need to check, but I think that there is a rotation going on with Kolarov moving up and Lescott, who has played left back, knowing that he has an additional defensive responsibility should the opposition pump balls into the space behind Kolarov. Against a Spurs or Arsenal such a formation would be horrible as Lennon or Walcott would exploit with their speed.

Posted by hankinsohl on 04/26/2011

>> I know exactly who I want at City and if the papers are to be believed he's available...

Can you elaborate on this please?

Wallace Reply That will be my next column.

Posted by Aaron on 04/26/2011

Wallace,

Is the person you reference a particular little #10 that is playing in Italy?

Wallace Reply No, not him...

Posted by CONAN on 04/26/2011

Hi Wallace,

It is a great article from you again. I think city lack a creative midfielder and they if possible should ask Bellamy back as he is effective on the wing and can also play as a striker for the team.

The big name player would be available if Madrid decide to cash on him. KAKA is one city would love to add to their squad, in cut price too.

Do city need another striker? I think they need a central defender like Samba of Blackburn or Gary Cahill of Bolton.

Cheers,

Wallace Reply City very much need another central defender. I thought Samba would end up with City when Hughes was in charge and it would have been a good move. City also need at least one more central striker, preferably a veteran, who can fill in for Dzeko or Balotelli.

Posted by Jonathan Smith on 04/26/2011

Great work.
Who is the player you mentioned earlier that you want at City? Also, what percentage chance do you think that Tevez will still be wearing City Blue start of next season?

Wallace Reply Less than 20%. I think Tevez is gone at the end of the season and have thought that ever since the moves of last summer.

Posted by Zhau on 04/26/2011

Wallace, is that player (the available player) Wesley Sneijder? or are you hinting towards a box-to-box midfielder, cause technically I believe thats where their Achilles heals is.

Wallace Reply I'm thinking a very specific attacking midfielder.

Posted by Justin on 04/26/2011

How can you just throw out "I know exactly who I want....."? I'm one of those idiots who thrives on the media circus and will always love it. While you stay grounded by posting the tactics of the team Mancini can pick from, I love to dream of the tactics he would use with the names that are thrown out there. So don't hold back Wallace! With that said, City have kept me on pins and needles all season...and I can only hope that silver and champions league are around the corner. I see a light.

Posted by Jerry on 04/26/2011

I agree with you about Gareth Barry. I'm a big fan of seeing him forward because he is usually a mismatch for all opponents. I also like to see James Milner play more and more in the central mid role, but there are only eleven spots on the field.

I'm more confident now that City can get that final spot for CL. They still have a tough road ahead of them. City have West Ham (their easiest match left) at home, while Spurs travel to face Chelsea. City should be 6 or 7 points clear of Spurs after the weekend. That takes into account that Chelsea with defeat Spurs or at least get a draw. The road gets mightier when City travels to Everton soon after. A team that has dropped City three times in as many matches. This is the crucial match for City. If City get a full 3 points, that fourth spot is almost a lock. It puts Spurs chances on life support with the mid-week game at City following shortly after. First thing is first, defeat West Ham

Wallace Reply Once City sign a central defender then Mancini will be able to play more 4-4-2 on occasion. I see Milner as the primary midfielder in such a formation.

Posted by Ben on 04/26/2011

Wallace-

Mind sharing exactly who it is you want to see coming to City over the summer? My curiosity is piqued by the ellipsis...

Any chance that player might be a certain Dutch midfielder from Inter? I immediately went looking around when I read your reply to the comment above, and one of the first things I found was an article on Wesley Sneijder and his chances of leaving Inter. If he could form a working partnership with Toure and Silva... wow. What a midfield!

Posted by Ian on 04/26/2011

Based on your logic, would it have been equally possible to substitute out Barry instead of Johnson and play the same "true" diamond? Or is Johnson still a poor fit for that role? When I watch games from the last few months as Tevez has slowed down, the players that excite me on the forward end have been Silva, Johnson and Small Berries (to a lesser extent Balotelli). I agree that Barry looked very good in those key 12 minutes, I'm just worried that Johnson will not be a fixture in the new system. Do you think Milner is a fit either?

Wallace Reply Johnson doesn't fit the Inter diamond in the Barry role. He might, and I'd like to see City experiment with this, be an interesting back up to Silva in the AMC role. Lest you think I'm completely nuts it was Johnson's play in just such a role that first opened my eyes to how well the formation could work last year against Bolton. Milner I believe will start to spell Barry next year in the Inter diamond.

Posted by citehzen on 04/26/2011

yes i noticed that when the outside backs went forward, lescott and kompany spread into those spaces and left de jong in the middle. obviously this is what they do on attack, but revert to the standard formation when in defense. interesting stuff.

your observation about tevez coming back is so true and has annoyed the stuff out of me all season. he wants to be the one man team because he has no faith in his teammates when its not gelling. anyway i think tevez being out is great for the club, exposing whos getting the job done and who isnt. thanks wallace. have a good day.

Posted by Marc on 04/26/2011

Two off the "chic" choices that are, quote/unquote availbile this summer, Mertesacker from the Bundesliga and Sakho from PSG are two talents that i think could play off and compliment Kompany quite well. Both have height, have strung together more than just a flash in the pan season at their respective clubs. As for that playmaker in the middle I love Marko Marin from Werder Bremen. Creative, great vision, that system seems to generate playmakers (T. Frings, Ozil, Diego...though i think he was from Porto). I'm curious to see your article, see who your lobbying for.

Posted by Cody on 04/26/2011

wallace, i hope you're not thinking about joe cole.........

Posted by mancitysteve on 04/26/2011

My first time posting Wallace, but I have been a long time reader. I knew I had to write as soon as Mancini pulled off AJ for Dzeko and I realized he was switching the team to the Inter Diamond you keep talking about. It was like a light going off. RM completely changed the match and I am coming around to liking him more. Also, am I alone in hating Ian Darke and Steve McManaman? Could they talk any more about how much City have spent, as if it is the only point worth analyzing? Seriously, I would have rather you discuss the tactical points of the match. I would have thought 'Macca', a former England international might have something more to contribute. Disappointing. Thanks again Wallace...I miss your columns when you go walkabout.

Wallace Reply Yeah it was great to see five City players in the box attacking... Reminded me of the old Petrov, Elano, Ireland, Johnson foursome crashing the box...

Ian Darke is an interesting commentator. His call of the US win over Algeria might be one of the all time greats, despite being delivered in a "homer" style that is usually frowned upon by professional commentators. Macca is a huge disappointment. I keep waiting for him to point out the tactical shifts, which would really help explain to the casual viewer as to why momentum has changed in a game.

The change against Blackburn was a perfect example. Bringing on Dzeko also freed up Barry and suddenly City had two more attackers when "logic" says all you've done is add one.

Posted by James W. on 04/26/2011

Hey Wallace,
I really think Man City need to get a left winger or attacking minded left midfielder because everytime the ball is moved to the left side, it's always Kolarov that makes the runs. Not that he's not a good attacking option, but if he's often caught off position, then the wings of other elite teams will be able to take advantage of that and I don't think anyone would want to see Gareth Barry try and stop the counter attack. Do you agree?

Wallace Reply City have one of the best in the Premier League at that position. He just happens to be playing for Cardiff City...

Posted by durk on 04/27/2011

I agree with Jerry that Milner should be part of any midfield structure but I don't think it's on the agenda, with Mancini's choice of YY Toure in every game.
I don't think it will be a problem for too much longer, as I suspect Milner will want a move as well as Tevez. As he is used at City, his City and England career has been damaged. I also think that Kolarov's left foot only is limiting City on the left. I too would prefer Johnson, SWP or BELLAMY working in front of Zabaletta on the left.

It is increasingly looking like City can pick up 4th spot and maybe an FA Cup this season which will be a great change. But like you I think that 3rd or 4th spot could have done and dusted weeks ago.

Posted by Daniel on 04/27/2011

Sure, Bellamy is a quality player, but he's often hurt, and he brings his own special set of problems both in public and behind the scenes. It's no secret that certain players thought of Mancini as a substitute teacher last season and immediately sought to undermine him believing his appointment temporary. Shipping Bellamy to Cardiff was part of sending a message. No matter what, the manager must run the club--not the players. That leads to disaster. If Bellamy had shown any indication that he would buy in, I would love to have him here, but he only showed any kind of happiness once his move to Cardiff went through.

James Milner should have been able to operate on the wing as he's done well there earlier in his career, but it hasn't worked out so far. I think that's the next big issue to be worked out in the summer before any buying can happen. What do you do with the players loaned out who are returning and what do you do with Milner?

Wallace Reply Milner becomes much more valuable once City have added a solid central defender and the club doesn't have to rely on de Jong to play every game. As much as Kompany has been praised this year a Komany and Toure/Lescott partnership does not work without the DMC in front of them.

Posted by HonestJohn on 04/27/2011

So what exactly makes you think those 12 minutes portend what is to come, when in all likelihood Mancini will still be your manager next year? You don't expect him to abandon his beloved 4-2-3-1 do you? As long as he's the manager, City will continue to be a defensive team capable of breathtaking football who never reaches the quality displays of Arsenal or United. Not that there is anything wrong with that; Chelsea fans never seemed to mind 1-nil wins under Mourinho as long as it meant the title went to Stamford Bridge. Nor Arsenal fans when George Graham was in charge. I suspect you and other City fans will be no different.
On another note, don't you think City needs to offload several players this summer? You've got too many chefs and not enough pinches.

Wallace Reply Mancini doesn't have a beloved 4-2-3-1. Earlier in the season he played a diamond much more often, but it suffers when Tevez plays in it.

Posted by d on 04/27/2011

Wallace,

As a novice tactician, I am trying to understand the "Inter Diamond". Would you mind describing it in depth a bit more?

Wallace Reply The Inter Diamond has three ball winning midfielders and one supremely creative midfield player. In City's case that is de Jong, Yaya and Barry plus Silva. The players play essentially in the shape of a diamond. de Long at the bottom point, Silva at the top and Barry and Yaya as the left and right points of a diamond. It makes it virtually impossible for a team to be attacked through the middle forcing attacks wide and making them predictable - this is part of the reason why Kompany has played so well this year.

When City have the ball the full backs move up in support in midfield creating essentially a 2-1-4-1-2 (2 central defenders, 1 defensive midfielder, 4 midfielders, 1 attacking midfielder and 2 forwards) and at least two of the "4", a full back and one of the midfielders support the attack allowing at least 5 players to be attacking at any one time.

Posted by Stan on 04/27/2011

"Such a formation is generally not good against stodgy unadventurous teams. Speaking of Blackburn...." LOL well done! Well done!

Spot on as well. This match seemed doomed for a dour draw for such a long time - until Dzeko came on. "Typical City" that would have been, letting Tottenham back in with a shout of 4th.

City is now poised to "see out" the rest of the schedule with the CL spot well in hand. Does it have the resolve to do that? Or will we see the Tottenham match revert to a winner-take-all affair?

I believe we have discussed the player you have in mind, but I'll not press for you to make it public before your planned presentation.

Posted by Ravs on 04/29/2011

Wallace, based on your comments, I get the sense that you are not as big a believer in Kompany as many others have been this season. Can you elaborate why?

Wallace Reply Most observers look at the way Kompany plays and praise him. What they fail to realize is that Nigel de Jong fundamentally changes the way a team attacks City and it is very rare that a move comes through the middle, but rather works around de Jong. This allows Kompany to "hedge" in the way he plays. When these two play together they are starters in a mythical Premier League All-Star team...

Posted by Cody on 04/29/2011

what is your opinion on the disgrace of the madrid barcelona match? i feel like mourinho was right to said what he said and barcelona should be retroactively punished for constant simulation. The difference between Madrid's diving and Barcelona's diving is that madrid players dive under minimal contact. barcelona players fall over whenever they feel like it and then yell at the referee about it (That being said all types of diving are bad)

Wallace Reply I think Barcelona should be balled from Europe for a year and Real Madrid not allowed to play in the Champions League. FIFA don't have the balls to do it though.

Posted by Stan on 04/30/2011

Yes, that "classico" was a farce....and disgusting to watch.

Posted by alen matlob on 05/01/2011

i jus wan say. divin is killing the sport. hers a suggestion. review all divin calls. n if u see on film they have dived. fine them 100000 thousand and a game suspension. no one will ever even think of diving any more.

the player ur talkin bout i believe is either kaka or mata

Posted by James on 05/08/2011

Wallace, what are the chances of Bellamy coming back into the fold of things?

Wallace Reply None. Which is a shame. With Bellamy this club could challenge for the league title playing 4-2-3-1 particularly away from home.

Posted by Barry on 05/12/2011

Wallace, how much of a chance do you think City have of bringing in Cesc Fabregas this summer?

Wallace Reply City don't need Fabregas.

Posted by Grayson on 05/12/2011

Why so silent Wallace?
City have just won their biggest match of the season, securing a spot in the Champions League for the first time in thier history, right before they are getting set to play for a major trophy for the first time in decades.

I would think a Manchester City FC blogger would have something to blog about, don't you?

Not trying to be negative, and I hope all is well.

Posted by David Hankins on 05/13/2011

Come on ya Blues!

Let's bring home the FA cup and catch Arsenal for 3rd.

Posted by Romeo on 05/14/2011

GREAT BLOG!
Do you not think that Jo could be an aide on the left side, he does have the pace and since he has muscled up a bit should be able to pull something special out.

Wallace Reply I'm one of the few that still likes Jo because I don't think he's ever been used "properly" at City. He's a runner who likes the ball played into space over the top of defenders as he runs from right to left.

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