Norwich Vs Birmingham

Norwich Vs Birmingham:

Score: 3 - 1

Possession (%): 67 - 33

xG: 1.41 - 0.66

· The problem with Birmingham's first half setup.

· Norwich's central superiority.

· The new role of Marcelino Núñez and its significance.

· Birmingham's second half tactical tweaks.

Base Formations:

In the first half, both sides were set up in 4-2-3-1 base formations. Marcelino Núñez came into the side to play as a number ten behind Adam Idah.

Out of possession Birmingham were set up in a 4-4-2 mid-block structure. Hannibal (6) moved alongside Hogan (9) to apply pressure to Norwich's two centre backs. Chang (42) and Bacuna (7) were positioned in the shadows of McLean and Sara.

However, there were clear problems with Birmingham's structure without the ball. Once Hogan (9) and Hannibal (6) were drawn to press Hanley and Gibson, Birmingham's setup was exposed. Birmingham had two midfielders trying to restrict McLean, Sara and Núñez. Norwich’s numerical superiority in midfield created big problems for Birmingham in the first half.

Chang (42) and Bacuna (7) were left with two options. They could either jump onto McLean and Sara, leaving Núñez in space between the lines. Or at least one of them could drop to mark Núñez. Both options would create at least one free man but, without changing their pressing structure, this was the best they could do.

In reality, they often did neither; Chang (42) and Bacuna (7) applied very little pressure to McLean and Sara, and they left Núñez in space between the lines. Instead of leaving one free man, Birmingham's midfield two left three players free.

At this point, it would be remiss of me not to mention the importance of Marcelino Núñez in his new number ten role.

One of the few tactical weaknesses which have remained since Dean Smith's departure is the disconnect between Norwich's build-up and their front line. This issue is one of the reasons Norwich have seemed incapable of escaping a high press. In order to escape a press, a team needs to create and find a 'free man'. With a midfield void, this becomes very difficult.

Although Birmingham's first half press was weak, the value of Núñez’s new role was obvious. By occupying the space between the Birmingham defensive and midfield lines, Núñez was able to receive passes on the blind sides of Chang (42) and Bacuna (7).

Not only is this exactly what Norwich need when trying to escape a press, but it is also a role which suits a player like Núñez. In previous games, Josh Sargent has occupied a second striker role. As a striker, Sargent is a player with the inclination to move into advanced positions, whereas Núñez is predisposed to drop deeper into optimal spaces for ball reception.

In previous games, when playing as more of a number six or an eight, Núñez was often dispossessed taking risks in dangerous areas. As a number 10, playing risky but imaginative passes is a positive attribute.

On Tuesday night, Núñez provided an invaluable link between Norwich's build-up and their front line. Without Núñez, Norwich would not have created the central connections and superiority which were so dangerous against Birmingham.

In possession, Norwich were able to manipulate a weak Birmingham man orientated press. By dropping into a back three, McLean was able to open passing lanes to Norwich's full backs. This was most obvious on Norwich's left side, where McLean often drew Hall (35) away from Giannoulis.

This was a key method of ball progression for Norwich in the first half. Birmingham struggled to cope with the overloads it created on each side. With players in each of the five vertical corridors, Norwich constantly created 5v4 situations of superiority in the final third.

In possession, rotations between the vertical corridors often saw Norwich transition into an asymmetrical attacking structure. Dowell and Núñez occupied the half spaces while Hernandez moved into the wide zone. This meant that one Norwich full back - often Giannoulis - was free to drop and support the build-up. Together, Hernandez and Giannoulis created dual width. By pressing into the wide zone in response, Birmingham opened the half space for Núñez.

In the second half, thanks to some tactical adjustments, Birmingham's press was much better. At half time, Jutkiewicz (10) replaced Bacuna (7) and their weak 4-4-2 press became more aggressive in a 4-1-3-2 diamond.

After a promising first half, with Norwich's midfield three dominating proceedings, Birmingham’s half time changes brought an end to much of Norwich's central superiority and dominance.

The second half showed there is still more Norwich need to do to escape a high press. When McLean drops into a back three Sara still needs support. That could come from Núñez dropping alongside him to create a 3-2 structure, or from an inverting full back.

But there are positives to take from Tuesday night. In Marcelino Núñez, Norwich have a potential solution to the midfield void and disconnect during their build-up. By dropping to create superiority, recycle possession and relieve pressure, Núñez could continue to play a vital role in this Norwich side.