Norwich Vs Middlesbrough

Norwich Vs Middlesbrough (1/22)

Score: 1 - 2

xG: 0.96 - 0.99

Possession (%): 45 - 55

● NCFC's 1st half build up. (4,5)

● The Hayden single pivot. (6-8)

● Playing through the lines. (9-11)

● NCFC's collapse. (13-17)

Formations: (2/22)

• Norwich were set up in a 4-4-2 (diamond) base formation.

• Middlesbrough were in a 4-2-3-1 base formation.

(3/22)

• Out of possession, Norwich pressed in a 4-3-3 with Sargent on the right and Pukki on the left. Ramsey was in the middle.

• If NCFC regained possession, Pukki and Sargent moved closer together to form a front two.

(4/22)

• When building from the back, Norwich were in a 2-3-1-2-2.

• McLean stayed close to Hayden to provide an immediate passing option in the build up.

• Sara, Ramsey, Sargent and Pukki stayed higher up the pitch to give NCFC more space to build from.

(5/22)

• Gunn delayed playing a pass until a Middlesbrough player pressed him.

• This was to create a free man behind the front line of the Middlesbrough press.

• At times in the 2nd half, Norwich didn't use the free man quick enough.

(6/22)

• Having Hayden fit allows Norwich to play with a single pivot.

• Playing with a single pivot creates natural passing angles in the build up.

• Hayden also allows Norwich to prevent overloads on each side as he shifts to whichever side has an overload developing.

(7/22)

• Before receiving a pass, Hayden looks over his shoulders to identify passing options.

• Hayden's good body positioning allows him to receive passes on the half turn.

• This opens up progressive passes.

(8/22)

• A holding midfielder is a vital part of teams build up.

• When he is fully match sharp, Hayden will be Norwich's most important player.

(9/22)

• In the first half Middlesbrough were not horizontally compact enough out of possession.

• This allowed Norwich to play through the lines relatively easily in transition.

(10/22)

• Boro also left too much space between their defensive and midfield lines (this is a lack of vertical compactness).

(11/22)

• As a result Norwich were able to find Ramsey and Sara, in the pockets, who were only one or two passes away from playing Pukki or Sargent through on goal.

• As has been common this season, Norwich failed to take their chances while they were on top.

(12/22)

• Counter movements (opposite runs) from Sara and Ramsey created chances on the right wing.

• Ramsey and McLean tried to do the same on the left but not as effectively.

(13/22)

• In the 2nd half, Norwich's press began to fail and their build up became slow and ineffectual.

• Norwich didn't engage with Middlesbrough players when Boro were passing in their defensive 3rd.

(14/22)

• Instead Norwich waited for Middlesbrough to move into the midfield 3rd before pressing.

• Once the press started it looked panicked and desperate, rather than organised and coordinated.

(15/22)

• Norwich's disorganised press allowed Middlesbrough to create space by dragging NCFC players out of position.

(16/22)

• Middlesbrough were always trying to create wide overloads with overlapping runs from their FBs.

• Their 3 AMs moved over to the side they were trying to overload.

• In the second half Norwich struggled to cope with Boro's intensity.

(17/22)

• Dean Smith changed to a flat 4-4-2, when Hernandez came on, and looked to play around Middlesbrough rather than through them.

• This change appeared desperate and didn't fix the problems which were developing.

Summary: (18/22)

• It was a promising first half from Norwich, but yet again they failed to take chances while they were on top and are still far too inconsistent.

(19/22)

• Norwich's failing press and counter press, combined with an increase in intensity and bravery from Middlesbrough led to a second half characterised by Middlesbrough dominance.

(20/22)

• Once Norwich were in possession, a lack of movement, creativity and speed in the build up left them struggling to create good chances.

(21/22)

• Dean Smith's tactical and personnel changes failed to fix Norwich's problems, they arguably added to Norwich's struggles in the build up.

(22/22)

• Dean Smith has a lot to fix during the world cup break if he's to keep his job.

• These things include:

-> Counter pressing

-> Pressing structure and organisation

-> Defensive organisation

-> Off the ball movement to create progressive passing options