Rotherham Vs Norwich

Rotherham Vs Norwich (1/15)

Score: 1-2

xG: 1.02 - 1.87

Possession (%): 52 - 48

● NCFC's formation change (5/15).

● Comparing a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 diamond (7,8/15).

● NCFC's pressing strategy (12/15)

Formations: (2/15)

• Norwich were set up in a 4-1-2-1-2, otherwise known as a 4-4-2 diamond, with a single pivot (Hayden).

• Rotherham were set up in a 3-5-1-1 with a staggered midfield which also created a midfield diamond.

(3/15)

• In possession, Norwich transitioned into a 2-3-2-1-2.

• Out of possession, Rotherham were in a 5-3-1-1 and were tight to NCFC players.

(4/15)

• In possession, Rotherham moved into a 3-4-2-1.

• Out of possession, Norwich dropped into a 4-3-1-2 as Sara and McLean moved alongside Hayden.

(5/15)

• This game saw Norwich move away from the 4-2-3-1 formation they have employed in recent weeks.

• Instead, Norwich were set up in a midfield diamond.

• McLean and Sara were positioned to the side of Rotherham's diamond to provide passing options beyond the Rotherham press.

(6/15)

• Rotherham create numerical superiority in central areas, so in the absence of wider midfielders (provided by a 4-2-3-1) it was important that Norwich's FBs were high and wide, and that Sara and McLean were positioned either side of the Rotherham diamond.

(7/15)

• In previous weeks, Norwich have set up in a 4-2-3-1.

• In a 4-2-3-1, Norwich sacrifice natural triangles and therefore natural passing angles. The two 6s are forced to move to create a passing angle.

• But the double pivot does provide defensive solidity.

(8/15)

• Against Rotherham, Norwich were in a 4-4-2 diamond.

• A 4-4-2 diamond creates natural triangles, with a single pivot on a different verticle line to the two CBs.

• But it provides less solidity than a double pivot in transitional moments.

(9/15)

• While the 4-4-2 diamond may not be appropriate against every opponent, against Rotherham's narrow midfield it gave Aarons and McCallum more room on both wings.

(10/15)

• The full potential of the passing angles created by a 4-4-2 diamond was not clear against Rotherham. This was because it didn't give Norwich numerical superiority in central areas due to Rotherham's man to man press.

• Rotherham gave Norwich minimal time on the ball in midfield.

(11/15)

• In the build up to Norwich's 2nd goal, Sargent dropped into midfield to provide a passing option for Aarons.

• Sara made a run into a wider area to take his marker (Barlaser) away from Sargent.

• As a result Sargent became the free man and Norwich had beaten Rotherham's man to man press.

(12/15)

• When Rotherham's WBs revieved the ball Norwich's FBs engaged them immediately.

• Sara and McLean were blocking progressive passes by cover shadowing.

• This encouraged passes backwards or sideways into central areas.

Summary: (13/15)

• While this was a good game to switch to a midfield diamond due to Rotherham's narrow midfield, it was not the best game to demonstrate the potential of the diamond in the build up.

• Rotherham's man to man press made it tough to build up smoothly through the diamond.

(14/15)

• Sara's creativity is something Norwich fans can be excited about. Despite a naive pass which led to RUFC's goal, his creativity and intelligent movement enhances NCFC's attacking potential and creates chances both for himself and for others.

(15/15)

• Isaac Hayden remaining fit could be the difference between promotion or no promotion for Norwich this season.

• As well as being impressive in a double pivot, as a single pivot Hayden's quality is obvious.

• He constantly provides a passing option in the build up and provides defensive security in transitions.