Newcastle 3 - 0 Wigan: Match Analysis

Demba Ba scored twice as Newcastle won for the first time in six games while Maynor Figueroa was sent off early in the first half.

Roberto Martinez fielded a usual team in his now favoured 3-4-3 formation with Di Santo and Gomez either side of Kone up front. Media and fans alike seem to always pigeonhole Newcastle's formation as either 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 however this was more of a 4-5-1 disguised as a 4-4-2, a pseudo 4-4-2 if you will. This will be explained throughout the analysis.

                  

The starting line ups

Newcastle's System

Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba are both forwards. There is no doubt that both operate best up top thriving on good passes and movement from the midfield, which is why everyone is so quick to classify any Newcastle line up that features both of them as a 4-4-2. In practice this turned out to be a sort of hybrid 4-4-2/4-5-1 in which Cisse/Ba (who switch roles throughout the game) move to a right midfield role whilst not in possession but have the nod to roam forward and support the attacker when Newcastle are in control of the ball.

First Half

The game started in an open manner, Tiote and Di Santo both having decent opportunities from long range however after Wigan had a series of threatening set pieces inside the first 7 minutes The Magpies quickly got comfortable on the ball and pressure Wigan's centre backs to ensure they could not play out from the back.

In the 12th minute Newcastle were awarded a penalty and Maynor Figueroa was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity. Demba Ba scored, and the sending off changed the tactical battle.

Roberto Martinez made plans for James McArthur to replace Jordi Gomez; a central midfielder for a right winger in order to tighten up through the middle and give a bit more defensive stability. Martinez however, delayed the substitution and played 2-4-3 for a few minutes. Newcastle's pressing continued and Demba Ba managed to put Newcastle 2-0 up before McArthur could be introduced.

When he did replace the Spaniard, Wigan moved to a 2-5-2 shape with Beausejour and Stam continuing their roles as wing backs, supporting in attack and defence.

How Wigan shaped up after the dismissal of Figueroa and the removal of Gomez for McArthur

Newcastle continued to press high up, causing panic on a number of occasions; Al Habsi still decided to go short and put his defence in a couple of awkward positions as Cisse, Anita and Ba closed them down.

Second Half

In the second half Wigan became more interested in the game, they appeared more determined and attack minded. Martinez took off Caldwell, who was given a yellow card in the first 45 minutes, and put on Piscu. Newcastle replaced Tiote with the promising Burundi born Gael Bigirimana.

Wigan played far better in this half; their pass completion rate increased from 76% to 85% and had 51% of possession while in the first period they only amounted 48%. However they were still vulnerable to counter attacks and Bigirimana scored his first goal for Newcastle after creating space on the edge of the area and firing past Al Habsi.

Newcastle's Passing

This is probably the best Newcastle have played all season, and this was done without Cabaye, Ben Arfa or Steven Taylor. The extra man gave the home team more space to operate in and this is shown by their pass completion (87%).

Newcastle average 79% completed passes per game, and Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are usually the two players that bring the rate down as they have 75% and 72% completion rate respectively. Even Tiote refrained from his usual long ball attempts and completed 91% of his passes.

Left: Papiss Cisse completed an unusually high amount of passes. Mostly to do with his more withdrawn and defensive role on the right wing

Below: Demba also thrived against the Wigan defence, often coming deep to lay the ball off




Conclusion

Newcastle put on a good display in the first half but Wigan came back and played well in the second, despite being down to 10 men. The hybrid 4-4-2/5-5-1 formation gave Newcastle extra men in midfield and also allowed players to move forward in attack, creating problems for Wigan's back three.

El Derbi Madrileno; Real Madrid 2 - 0 Atletico Madrid

A dull game at the Santiago Bernabeu ended with a Real Madrid win which takes them to within 5 points of their city rivals, but still leaves them 11 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real have suffered a stuttering start to this season, while Los Colchoneros have a record breaking beginning campaign.

Real Madrid named the same team that started the loss to Real Betis the week beforehand with Ronaldo on the left ahead of Coentrao and Benzema as the "lone" striker in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Diego Simeone named a more interesting line up, with Diego Costa playing alongside Falcao and Cata Diaz appearing at left back in a 4-4-2 shape. Atletico previously used the 4-4-2 against Sevilla but have also utilised other formations such as the 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, using two strikers against Real Madrid was a brave move that signaled the intention of taking the game to Real, and leaving with all three points.

The starting lineups

First Half

The early periods of the game were typical of any derby game in that it was fiercely contested and featured quick pressing. The pressing meant that neither side were able to hold the ball and dominate possession, or even put together a number of passes. In fact, in the first 15 minutes Atletico only managed to complete 49% of all passes.

The opening goal came from a set piece; a free kick which was given for a perplexing handball by Arda Turan in Ronaldo territory. Ronaldo stepped up and fired it past Courtois.

During the first half Atletico were quite content to sit back and attempt to break when they could. The defence was well organised and Gabi and Suarez were both disciplined enough to sit ahead of the back four and support the attack if needed.

As noted in the introduction, Diego Costa started alongside Falcao. The Brazilian is known for his "physical" approach to the game and his inclusion seemed to be mainly aimed infuriating the Real defence, which he did.  Pepe, as we all know, is a dramatic centre back while Sergio Ramos isn't exactly calm however Diego Costa wasn't able to get the best of them and Real finished the game with only one yellow card.

Second Half

The second half was just as characterless as the first as fouls occurred all over the pitch but predominantly in the middle third. Atletico couldn't manage to find Falcao and the two central midfielders stayed deep to counter any threat posed to their defence. In hindsight either removing Diego Costa or adding a midfielder from the start could have meant the Atleti would have been able to put together more passes and have more time on the ball.

Atletico only managed to complete 63% of their attempted passes, which were successful predominantly through the middle and on the right flank

Miranda missed a chance to clear a long ball which allowed Benzema to pass to Ronaldo who ran at the visiting defence. His first pass was cut out by Juanfran but his second found Ozil in space who doubled the home sides advantage.

After the goal Real excelled on the counter attack, winning a free kick from which Ronaldo hit the bar and a few minutes later Ozil passed through again to Ronaldo whose effort this time was stopped by the post.

Graphic showing the amount of fouls committed during the game. Not allowing the play to flow can be typical of a derby game 

Conclusion

It seems strange to think that Atletico using a 4-4-2 formation was initially a statement of intent. Nowadays people view the formation as old and outdated, but when it's played by a team in La Liga and against difficult opponents it raises some interesting points.

The game was disappointing, especially with two of the world's best strikers on show, but the result was deserved.

Der Klassiker; Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Borussia Dortmund

There were a few high profile and derby games across Europe this weekend, but perhaps the most important  was played in front of a sell out crowd in Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The game, often called Der Klassiker in Germany was between Bayern Munich current Bundesliga champions, Borussia Dortmund. Going into this game Bayern were 11 points above the holders and clinched the "Winter Championship" in a record time after beating Freiburg 2-0 last week; Dortmund, therefore needed to win this game to close the gap at the top of the table.

Both teams lined up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has taken a firm grasp on most teams in the Bundesliga these days. Schweinsteiger returned for the home side which meant Toni Kroos was pushed into the more advanced attacking role. Javi Martinez, the record summer signing from Athletic Bilbao started his first Klassiker in central midfield.

For the visitors, Mario Gotze replaced Grosskreutz and Ilkay Gundogan featured in central midfield where Dortmund captain, Sebastian Kehl would normally be situated.

                     

                                                               The Starting Lineups 

First Half

The opening moments of the game were dominated by the home side, Ribery, in particular was dictacting the play on the left flank but was willing to drop into deeper positions to receive the ball. David Alaba, Bayern's Austrian left back pushed up high to support the Frenchman.

The first chances fell to Bayern but Subotic was well positioned to block any shots that occurred. Although the home side were in control, the defence had two moments in which it looked vulnerable as the Dortmund players pressure the defenders when in possession.

This pressure continued throughout the half but came in bursts; Die Borussen didn't allow Schweinsteiger to get time on the ball, but gave Javi Martinez the opportunity to drop back between the two central defenders and play the ball out to team mates.

Another notable element of the game was Mario Gotze's roaming. Although supposedly playing between the midfield and attack in a central role, he often dropped deeper in order to win the ball and distribute it but he also moved onto the right flank in the area that Blaszczykowski should have been occupying. Gotze drifted to the right so often in the first half that he spent more time in the opponents left hand third of the pitch more than any other area.

Left: Action areas showing Gotze's roaming in the first half 

Below: Mario Gotze's total passing stats throughout the entire match







Gotze's roaming could have detrimental for his team if he was playing for any other side, however Jurgen Klopp has worked on the team work and discipline with his players and Blaszczykowski and Gundogan covered and supporting him brilliantly as he and Piszczek went forward.

Holger Badstuber, Bayern's central defender was stretchered off after 36 minutes and is expected to be out for at least five months with a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee. After his replacement, Jerome Boateng came on, Dortmund began to utilise their short passing skills and assert themselves in the remaining few minutes.

Second Half

Both teams stuck with their personnel and shape and Bayern had the first chance of the half through a Toni Kroos volley but after giving away a series of free kicks within their own half Dortmund were able to play their short series of one - two passes and due to the spell of the possession, Schmelzer, the Dortmund left back was able to work his way into the game.

This didn't last long however as the game became more open and Lahm ventured forward more often.

The first goal originated from a long ball which Muller chested down for Toni Kroos who then rounded both Hummels and Subotic and shot low past Weidenfeller.

In the next few minutes the Dortmund structure and positioning fell apart slightly as the neat banks of defence and midfield drifted away to pressure the Bayern players. They managed to hold on though and infact drew level in the 74th minute as Toni Kroos' marking was non-existant at a corner (he actually seemed more worried about his gloves) which allowed Gotze the time and space to control and shoot past Neuer.

Gomez replaced Mandzukic, who was largely ineffective and had an immediate impact as he put Kroos through on goal whose shot was saved by Weidenfeller.

Bayern pressed for a winner in the last few minutes of the game and could have won the game if it wasn't for Weidenfeller who stopped a great unexpected shot from Muller and a strong header from Javi Martinez.

Conclusion

Not an overly thrilling tactical battle, but the game itself was open and interesting. Both teams had chances and the match was played at a good tempo with both a physical and technical side; a great game that showcases how good the Bundesliga can be.

Milan 1 - 0 Juventus

Juventus lost for the second time in a month to a Milanese team as Robinho scored from the spot to put Milan in the top half of the table.

Marco Amelia replaced Christian Abbiati in goal as the latter was injured during the warm up period and Robinho started his first game since the opening match of the season against Sampdoria. Max Allegri fielded the side in the 4-3-3 formation he has used so often before, with Kevin Constant playing in the left back position.

For Juventus, Caceres replaced Chiellini in the three man defence and Mauricio Isla featured on the right wing as Stephan Lichtsteiner was injured. Quagliarella and Vucinic form the attacking duo in the 3-5-2 shape.

First Half

Milan started brightly with Robinho playing through the centre, the most notable point within the opening minutes was the amount of space both Pirlo and De Jong occupied. Nocerino and Montolivo were in a constant fight with Marchisio and Vidal, which meant that both De Jong and Pirlo had no real pressure when they received the ball.

This swiftly changed as when Juventus were in possession Kevin Prince Boateng would drop deeper and occupy Andrea Pirlo, thereby pressurising the playmaker and forcing him to play simpler passes. This also meant that because Pirlo drops deep to retrieve the ball, Boateng would still be able to link up with Robinho and El Shaarawy on the counter attack.

Juventus preferred to attack using the right flank with Isla, his advanced position always kept Constant in a defensive position although the Guinea International done well to keep Isla at bay. Juventus' centre back, Bonucci, took up the role of playmaker and moved the ball to the flanks (he completed 9 diagonal passes to either Isla or Asamoah in the first half alone). Barzagli moved slightly higher to help support Isla, but El Shaarawy tracked back to eliminate the threat.

After around half an hour had been played Milan were awarded a controversial penalty as the ref deemed Isla's hand to have struct the ball. Replays suggest that the ref was in fact incorrect to award the penalty, nevertheless Robinho stepped up and slotted the ball past Buffon.

Second Half

At half time Antonio Conte substituted Isla for Padoin, who faired better against Constant, giving two key passes into the Milan box.

Boateng's positioning and marking of Pirlo fell apart in the second half, picking the Italian up rarely, if ever. Pirlo was still hurried in position and only completed 66% of his passes in the second half. Bonucci continued  to be Juventus main pass master and finished the game with 88% pass completion.

Leonardo Bonucci's attempted/completed passes during the game showing the importance of diagonal balls to Isla/Padoin and Asamoah.

Milan defended deeper after the restart which allowed Juventus more time on the ball but their passing in the final third could rarely find a team mate.

Left: Heat map showing Juventus players throughout the game, dominating Milan's half while Below shows Juventus incapability of finding a pass in Milan's third of the pitch.







Pazzini was introduced in the 65th minute as Allegri took off Robinho. This allowed Pazzini to hold up the ball for supporting players, although as the game went on the Milan midfield became more reluctant to get forward. Conte threw on Pogba in place of Asamoah, and Caceres played slightly higher on the left while Pogba moved into a central/narrow right position.

Juventus continued to press which prompted another Milan change; Flamini on for Boateng which meant the home midfield could have another player in midfield to deal with the introduction of Pogba. Juventus went had some opportunities, notably Vucinic's shot that was blocked by Constant but were never able to find a goal to draw level.

In Conclusion

AC Milan worked hard and defended well, whereas Juventus held possession but were never able to find good opportunities. The full backs for the home side both had great games which is one of the main reasons Milan held onto their lead. Although Juventus lost, Leonardo Bonucci showed his good passing game while also having a decent game defensively.

Atalanta v Genoa Match Preview

Bergamo is less than 2 hours from Genoa, making this somewhat of a local derby. The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia will host Atalanta v Genoa tomorrow and kick off will be at 14.00 GMT. Genoa need a win to ensure that the teams around them don't start to break away while an Atalanta win could see the team move into 6th place.

Form

Genoa go into this game bottom of the table after losing their last 6 matches in Serie A whereas Atalanta occupy 8th place after a series of good results. Last weekend Genoa lost to fierce rivals Sampdoria in the Derby della Lanterna 3-1 while Atalanta traveled to Florence and lost 4-1 to Fiorentina.

Possible Line Ups

The home side have a few injury problems including Davide Biondini and Gianpaolo Bellini and will also be without influential midfielder Luca Cigarini as he is currently serving a suspension. Federico Peluso however is back from his time serving a suspension and will more than likely take his place on the left side of defence.

Genoa have a long list of injuries. Anselmo, Cristobal Jorquera, Damiano Ferronetti and Luca Antonelli will all miss the game however it is likely that Vargas will start.

Stefano Colantuono is likely to field his preferred 4-4-1-1 formation, with Moralez playing in between the midfield and Denis, who will feature up front. The midfield will be significantly weakened however as Cigarini serves his suspension.

In recent weeks Marco Boriello has returned for Genoa, changing the shape of the team from 4-4-1-1 to 4-4-2. This means that Luigi Delneri will remove Andrea Bertolacci as the link up player between the midfield and attack and utilise the talents of Boriello and Immobile up front.

A more defensive 4-5-1 could be utilised by Genoa in order to out number the more technical Atalanta in midfield, however Delneri's standard approach will win over any other formation.

The Midfield

Without Cigarini, the Atalanta central midfield will be average. Cazzola and Carmona both shy away from tackles, averaging just 1.8 and 1.5 tackles a game respectively. Although they don't get stuck in, they are more technical than the Genoa central players and average a better pass success rate (81% and 85%).

Juraj Kucka has been an important player for Genoa this season, scoring twice and creating a goal but he needs to be his usual determined self to ensure Atalanta don't get time on the ball and be strong in the tackle. He averages the third highest tackles made per game, 4.5, in Serie A behind Valon Behrami and Arturo Vidal.

Daniel Toszer hasn't yet made his mark on Genoa and has been a little disappointing after his arrival from Genk. He could be replaced by the Chilean Felipe Seymour.

The Wings

38% of Atalanta's attacks are focused on the right flank, while a further 33% of attacks occur on the left. This highlights the fact that this team are more technical on the wings and Sampirisi and Moretti must be careful when defending. Cristian Raimondi is Atalanta's second highest player with assists, which indicates his directness and determination to get forward. On the left flank, Bonaventura is a constant threat and is the home sides joint top scorer with 4 league goals.

Genoa are more diverse with their attacks but a large number of their assists (4) have come from attacks on the flanks. Luca Antonelli, who is unavailable for this game, usually features on the left and is Genoa's best creator, assisting 3 goals in 12 games.

In Summary

Genoa are without some key players, and Atalanta are going strong this season. Luigi Delneri is yet to win a point for his new club and he needs his players to concentrate and ensure Atalanta don't get a foothold in central midfield.