Chelsea v Man City: No through balls, but nine other forms of attack

In the thrilling match between Chelsea and Manchester City, one unexpected statistic stood out – not a single through ball was played throughout the entire game. Usually, one would expect such a high-scoring game to include some incisive passes threading through defenders, but it was not the case this time.

Interestingly, this game was not an exception in the Premier League this season. Most games without through balls involved less adventurous teams, highlighting a shift in the style of play in the league. The passing quality, however, was not absent, but instead came from deep positions.

Despite the absence of through balls, both Chelsea and Manchester City found various ways to create opportunities. These methods included playing through the pressure, winning the second ball, pressing opponents, dribbling past defenders, effective goalkeeper distribution, utilizing throw-ins, executing classic counter-attacks, using skillful tricks, and experiencing moments of chaos.

This game’s overall nature, emphasizing defenders as playmakers and midfielders as key receivers, reflects the evolving style of football in the Premier League. The match portrayed a back-and-forth, high-scoring contest where control and defensive solidity were absent, showcasing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of games between the league’s top clubs.

In conclusion, Chelsea’s 4-4 draw against Manchester City epitomized the current state of the Premier League, highlighting the prominent roles of defenders as playmakers and attackers as finishers, ultimately shaping a unique and engrossing spectacle.

Reference

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.