Sunday’s Manchester derby saw Man Utd and Man City play a largely uneventful 0-0 Premier League draw. For the most part, it seemed like a match, particularly as it neared the end, that both sides were happy not to concede. This illustrated, however, a more important shift that is happening throughout the sport.
Tactical Shift Over the Years
Many players are asked to play within a system. Managers always claim to want to see their side push for a result. Too often, the practice of what is asked in the modern game creates too much robotic and predictable action throughout games.
It’s time for the pendulum to swing more the other way now. Past Pep Guardiola’s side did well with their tactical, methodical tiki-taka approach. Others, understandably, attempted to replicate similar efforts. The Spanish national team also showcased what happens when the right players are in a sound system. The purely analytical approach has now resulted in players being unable to make a difference in the final third.
Many sides do find success, through possession or with long balls, in getting the ball to advanced players. Too often, however, the attack seems to come to a complete halt once teams approach the opposition’s goal.
There needs to be more willingness to take risks. Attackers need to force the defence to make errors. This comes by putting the backline under more immediate pressure on a more consistent basis. This can come with a well-timed pass on a darting run. A brilliant piece can also work off a one-on-one that beats a defender. Then, being willing to shoot beyond an obvious tap-in situation is the other significant mental hurdle that teams must overcome.
This isn’t to downplay the role of tactics and opposition research. There is undoubtedly a place for that in football. However, it should be an element for the coaching staff to lean on and implement in their approach for players to utilize. An intense paralysis by analysis is prevalent throughout all leagues at too many key moments.
Too Cautious of a Manchester Derby
Naturally, there are still incredible moments of magic that can be regularly seen during competitions. More often than not, though, there are a lot of rough outings for fans. Even during the Manchester derby broadcast, the commentary went from talking about a ‘one-moment derby to a ‘zero-moment’ affair.
Man Utd or Man City could have squeezed out a victory on Sunday. This latest Premier League game was a rare instance where neither side quite earned the point. This is only the most notable recent example of uninspiring play.
The main driving force behind the current state of football was on the Manchester City sidelines. Even Guardiola is seeing the limits of his approach during this year’s Premier League campaign, though, as his side looks like a shell of their former selves.
Man Utd held their Manchester derby rivals to a draw at Old Trafford. For Ruben Amorim and Guardiola, however, it will hopefully be the last one played out the way it was on Sunday.
