LIVERPOOL USE VIRTUAL MIDDLE OFFENSE
At one time, the role of virtual striker made waves at the top level of football. This is the type of centre-forward who can do all the other important things in attack, except for playing a fixed position in the centre-forward position. They don’t often face centre-backs, and opposing centre-backs don’t know whether or not they should follow them. Football is tougher now, and teams are back to simplicity. Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowsky or Alexander Isak all succeeded thanks to their strength and good physique to win against the midfielder. They are all true strikers, and top football is gradually returning to the true “number 9” fashion. Arsenal was criticized for not having a true striker, so they wasted too many scoring opportunities.
Liverpool is the difference. Since Diogo Jota was injured, instead of using another striker (Darwin Nunez) to replace him, coach Arne Slot assigned Luis Diaz the role of virtual striker. He often moves away from the starting position, coordinating a lot. Diaz’s playing style makes Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on the wings even more dangerous. While Liverpool is firmly leading thanks to the appropriate use of strikers, Newcastle is having 6 consecutive wins (9 matches in all competitions) with Sandro Tonali shining in the middle of the midfield. Tonali’s strength in the midfield has “freed” most of the defensive responsibility for Bruno Guimaraes (usually playing to his right in a three-man midfield). As a result, Guimaraes can push forward, play freely and shine. Isak in the center position also benefits from this.
ARSENAL BECOME “Set Piece FC”
A new nickname has been given to the Gunners: “Set Piece FC” (set piece is a fixed situation). Since last season, Arsenal has improved after a mid-season training trip in Dubai. Now it’s even clearer: this is the team that scores the most goals from corner kicks in the Premier League – far ahead of the next teams. Arsenal’s corner kick is now as dangerous as a direct free kick near the 16m 50 zone. Declan Rice (left) and Bukayo Saka (right) distribute the ball excellently. A whole forest of players rushed from the far post to the near post to receive the ball while the destination would be Gabriel Magahaes, allowing him to score. An opponent who “catch” this card will easily concede a goal because anyone flicks the ball into the net in an unexpected situation. Arsenal’s direct free kick is also dangerous. A series of players stood in an offside position and then returned very quickly, just in time for the ball to be distributed. Arsenal’s assistant coach in charge of fixed situations Nicolas Jover is now famous.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest succeeded in a completely opposite way to the usual way of playing strong teams. Forest kept and passed the ball very little. They hit the ball quickly, simply and effectively. This team is also successful by “preemptively attacking”, often opening the score, and when Forest has opened the score, it is very difficult for them to lose back because of their excellent ability to play without the ball. The easiest way to play is to play without the ball: you will free your mind because you don’t have to worry about controlling the ball at your feet. This team is standing right behind Arsenal and is completely capable of competing for the Champions League.
Match schedule today January 18
19:30: Newcastle – Bournemouth
10 p.m.: West Ham – Crystal Palace
Brentford – Liverpool
Leicester – Fulham