In the Norwich versus Leeds match, Ben, a City season ticket holder and analyst, observed several elements of the game. The final score was 2-3, with Leeds having 54% possession compared to Norwich’s 46%. Leeds also had more passes and shots than Norwich, and their expected goals (xG) were higher as well. Ben highlighted three main points from the game: Norwich’s improvements in their build-up play, flawed pressing structures, and concerns about their defensive capabilities in the future.
In terms of the base formations, both teams started with a 4-2-3-1 shape. Norwich built up in a 4-2-4 shape, while Leeds transitioned into a 4-1-3-2. Norwich’s build-up patterns often involved their goal-kicks being played from a centre-back to the goalkeeper, who waited for a Leeds forward to press. This allowed Norwich to initiate their build-up play. Leeds’ pressing structure aimed to create a touchline trap on both sides, but it had some flaws that Norwich exploited.
Leeds’ structure was also vulnerable when Norwich transitioned into their settled play shape. Norwich’s inverting wingers and overlapping full-backs left spaces for Leeds to defend. Additionally, when Norwich pressed, Leeds could easily find a free centre-back via a bounce pass from a pivot. Norwich’s pressing structure had two key flaws as well. Meslier, Leeds’ goalkeeper, often waited for one of Norwich’s front two to press before finding the free centre-back. There was also a weakness between the second and third lines of Norwich’s press, leaving a player between the lines free.
Despite Norwich’s improvements in their build-up play, their weaknesses in defensive transitions were exposed in the second half. Their settled play structure left spaces for the centre-backs to defend if the counter-press failed. However, the centre-backs themselves were not suited to defending large spaces. Ben suggests that this catch-22 can be solved by either changing the profiles of the centre-backs or fixing the structure itself.
The concern now is how much time Norwich fans are willing to give Wagner, the team’s manager. Norwich’s build-up patterns require patience and composure, but the increasing impatience of the Carrow Road crowd may hinder their success. In order for Norwich to improve their defensive transitions and find a solution, Wagner will need to address these issues. Ben’s analysis of previous Norwich City games can be found on his social media accounts.
