The League Cup Final of 2016 what an important game it was for both sides. For Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool a chance for an early trophy to achieve something that Brendan Rodgers did not in his tenure, and for Manuel Pellegrini this was a much needed win to regain the edge that Man City have lacked often since the imminent arrival of Guardiola was made aware.

Even early in the game, it was noticeable that City lacked edge, something they have suffered from lately. Especially when compared to the pressure Klopp’s Liverpool put on City throughout.

It’s noticeable from these screenshots that the holding Liverpool midfielder with it being Emre Can or Jordan Henderson would either press the holding midfielders of City leaving Silva in acres of space or they’d be the wrong side of David Silva meaning if a good ball is played in the stride of Silva he’s running towards the now exposed back 4. Liverpool were especially exposed when they committed there fullbacks forward as this meant that again if a good ball is played into Aguero he’s now only 2 defenders away from the goal, and we all know the threat Aguero carries in these sort of positions. Below this exact scenario took place.Not too long ago there was a very interesting article on the different types of pressing/counter pressing. This was something I’d never really thought about how different teams pressed in different ways, but Klopp’s name was mentioned often in this article as he likes his players especially in the opposition’s half to commit many bodies to the player on the ball. Despite this being a simple and effective way of pressing this can also be a very uneffective way of pressing because if the opposition beat the press this leads to many gaps in the Liverpool midfield, and to many gaps in front of the back 4 which can lead to Liverpool’s defence being exposed. Below are some examples of how Klopp’s style of pressing can be ineffective.







With regards to the defensive shape and tactics of City it was pretty simple. Loose possession, and then retreat as ‘quickly’ as possible into their 4-4-2 shape. Whilst Liverpool used this same defensive shape, in the immediate aftermath of loosing possession Liverpool would commit 2 or 3 players to the closest player in possession of the ball. There are benefits and negatives to both styles of pressing/lack of pressing. With Liverpool’s style it can leave gaps, and leave the defence exposed, as with City’s style the players must retreat quickly otherwise the opposition will find gaps if the opposition counter attack quickly and effectively. Also with the likes of Yaya Toure the chances of him going along with this tactic for the whole 90 minutes is minimal if not impossible. Here are some examples of the weaknesses of the way Man City defended.

This is not only frustrating from a defensive point of view, but also from a basic awareness point of view. When the cross is clearly about to come in why can’t defenders look behind them to check everyone is marked. Instead they stare at the ball, and a 3 v 2 takes place at the City back post as seen below.

As the match continued the openings in the midfield of both sides became larger and more frequent as players tired, and became more lazy.



The screenshot above was taken only a few minutes before Manchester City’s opening goal of the game. It’s incredible that almost exactly the same scenario takes place for the goal. Liverpool managed to get away with it the first time as not enough City players were hungry enough to support Aguero, but the second time they capitalized on this scenario as seen in the two screenshots below.

Despite Manchester City now having a lead, that didn’t lead to a change in tactics or personnel. Below are some more examples of Manchester City’s poor defensive shape, and the lack of commitment from one player in particular to get back into this 4-4-2 shape.

When Dietmar Hamann said on Match of the day that Yaya Toure was a liability from a defensive point of view the social media world erupted with anger towards Hamann’s comments in support for Toure. Nowadays, many Manchester City fans have that exact same opinion as Hamann, and it remains to be seen how Yaya Toure’s lack of passion and commitment not just to put the tackles in, but to get back and even help out his team-mates will effect Manchester City in the long term. Even when he does gets back into his defensive position it’s very half-hearted to say the least. Below are some clear examples of this scenario involving Yaya Toure taking place.

Despite Lucas having a good game as a fill in CB following injuries to many key defenders, they lacked his willingness to simply defend, and a player willing to hold his position in front of the back 4. Despite, Emre Can and Henderson holding good positions in front of the back 4 on some occasions as seen below because of Klopp’s passion for pressing that holding midfielder would quite often press instead of holding his position in front of the back 4 leaving the Liverpool defence very exposed on many occasions.

This press from Emre Can and Jordan Henderson leads to the chance where Sterling should’ve put the game to bed.

The screenshot above leads to Aguero almost winning a penalty for City.

Before the introduction of Lallana and Origi there really was a lack of bodies in the Liverpool box when the perfect crossing position would arise. There’s a great example of this in the screenshot below.

The amount of times Manchester City suffered and Liverpool created openings because of a lack of drive from Yaya Toure to get back into his defensive position was crazy. But this time Yaya Toure along with Manchester City’s luck finally ran out as they finally concede.

Following Liverpool’s equaliser this lead to a dreaded extra time for both managers hoping to win the game of course within 90 minutes to save the legs of there players for the upcoming fixtures. At the start of the first half Pellegrini made a very surprising decision from a defensive point of view when he decided to take off the reliable Fernando for Jesus Navas meaning Fernandinho would now take over the role of Fernando. Despite Fernandinho not holding to his role for the start of extra time, as the extra time continued he held that position in front of the back 4 more comfortably.



In my experience games are 80% of the time won by the midfield of both teams. Not only by their defensive shape, but how willing they are to commit bodies forwards, and then willing to do the dirty work back. This was an exception as in the end Manchester City won the game on penalties, but despite this it was the problems within the midfield of both sides that meant that both teams got onto the scoresheet. In the short term this will be as much a massive boost to City as it will be hurt for Liverpool, but looking to the future this result almost means nothing. The reason behind this is that Manchester City have much higher aims than to just win the Capital One cup, although until the introduction of Guardiola come the summer it will be very difficult for Pellegrini’s City to win more silverware this campaign. As with Liverpool this isn’t quite yet a Klopp side, and only following a pre-season, and a summer full of wholesale changes will we see a full Jurgen Klopp Liverpool makeover.