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Feels pretty recherché to praise Guardiola these days but one thing you almost always get watching his teams is that he has such a good understanding of what the oppo are about. You can criticise performance levels or player selection, but his teams usually know what to expect.

Manchester City’s buildup faced its sternest test this season. The challenge is visible in post-match stats: the lowest pass accuracy and high number of turnovers in the danger zone. Still, aside from Nunes’ odd pass, which led to a goal, Bournemouth offered no real threat.

It’s Monday! And the first Monday after my annual leave! So what better way to spend it than by noticing how my beloved Andoni Iraola lost to Manchester City!!! So, yes. Here’s a thread on how Pep Guardiola used Bournemouth’s famous press against them [thread]

Startup idea: Build a team with a strong defense, exceed expected goals significantly, and secure a spot in European competitions

Over the past five seasons, 82% of La Liga teams have been more effective than Real Madrid at stopping opponents from building play. You're missing a clear opportunity to gain an edge if you’re not targeting Real Madrid's high press

Man City's attack hit rock bottom tonight: the season's lowest Expected Goals, Expected Threat, and danger zone entries

Vitinha is the most effective player at advancing the ball through passing in Europe this season. This metric measures players who move the ball forward and maintain possession, rarely losing the ball

Manuel Ugarte ranks 45th among Premier League central midfielders at ball progression efficiency this season 😐

Since Ruben Amorim’s appointment, Manchester United has lost possession in the dangerous buildup areas more often than any other Premier League team except Crystal Palace

yikes

PSG lost control early in the second half. Aston Villa dominated the game until Rashford was substituted

Carlo Ancelotti: Gives his players flexibility and freedom to “express themselves” The players: Cross the ball into the penalty box instantly

Nottm Forest struggled to prevent entries into their penalty box, especially by crosses. Spurs should've scored more than that

A mediocre buildup ran into the league’s best press. It ended exactly as expected #BOUMUN

PSG is one of Europe's top teams this season, but their set-piece defending, Donnarumma's limitations in buildup and cross-claiming, and lack of midfield athleticism are flaws Arsenal can exploit.

PSG’s goals vs Liverpool & Arsenal were identical! • Attract press to the left (Mendes x Pacho passing quality). • Manipulate midfield w/ off-ball movement to create space. • Dembélé arrives into space. • Attack the flanks to stretch the backline.

Lamine Yamal vs. Inter Successful Passes: 48 Expected Threat: 0.29 Progression via pass: 3.69 Progression via carry: 8.76 Donations ko-fi.com/markstats

Chelsea excels at attacking space, creating fast-break opportunities through natural turnovers and artificially (baiting opposition press). Sharper decisions with the ball in the second half against Liverpool could have led to a couple more goals