Coolblade
Member
- Joined
- May 11, 2015
- Messages
- 260
- Reaction score
- 1,816
A few observations from the stats (from the Kop this time!):
Team Set Up: We stuck with the 4-4-2 out of possession that worked at Stoke, with Riedewald and Soumaré screening the half spaces. But this time we had more of the ball and pushed higher. Width was again our route to goal, and as we said after Stoke, the ability to flip our attacking focus is key. Here we did it brilliantly: the left side with McCallum aggressive and O’Hare drifting inside, while Brooks provided creativity on the right. Cannon started up front with Bamford, then Campbell came on at 60’ to keep the press fresh.
The numbers tell the story: we dominated where it mattered. xG 2.42 vs 0.15, shots 13 vs 6, shots on target 5 vs 1, touches in their box 34 vs 12. We had 56.2% possession vs their 43.8%, 7 corners vs 3, and key passes 12 vs 5. We didn’t just edge them; we controlled every key zone.
First Half: Our shape was compact and disciplined again, but with even more control this time. The pivot screened everything, and Leicester barely had a sniff. First half xG: 0.93 vs 0.02, shots 7 vs 1, shots on target 3 vs 0. We created chances but had to wait for the breakthrough. Same patience as Stoke, but with more of the ball.
Second Half: We turned control into goals: Second half xG: 1.49 vs 0.13, shots 6 vs 5, shots on target 2 vs 1. Special call out for Arblaster’s pass for the third, which doesn’t count as an assist. Subs worked: Campbell stretched them, Hamer added control, Chong and Arblaster turned clearances into keep ball, Burrows locked the left. The Stoke the triple template showed evolution with even better timing, better roles.
Defensive: Calm and Controlled. Clearances: 22 vs 36, Tackles: 30 vs 24 (win rate 66.7% vs 62.5%); Interceptions: 4 vs 10 (we had the ball higher; they had to anticipate more); Tanganga was assured: 92.9% passing (26 of 28), 4 aerial wins, 2 interceptions, 3 clearances, plus a goal. Bindon added 66 passes at 87.9% (58 of 66), 3 tackles, 6 clearances. McCallum gave us another complete left back performance (following Burrows against Stoke) with 89 touches, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, but more on his attacking work below. At Stoke, second ball security was a concern. Here, aerial dominance 22 vs 12 wins (64.7%) meant fewer scrambles. Cooper made no saves (although collected low crosses well), showing territorial control. .
Midfield: Control and Protection. Soumaré anchored everything: 8 tackles, 83.8% passing (31 of 37), 2 aerial wins, 59 touches. He won the ball and circulated it brilliantly. Riedewald recycled and screened: 49 passes at 79.6% (39 of 49), 5 tackles, 1 interception. He kept us ticking and protected the back line. This was the midfield control we wanted after Stoke’s scrap for second balls.
Creativity: Spread across the team. Key passes: 12 vs 5, McCallum (4), Brooks (4), O’Hare (1), Seriki (1), Hamer (1), Chong (1).Brooks chipped in with 4 key passes and 4 dribbles, our creative spark on the right, with an assist. We attempted 15 crosses with 5 accurate. McCallum led with 7 attempts, 4 accurate. Seriki attempted 5 crosses (0 accurate although a pass for the goal)) but kept our rest defence intact with 3 tackles, 1 interception, 82.1% passing (32 of 39). We didn’t cross for the sake of it; we crossed from overloads and created genuine threat. Compare that to Stoke where we obtained “efficiency over volume”, here we nailed it.
Offence: Clinical. Cannon and O’Hare were sharp, Brooks linked brilliantly, McCallum’s delivery was relentless. Cannon: 2 shots (1 on target), goal, plus 1 clearance and 1 block defensively O’Hare: 3 shots (1 on target), 1 key pass, 3 tackles, a goal. Bamford worked hard: 2 shots (2 on target), 13 touches, before Campbell came on at 60’ to stretch them. Our goals: one from a set piece (McCallum corner to Tanganga), one from a wide pattern (Brooks to Cannon), one from a late combination (Seriki cross to O’Hare). Our xG of 2.42 came from purposeful box entries and varied delivery angles: left overload, central combinations, and set piece threat. Exactly what we wanted to see after Stoke. Inside the box: We had 10 shots vs their 2. That’s where games are won.
Field position: We didn’t just keep the ball; we kept it high and hurt them where it matters; 272 passes in their half vs their 150; with 103 successful final third passes vs their 37
And 35 penalty area entries vs their 22
Strategic Thoughts
1. Left side overload worked well. McCallum and O’Hare gave us penetration and control down the left, just as flagged after Wrexham and Stoke. McCallum’s 4 key passes and 4 of 7 accurate crosses with O’Hare’s inside movement is a reproducible pattern.
2. Aerial dominance: 22 vs 12 duels won, huge platform for second balls, fixing what we worried about after Stoke where they won 20 vs 14.
3, Efficiency: 13 shots, 5 on target, 3 goals from 2.42 xG, clinical enough but we can sharpen further. Still, much better than Stoke where we had to work harder for our chances.
4. Game management improved: 455 passes at 77.8%, 103 successful final third passes, we stayed calm under pressure and controlled the tempo. Better than Stoke’s 46.6% possession battle.
Looking Forward
1. Set Pieces as a weapon: We scored from a corner (Tanganga), generated 0.83 xG from set plays, and won 7 corners. Keep pre planning those back post overloads and near post screens. With Tanganga’s aerial ability (4 wins today) and McCallum’s delivery (4 of 7 accurate crosses), we’ve got the tools. We are making set pieces a consistent scoring threat, not just a restart.
2. Squad Rotation Opportunity: Oxford (4th Jan) before the FA Cup gives us a chance to rotate. Two wins in four days shows the squad can handle the load, but with the fixture list easing slightly before cup duty, we can keep everyone fresh. A great example McCallum (89 touches today) and Burrows (key at Stoke) share the left. Bamford and Cannon rotate up front. I’m sure Wilder will continue to use the depth intelligently.
3. January Window Considerations: The stats show some areas where depth or quality may help:
- Right side solidity and rotational depth: we need another option who can both defend when under pressure amd create from that flank.
- Midfield: with Soumare recently stepping up and Arblaster getting match sharp, this may be a lesser concern. We dominated possession (56.2%) and territory (272 passes in their half), but our passing accuracy in the final third (63.6%) shows room to improve. A midfielder who can carry and link under pressure would help. Likewise we could usefully have back up for the pivot: Soumaré (8 tackles) and Riedewald (5 tackles) were excellent, but if either picks up an injury, we’d need cover for that screening role (presuming Davies isn’t fit and Matos is not up to he role from what we’ve seen so far). .
- Clinical finishing: 3 goals from 2.42 xG is very good but not ruthless if we harbour any hopes for this season. An additional attacking option who converts at a higher rate, or can assist others doing so (dare I say in a Keiffer Moore role) could be valuable.
4. Keep the Left/Right Dynamic: McCallum plus O’Hare rhythm has picked up, and Burrows plus O’Hare worked at Stoke. Seriki and Brooks (and Chong to a lesser extent) work on the right The option for a tactical flip between and within games keeps opponents guessing and maximises our wide threats.
5. Exit Runners After Clearances: The evolution from Stoke’s triple subs worked even better here: Campbell at 60’ for fresh legs, Hamer at 76’ for control, Chong and Arblaster at 85’ for game management, Burrows at 86’ to lock it down. I expect us to use this blueprint, especially when protecting leads or managing a cup schedule. Chong and Campbell sub profiles helped us turn defensive moments into counters. When we win the ball in our third (30 midfield recoveries today), get runners forward immediately. Turn their set piece pressure into our transition opportunities.
This was control, not luck. We didn’t just beat Leicester, we imposed our game. Goals from three different sources, plus a disciplined shape, did the job. Away at Stoke was resilience. this was control. Two different wins, one clear identity: compact without the ball, purposeful with it. And with the Wendies losing at Preston, a perfect Sheffield double to start the new year.
Let’s keep this momentum going. Anyone thinking of play off redemption?
UTB
Team Set Up: We stuck with the 4-4-2 out of possession that worked at Stoke, with Riedewald and Soumaré screening the half spaces. But this time we had more of the ball and pushed higher. Width was again our route to goal, and as we said after Stoke, the ability to flip our attacking focus is key. Here we did it brilliantly: the left side with McCallum aggressive and O’Hare drifting inside, while Brooks provided creativity on the right. Cannon started up front with Bamford, then Campbell came on at 60’ to keep the press fresh.
The numbers tell the story: we dominated where it mattered. xG 2.42 vs 0.15, shots 13 vs 6, shots on target 5 vs 1, touches in their box 34 vs 12. We had 56.2% possession vs their 43.8%, 7 corners vs 3, and key passes 12 vs 5. We didn’t just edge them; we controlled every key zone.
First Half: Our shape was compact and disciplined again, but with even more control this time. The pivot screened everything, and Leicester barely had a sniff. First half xG: 0.93 vs 0.02, shots 7 vs 1, shots on target 3 vs 0. We created chances but had to wait for the breakthrough. Same patience as Stoke, but with more of the ball.
Second Half: We turned control into goals: Second half xG: 1.49 vs 0.13, shots 6 vs 5, shots on target 2 vs 1. Special call out for Arblaster’s pass for the third, which doesn’t count as an assist. Subs worked: Campbell stretched them, Hamer added control, Chong and Arblaster turned clearances into keep ball, Burrows locked the left. The Stoke the triple template showed evolution with even better timing, better roles.
Defensive: Calm and Controlled. Clearances: 22 vs 36, Tackles: 30 vs 24 (win rate 66.7% vs 62.5%); Interceptions: 4 vs 10 (we had the ball higher; they had to anticipate more); Tanganga was assured: 92.9% passing (26 of 28), 4 aerial wins, 2 interceptions, 3 clearances, plus a goal. Bindon added 66 passes at 87.9% (58 of 66), 3 tackles, 6 clearances. McCallum gave us another complete left back performance (following Burrows against Stoke) with 89 touches, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, but more on his attacking work below. At Stoke, second ball security was a concern. Here, aerial dominance 22 vs 12 wins (64.7%) meant fewer scrambles. Cooper made no saves (although collected low crosses well), showing territorial control. .
Midfield: Control and Protection. Soumaré anchored everything: 8 tackles, 83.8% passing (31 of 37), 2 aerial wins, 59 touches. He won the ball and circulated it brilliantly. Riedewald recycled and screened: 49 passes at 79.6% (39 of 49), 5 tackles, 1 interception. He kept us ticking and protected the back line. This was the midfield control we wanted after Stoke’s scrap for second balls.
Creativity: Spread across the team. Key passes: 12 vs 5, McCallum (4), Brooks (4), O’Hare (1), Seriki (1), Hamer (1), Chong (1).Brooks chipped in with 4 key passes and 4 dribbles, our creative spark on the right, with an assist. We attempted 15 crosses with 5 accurate. McCallum led with 7 attempts, 4 accurate. Seriki attempted 5 crosses (0 accurate although a pass for the goal)) but kept our rest defence intact with 3 tackles, 1 interception, 82.1% passing (32 of 39). We didn’t cross for the sake of it; we crossed from overloads and created genuine threat. Compare that to Stoke where we obtained “efficiency over volume”, here we nailed it.
Offence: Clinical. Cannon and O’Hare were sharp, Brooks linked brilliantly, McCallum’s delivery was relentless. Cannon: 2 shots (1 on target), goal, plus 1 clearance and 1 block defensively O’Hare: 3 shots (1 on target), 1 key pass, 3 tackles, a goal. Bamford worked hard: 2 shots (2 on target), 13 touches, before Campbell came on at 60’ to stretch them. Our goals: one from a set piece (McCallum corner to Tanganga), one from a wide pattern (Brooks to Cannon), one from a late combination (Seriki cross to O’Hare). Our xG of 2.42 came from purposeful box entries and varied delivery angles: left overload, central combinations, and set piece threat. Exactly what we wanted to see after Stoke. Inside the box: We had 10 shots vs their 2. That’s where games are won.
Field position: We didn’t just keep the ball; we kept it high and hurt them where it matters; 272 passes in their half vs their 150; with 103 successful final third passes vs their 37
And 35 penalty area entries vs their 22
Strategic Thoughts
1. Left side overload worked well. McCallum and O’Hare gave us penetration and control down the left, just as flagged after Wrexham and Stoke. McCallum’s 4 key passes and 4 of 7 accurate crosses with O’Hare’s inside movement is a reproducible pattern.
2. Aerial dominance: 22 vs 12 duels won, huge platform for second balls, fixing what we worried about after Stoke where they won 20 vs 14.
3, Efficiency: 13 shots, 5 on target, 3 goals from 2.42 xG, clinical enough but we can sharpen further. Still, much better than Stoke where we had to work harder for our chances.
4. Game management improved: 455 passes at 77.8%, 103 successful final third passes, we stayed calm under pressure and controlled the tempo. Better than Stoke’s 46.6% possession battle.
Looking Forward
1. Set Pieces as a weapon: We scored from a corner (Tanganga), generated 0.83 xG from set plays, and won 7 corners. Keep pre planning those back post overloads and near post screens. With Tanganga’s aerial ability (4 wins today) and McCallum’s delivery (4 of 7 accurate crosses), we’ve got the tools. We are making set pieces a consistent scoring threat, not just a restart.
2. Squad Rotation Opportunity: Oxford (4th Jan) before the FA Cup gives us a chance to rotate. Two wins in four days shows the squad can handle the load, but with the fixture list easing slightly before cup duty, we can keep everyone fresh. A great example McCallum (89 touches today) and Burrows (key at Stoke) share the left. Bamford and Cannon rotate up front. I’m sure Wilder will continue to use the depth intelligently.
3. January Window Considerations: The stats show some areas where depth or quality may help:
- Right side solidity and rotational depth: we need another option who can both defend when under pressure amd create from that flank.
- Midfield: with Soumare recently stepping up and Arblaster getting match sharp, this may be a lesser concern. We dominated possession (56.2%) and territory (272 passes in their half), but our passing accuracy in the final third (63.6%) shows room to improve. A midfielder who can carry and link under pressure would help. Likewise we could usefully have back up for the pivot: Soumaré (8 tackles) and Riedewald (5 tackles) were excellent, but if either picks up an injury, we’d need cover for that screening role (presuming Davies isn’t fit and Matos is not up to he role from what we’ve seen so far). .
- Clinical finishing: 3 goals from 2.42 xG is very good but not ruthless if we harbour any hopes for this season. An additional attacking option who converts at a higher rate, or can assist others doing so (dare I say in a Keiffer Moore role) could be valuable.
4. Keep the Left/Right Dynamic: McCallum plus O’Hare rhythm has picked up, and Burrows plus O’Hare worked at Stoke. Seriki and Brooks (and Chong to a lesser extent) work on the right The option for a tactical flip between and within games keeps opponents guessing and maximises our wide threats.
5. Exit Runners After Clearances: The evolution from Stoke’s triple subs worked even better here: Campbell at 60’ for fresh legs, Hamer at 76’ for control, Chong and Arblaster at 85’ for game management, Burrows at 86’ to lock it down. I expect us to use this blueprint, especially when protecting leads or managing a cup schedule. Chong and Campbell sub profiles helped us turn defensive moments into counters. When we win the ball in our third (30 midfield recoveries today), get runners forward immediately. Turn their set piece pressure into our transition opportunities.
This was control, not luck. We didn’t just beat Leicester, we imposed our game. Goals from three different sources, plus a disciplined shape, did the job. Away at Stoke was resilience. this was control. Two different wins, one clear identity: compact without the ball, purposeful with it. And with the Wendies losing at Preston, a perfect Sheffield double to start the new year.
Let’s keep this momentum going. Anyone thinking of play off redemption?
UTB
