[Tactical Analysis] Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery (LCS 3 Hougang 0)

The following tactical analysis is from Zach Wu, who’s not a Sailors fan, but we just thought it would be good for someone without rose-tinted glasses to analyse the tactics of our games. We hope to make this a regular column so that we can better appreciate what is going on in our games from a tactical perspective.

The Sailors were back in action with another new face in charge in the form of Daan van Oudheusden as the interim coach. On paper LCS looked to have lined up in their customary 4-2-3-1/4-3-3. However there was definitely more than met the eye, and it became clear as the game went on.

Hougang on the other hand was struggling to even put out a team. They had only 1 centreback for selection in Kazuma (Kuriyama and Anders injured), leading to Irwan Shah playing centreback. Midfield lynchpin Zulfahmi Arifin was also out injured. Shahdan was not match-fit enough to make the squad. They lined up in a 4-2-3-1, hoping to pick LCS off on the break.

First Half

LCS adopts the 3-2-4-1

In Europe, most top teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal or Barcelona have adopted the 3-2-4-1 in possession of the ball.  This has been widely adopted for numerous reasons. Firstly, the back 3 and the midfield pivot gives the team in possession an overload in the initial buildup which makes it hard to press. Secondly, it allows for 2 wide players to stretch the width while keeping two #10 playmakers moving between the lines. Lastly, the “box midfield” of the midfield pivot and the two #10 playmakers allows teams to outnumber opponents in midfield, be it 4 vs 3 or 4 vs 2, allowing the team to control the midfield. While every team differs in their way to achieve the 3-2-4-1 shape on the pitch it is no surprise that most progressive teams that want the ball have adopted this shape in possession.

Our local teams have jumped onto this particular tactical innovation too. Tampines have been using a 3-2-4-1 shape since the start of the season while Geylang did use a 3-2-4-1 shape against the Sailors too (and should have won the game if not for 2 Lestienne free kicks).

Having seen the effectiveness of the 3-2-4-1 shape (as compared to their usual 4-3-3/ 4-2-3-1) interim coach Daan van Oudheusden set Sailors up as such.

On the ball (left above), Nur Adam would tuck in beside the other 2 centrebacks, Anu and Hami would form the midfield pivot. Diego and Adam would be two #10 playmakers between the lines while Lestienne and Hafiz Nor would provide the width with Abdul Rasaq up top. Off the ball (right above), LCS defended with a narrow 4-3-3.

This 3-2-4-1 was very succesful against Hougang’s 4-2-3-1.

Here the back 3 and the midfield pivot of LCS (pink) outnumbered Hougang, making it easy to keep the ball and hard for Hougang to press. Also occasionally, LCS would be able to advance the ball quickly by finding the player between the lines, in this case Diego (yellow) when Hougang’s midfield marking was not tight.

LCS’s box midfield (pink box) also allowed for them to have numerical superiority (4 vs 3) against Hougang’s midfield trio (Sahil, Amir, Krajcek). Hougang were hence hesitant to press LCS here. Also, with the 2 wingers of LCS high and wide, this allowed for easy switches to the flank, allowing the wingers to take on their man 1 on 1 and for LCS to use their qualitative superiority there.

In all, this experimental 3-2-4-1 shape was generally quite effective for LCS. If not for some wayward finishing and some heroic defending by Hougang, LCS would have been further ahead than just a single goal at the break.

Second Half

The game was killed off with precision not seen previously of the Sailors this season. LCS scored an early second goal and kept the ball well, not allowing Hougang to counter well with their 3-2-4-1 shape. They were in control and cruising.

Hougang had defended staunchly so far, but with the loss of Zulfahmi in midfield, and poor pass selection on counter-attacks, it meant they were impotent as a threat. In the end, Marko figured that the game was a lost cause and put on 2 youngsters in the form of Louka Tan and Nasrul Pujiyono who both did well. Idraki was also given a short run out at the end to ease him back into match fitness after 2 horrific injuries.

[Editor – this is the part where Zach’s true identity as a Hougang fan really seeps through haha]

Conclusion

LCS were thoroughly impressive. The 3-0 scoreline should have been a lot higher, especially with the numerous Hougang mistakes at the end. With the appointment of Coach Aleksandar Ranković and the (rumoured) foreign signings, LCS are well-equipped in the title fight, just 4 points behind Albirex. With 9 games to go and with a game against Albirex too, the title fight is far from over.

Written by Zach Wu

Edited by Eddy Hirono

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