EFL Championship 2019/20: Leeds United vs Swansea City – Tactical Analysis

Leeds United and Swansea City, two of the teams remained unbeaten in the Championship, faced each other in matchday six. The Yorkshire-based club continued their second season with Marcelo Bielsa and his style of play helped them secure thirteen points up to now. As high confidence growing among the squad, they welcomed Swansea to the Elland Road.

In his first season with a senior team, Steve Cooper had coped well with the expectations that were put on him. Eleven goals and only conceded four, the Welsh club matched Leeds’ record and were followed up in the league table. They picked up their form from the first two matches to secure another three points to the season. Wayne Routledge’s only goal in the 90^th minute sent the fans into rapture as they went home in joy.

This tactical analysis will provide an analysis of the match between Leeds and Swansea. Meanwhile, using statistics, we will point out the similarities in both teams’ tactics and how did the home side’s tactics couldn’t secure a win for them.

Lineups

Returning from their loss against Stoke City in the League Cup, Bielsa switched their lineup back to his favourite 4-1-4-1. Besides from right-back Luke Ayling and striker Tyler Roberts’ absences due to long-term injuries, “El Loco” basically had the strongest players to fill in his lineup. Captain Liam Cooper paired up alongside promising youngster Ben White after the former didn’t feature in the match and the latter appeared on the bench. Barry Douglas was tested in the central midfielder spot last game and he was rested as his place was occupied by Ezgjan Alioski.

Cooper stuck with his 4-2-3-1 formation with some absences to his side. The duo Nathan Dyer and new signing Aldo Kalulu missed out in their earlier match against Birmingham and remained doubtful for this. Nonetheless, he sent out eleven players that were fit to the formation and were able to cope with Leeds’ pressure. No changes were made to both the lineup and the bench in their trip to Yorkshire this time, though.

Leeds style of play

As expected from a side who is managed by Bielsa, Leeds attempted to press high up the pitch right from the start. They aimed to win the ball back inside the opponent’s half and created quick attacks that could threaten the goal. With a man-oriented press and the players’ determination, they caused lots of troubles for Swansea’s build-up.

By committing players into the opposite half and consistently changing positions with each other, they were able to mark Swansea attackers and intercepted passes that were made among them. At times, their build-up was pinned down and they were forced to make back passes to goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.