EFL Championship 2021/22: How Luton Town’s passive-aggressive pressing earned them three point against Nottingham Forest – tactical analysis

The later months of the season have major significance to teams within the division, but the reason of importance varies deepening what part of the table you lie.

Regarding the EFL Championship, teams such as Peterborough United and Derby Country are fighting nail and claw to keep their place for next season, while the likes of Coventry, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers are battling it out to displace Sheffield United, who currently obtain the final place-off place.

Both Luton Town and Nottingham Forest are aiming for a higher finish and have essentially secured their play-off spaces  but have an eye on automatic promotion, which made their matchup on Friday afternoon even more consequential.

During the last couple of seasons, Nottingham Forest have been quite inconsistent, finishing 17th, 9th, 7th and 17th again. Steve Cooper, former Swansea manager has breathed new life into the once upon a time European Cup winners.

As for Luton Town, their transformation has been quite remarkable under Nathan Jones. Jones left his roles within Brighton’s set-up, and at the time of the Welsh coach’s appointment, the Bedfordshire club were in League Two. Jones discussed how most doubted he would be a success, due to the quality of players at his disposal, in conjunction with the style of football he wants to utilise being a stark contrast. Jones wanted a challenge, and he certainly received one at Luton. Year after year they climbed through the leagues, and eventually ended up back in the Championship, a league they had not competed in since 2006. After finishing 19th and surviving their first season, Jones made slight alterations regarding player recruitment, and they have not to look back.

Within this tactical analysis, we will discuss Nottingham Forrest’s game-plan in possession and how Luton nullified them. In addition, we will discuss the battle of the wing-backs within this game.

Line-ups

Luton Town made use of a 3-1-4-2 formation. James Shea started in goa, with Reece Burke, Sonny Bradley and Amarii Bell within the back three. The wing-back roles were occupied by Fred Onyedinma and James Bree. In midfield, Kal Naismith, Allan Campbell, and former Premier League player Robert Snodgrass. Harry Cornick and Elijah Adebayo lead the line regarding Luton’s attack.

The away side made use of a 3-4-1-2 formation. Brice Samba started in goal. The back three included Scott McKenna, Tobias Figueiredo and Joe Worrall. Djed Spence played as Forrest’s right wing-back, while Jack Colback occupied the left-hand side. James Garner and Ryan Yates formed the double pivot. In attack, Lewis Grabban was utilised as Steve Cooper’s number ten. Just ahead of him were Brennan Johnson and Keinan Davis as a striker duo.

Luton’s pressing strategy 

Overall, both sides contrasted in some ways; Steve Cooper’s side look to put their stamp on this match as they wanted to control possession of this match. Additionally, the away side looked to play out and progress through the third, on the other hand, Luton made use of a different way of play. Luton’s play was varied— the home side at times was direct, looking to construct attacks quickly with long balls from the goalkeeper. At the same time, Luton was prepared to play out when the time was right and was success progressing through a third of the field on the odd occasion.

Steve Cooper’s side came into the away game with a clear way of play. His front free, which was formed by Lewis Grabban, Brennan Johnston and Keinan Davis was incredibly fluid. At the time Keinan Davis would drop deeper to facilitate build-up, while Johnstone play as a makeshift striker. Overall, the most common pattern showcased by Forrest was when Lewis Grabban and Keinan Davis would occupy the left half-space. From this position, the centre-forwards can combine with teammates, stretch the Luton defence and create openings. At times this tactic did work.