Daniel Farke’s improved press helps league leaders Norwich past Swansea

Emiliano Buendias excellent strike in the 54th minute ensured that Norwich Citys promotion push continued at Carrow Road on Friday night against Swansea City. Graham Potters Swansea dominated the first half against the league leaders but they had nothing to show for their efforts as they lacked a strikers presence up front with the late withdrawal of Oli McBurnie due to fever.

In this EFL Championship analysis, well look in detail at the key tactical aspects of the game, how both sides pressing games compared and how Norwich boss Daniel Farke made some much-needed changes to his sides pressing approach that ensured their 1-0 lead was never under threat.

Teams and setups

Swansea City were forced into a late personnel change when striker Oli McBurnie came down with a fever the night before the game. His absence and the decision not to take a spare player on their travels to Carrow Road meant that manager Graham Potter could only name six players on the substitutes bench.

In McBurnies absence, Swansea used Dan James pace up top as they looked to aim balls through for the pacey youngster to chase in behind Norwichs defence. Playing as a false nine, his constant movement and diagonal runs made it difficult for the hosts to pick him up and manage his threat.

Bersant Celinas role was also a flexible one too. Often playing on the left side, the Kosovan also moved from side to side to help support attacking moves through both the left and right half spaces.

Both sides high press: one worked, one didnt

After executing an effective and energetic high press against fellow promotion contenders Leeds United in their recent 3-1 victory, it was surprising to see a poorly executed one here against Swansea City. In recent weeks, Graham Potters side have shown their vulnerability against a high press. Most recently, Sheffield Wednesday caused them all sorts of problems with a high, well-structured press. On Friday night at Carrow Road however, Norwich made it far too easy for Swansea to play out from the back.

Early on in the game, Norwichs top goalscorer Teemu Pukki and Marco Stiepermann were chasing shadows in an effort to press Swanseas back line as they build from the back. With Matt Grimes also dropping in deep to support the first phase of the play, they had little trouble playing around the opposition duo and this enabled them to get forward and find more space to continue their progression into the hosts half.