Premier League 2019/20: Leicester City vs Liverpool – tactical analysis

Leicester City took on Liverpool in a Boxing Day top of the table clash, in a game many thought would be a close affair that could open up this so far routine title race in the Premier League. Ultimately, it was another showcase of a dominant Liverpool side, who limited Leicester to just 0.18 xG in the game. In this tactical analysis, we will look at how Liverpools in possession structure allowed them to attack effectively, and how it also allowed them to limit Leicesters counter-attacking ability through counter-pressing.

Lineups 

Leicester lined up in a 4-1-4-1, with wingers James Maddison and Harvey Barnes forced to stay slightly narrower throughout the game. Liverpool meanwhile employed their usual 4-3-3, but their formation for most of the game resembled more of a 4-2-3-1, with Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum sat deeper to prevent counter-attacks, as we will discuss.

Leicester break the press early 

After some early struggles against Liverpools high press, Leicester dealt with it well and came up with some good solutions of breaking the press and beating Liverpools first line.

We can see this below, with Leicester dropping a double pivot back behind Roberto Firmino and using the goalkeeper as an extra player, creating overall a 5v3. The two centre backs pull wide, which forces Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah to remain wide and be ready to press. Roberto Firminos job usually involves cutting out the passing lane to the pivot or pressing the ball carrier, but with the goalkeeper on the ball with options to the side, Firmino opts not to press. With the wingers pinned wide, the passing lanes between Firmino and either winger increased, and so a risky pass from the goalkeeper through one of these passing lanes could be found and Leicester could play out.

Liverpool were not too flu