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

Matchday 25 of the Premier League saw fourth-place Chelsea visit the King Power to take on third-placed Leicester City. Both teams seasons have somewhat mirrored each other in that they both started the season strong, but have somewhat struggled in recent weeks. This match was a chance for both teams to show any improvements against a top side, however, both fell short, claiming a point each in the 2-2 draw. This tactical analysis will look at which periods of the match each team dominated, what both teams struggled with, and key players in deciding the outcome of the match.

Lineups

Brendan Rodgers set his team up in his preferred 4-1-4-1 formation. Kasper Schmeichel was in net, with a back four of Ricardo Pereira, Jonny Evans, Çağlar Söyüncü, and Ben Chilwell situated in front of him. Hamza Choudhury occupied the defensive midfield role as Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester Citys first-choice defensive midfielder, has been in and out of the squad due to injury. Ayoze Pérez along with Harvey Barnes occupied the wings, with James Maddison and Youri Tielemans playing centrally. Jamie Vardy led the line-up top as a lone striker.

Frank Lampards team news came as a bit of shock when announced, with first-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga being dropped in favour of Willy Caballero despite the former not having an injury, as confirmed by Lampard that his decision was from a tactics point of view. The backline just ahead of Caballero consisted of Reece James, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rüdiger, and César Azpilicueta. Lampard opted with a double pivot in midfield with NGolo Kanté and Jorginho, with Mason Mount situated ahead of them. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Pedro, and Tammy Abraham led the line as Chelseas front three.

Chelsea dominate the first half

It really looked to be Chelseas match to win in the first half, especially near the beginning. They looked energetic, and lively, while Leicester City seemed tired from their League Cup match against Aston Villa.

Chelsea started the match off so