Premier League 2019/20: Norwich City vs Chelsea – Tactical Analysis

Last season in the second leg of the Championship, Norwich City and Derby County locked horns in a seven-goal thriller with the away side securing all three points. Both teams have demonstrated their fast-pace attacking football that saw many chances being created. The Premier League witnessed another thrilling clash when Daniel Farke and Frank Lampard went head-to-head.

After their triumph in the Championship, Norwich was heading into the new season with positive reactions and high confidence. Besides youth signings to bolster their ranks, they also brought in five new names for the first team. Their opening match against Liverpool didn’t exactly go in their favour, but they turned things around by securing a 3-1 win over Newcastle United.

This summer, Chelsea saw a transfer embargo being placed on them and it prevented the club from adding new players. But with the club legend Frank Lampard as their new manager, the fans expected to see an entertaining style that involved the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. They demonstrated what Lampard intended to do when they travelled to Norwich. After the sides each struck two in the first half, Abraham completed his brace to seal the match for Chelsea.

This tactical analysis will provide an analysis of Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Norwich City. Meanwhile, using statistics, we will point out the positives that Norwich’s tactics showed against Chelsea’s tactics.

Lineups

The home side went for Farke’s favourite 4-2-3-1 formation in this match. New signing Ibrahim Amadou remained doubtful as he lacked match fitness. Another addition that didn’t join up with the squad was Josip Drmić. The Swiss striker is expected to return in late August alongside club captain Christoph Zimmermann.

Farke continued to link up the attacking trio of Todd Cantwell, Emi Buendía and Teemu Puuki upfront. They were supported by Jamal Lewis and Max Aarons out wide and Moritz Leitner and Tom Trybull centrally. After making a quick appearance in Norwich’s win over Newcastle, Sam Bryam was registered on the bench alongside Kenny McLean and Mario Vrančić.

Long-term injuries for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek meant they won’t return to the side until September and January respectively. Reece James’ ankle problem will keep him out until November, while Antonio Rüdiger was expected to join up with the rest in late August.

While N’ Golo Kanté remained a doubt after their UEFA Super Cup match, Lampard kept Jorginho and Mateo Kovačić in his midfield three. Ross Barkley completed the trio while Mason Mount occupied the left-hand side in his 4-1-4-1 formation.

Norwichs style of play

Despite being an underdog in this match, Norwich didn’t show their shyness when approaching the opposition. They were confident in pressing Chelsea right inside their half and aimed to recover possession high up the pitch.

By formi