The rivalry between the Seagulls and the Eagles is well documented but does not draw the attention of many in English football, compared to the North London Derby and the Manchester derby.
Regardless of media attention or fan appreciation, the derby between Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace dates way back and is as fierce as ever. While the completeness of this fixture lives on, one thing has changed since yesteryear, the quality of football played by both sides.
Years ago, this game was played in the EFL Championship, but now with Graham Potter and Patrick Vieira at the helm of their respective clubs, the quality of football has seen a massive change in the right direction. Since his Graham Potter managerial introduction into English football, he has been a breath of fresh air, with his playing style, which is quite easy on the eye. On the other side Patrick Vieira, who has been impressive during his first year as Crystal Palace manager as the question was asked how the Frenchman will help the South London club transition away from Roy Hodgson’s legacy, and so far, has answered all his critics.
In this tactical analysis, I will discuss how Graham Potter set up his team to break down Crystal Palace’s low block, besides analysing Palace’s only goal of the match. Lastly, I will look into the impact of Tariq Lamptey and Brighton’s second-half tactical change.
Line up
In Brighton’s 4-4-2 diamond, Robert Sánchez started in goal. In defence, Joël Veltman and Marc Cucurella at full-back, with Adam Webster and Dan Burn at centre-back. In midfield, former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana; just ahead, Jakub Moder, Alexis Mac Allister and Pascal Groß. In attack, Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard.
Away side Crystal Palace made use of a 4-3-3 formation with Jack Butland in goal. In defence Joel Ward, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guéhi and Tyrick Mitchell. In midfield, Will Hughes, Conor Gallagher, and Jeffrey Schlupp. In attack, Odsonne Édouard, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.
Graham Potter’s blueprint
The players at Graham Potter’s disposal are versatile and can operate in a variety of positions, and because of this, when observing the team sheet before the beginning of the match, no one can be sure how Brighton will set up. Initially, most believed Brighton’s men to be deployed using a 4-4-2 out of possession, but in possession, a 3-5-2, which is their bread and butter. As the game began, it was quite clear which direction Brighton was going, regarding tactics used. During their derby game vs Crystal Palace, Brighton made use of a 4-1-3-2/4-4-2 diamond, and within this shape, a common theme of Graham Potter’s team was their use of the wide areas, to create openings and shot-creating opportunities.
Brighton understood Crystal Palace’s out-of-possession game plan; from their initial 4-3-3 formation, both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze would drop further back and operate on the same line as the midfield, in result creating a 4-5-1 narrow mid-block. This type of defending can be quite effective, because of the amount of numbers in midfield, looking to block central passing lanes Brighton can exploit. With this in mind, when employing this type of defending, the narrowness of the block leaves space out wide, and if exploited correctly, the defending team can get stretched and space opens, and this is exactly what Brighton did, to significant effect.
