Premier League 21/22: How Leeds’ late comeback against Wolves could be their start towards Premier League safety – tactical analysis

Both sets of fans will understand what each other are going through, about their manager’s situation, albeit these occurrences take place at a different time for the two clubs. Both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United understand the impact of a manager and their lasting effect and unknown entities that follow once those figures depart. Nuno Espirito Santo brought Wolves from the EFL Championship to a Europa League quarter-final, but things got stale at the Midlands club and the Wolves hierarchy decided to make a change.

In came Bruno Lage, a Portuguese manager who is excelling during his first season. Leeds are now going through this same managerial transition, with the iconic Marcelo Bielsa, after a series of poor results, leaving them in a dogfight at the bottom of the table. Most would have thought Bielsa’s place at Leeds would be indispensable, but the fear of relegation can change situations.

Jesse Marsch, a product of Red Bulls head coach conveyer belt, took over as manager of Leeds United, with all supporters hoping the American manager can secure a place in England’s topflight next season. Regardless of his team performance, Marsch lost his first two matches against Leicester and Aston Villa, before beating Norwich in a crunch game at Elland Road. Marsch’s next match was against Wolves at the Molineux Stadium, hoping to build upon their crucial win over the relegation rivals.

This tactical analysis will discuss the contrast between Wolves and Leeds about their attacking and defensive style and strategy. Additionally, I will unpick the consequence of Raúl Jimenez’s red card and how they came changed from that point.

Line-ups

The home side made use of a 3-4-3 formation with José Sá in goal. Within the back three, Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Romain Saïss, with Rayan Aït-Nouri and Jonny at wing-back. In midfield, Rúben Neves and João Moutinho. The front three comprised Leander Dendoncker, Daniel Podence, and former Atletico Madrid Raúl Jiménez.

Leeds under Jesse Marsch utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Illan Meslier. Diego Llorente and Stuart Dallas are in the defence. In midfield, Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw. In the forward line, Rodrigo Moreno, Daniel James, Patrick Bamford and former Manchester City player Jack Harrison.

A contrast in attack and defence

Through observation, one aspect is clear; Bruno Lage’s men have his philosophy and game-plan mastered while Jesse Marsch still has some work to do on the training pitch. From a defensive standpoint, the Wolves made use of a 3-4-3 mid-block. Their aim; was to block passing lanes into Leeds’ double pivot, Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw; resulting in the away side passing the ball to their full-backs during the first phase. Wolves’ midfield two, Rúben Neves and João Moutinho would be slightly higher, condensing the space in-between the lines.

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