FA Cup Final 2018/19 Tactical Analysis: Manchester City vs Watford

Manchester City were on a mission to be the first men’s football side to clinch the first-ever domestic treble in England after Arsenal Women achieved that feat back in 2007. Last February, The Citizens won the EFL Cup title after beating Chelsea 4–3 on penalties; while about a week and a half ago City successfully defended their Premier League title after thrashing Brighton 1–4 away from home. Not only that, but City were also hungry for the FA Cup triumph because their last success in this competition was back in 2011.

On the other side, Watford came into this match with a series of bad results. Three defeats in their last four league games are the reason; their last victory was against Huddersfield in late April. However, Javi Gracia’s men had a mentality boost because this match would be their first FA Cup final appearance since 1984. The Hornets also desired for a positive result because this encounter would be Heurelho Gomes’ last ever game in professional football in between the sticks, and winning the FA Cup would be a great farewell for him.

However, City were way too strong for Watford. Despite controlling the first 20 minutes of the match and successfully shutting down City’s offensive game in the process, Watford were no match for City for the remaining 70 minutes. Pep’s side got a comfortable two-goal lead in the first half, superbly added another four in the second half, and bagged home the FA Cup as the result. This tactical analysis will break down how City crushed Watford by six goals to nothing.

Lineups

Guardiola chose his preferred 4–3–3 for this game. Future Anderlecht player-manager Vincent Kompany started alongside Aymeric Laporte in the heart of City’s defence. In the middle of the park, İlkay Gündoğan was supported by David Silva and Bernardo Silva. Up front, Gabriel Jesus was chosen ahead of Sergio Agüero to lead the frontline. Names like Kevin de Bruyne, Leroy Sané, and John Stones had to start the game from the bench.

Meanwhile, Gracia opted to use 4–1–4–1 in order to shut City down. Kiko Femenia and José Holebas started as Watford’s full-back pairing. In the engine room, there stood the trio of Will Hughes, Étienne Capoue, and Abdoulaye Doucouré. Ex-Juventus Roberto Pereyra and ex-Barcelona Gerard Deulofeu were tasked to support Troy Deeney as Watford’s attacking trio. In the bench, there were names like Isaac Success, Andre Gray, and former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley.