Crystal Palace 2020/21: Is it sustainable to defend and attack in such separate blocks? – scout report

Crystal Palace has started the Premier League season in blistering fashion. The Eagles picked up three points against Manchester United on the first match of the season, and their form has not slowed down. After a string of good results, despite losing to both Chelsea and Everton, Palace currently sits in eighth place on the table. This early run of positive form has showcased quality football where Roy Hogdsons tactics are at the forefront of discussion. Despite not having the best squad, the Palace manager has found a way to make his side very difficult to play against. 

In the past, we saw glimpses of Palace and their ability, but the results were not always there. Crystal Palace finished 14th in the Premier League last season which saw them battle at the latter end of the season to stay in the top flight. That campaign saw them win only ten matches. This season, there is a reason for optimism after registering three victories out of their first six matches. Hogdson has figured out how to set up his side and the tactics are providing dividends. 

Hodgson plays a 4-4-2 formation which sees a very separated attack and defensive block. When the opposition is attacking, Palace sits in a low block, making it very difficult for the team to break them down. However, in the attacking phases of the match, Palace is extremely dynamic with four attacking players, leaving the defenders out of the build-up. 

This tactical analysis and scout report will look into whether it is sustainable for Crystal Palace to defend and attack in such separate blocks. 

The 4-4-2

In order to understand how Crystal Palace play, it is important to see how Hogdson’s tactics influence the play in his 4-4-2 formation. This formation is less popular in modern-day football due to the less dynamic nature of the attacking football, but Palace makes this work for their players. 

Hogdson knows that players such as Andros Townsend, Wilfried Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Eberechi Eze all have a tremendous pace going forward. This is taken into account as Hogdson sets up his teams due to the importance of them to play on the counter-attack. In the defensive stage of the game, Palace is deep in a low block. 

This tactical system occurs when the defending team is pushed right back against their own goal. Each player is in their own half and the opposing team has the ball well inside the half they are attacking. This creates an onslaught of attacking sequences and a difficult time managing the match for the defending side. However, if you are able to have a disciplined defensive unit, the low block can be equally as challenging for the opposing team. 

The formation below shows how Palace will set up defensively, with a fairly standard 4-4-2 shape being in place. Due to the two lines of four midfielders and defenders, any team that tries to play into space between those two lines will have a difficult time. This usually forces opposing teams to play crosses in early or try and shift the point of attacking in order to break down Palace. While they are not perfect in defending, their determination to sit deep actually allows for their attacking players to become more of a threat. 

This analysis in the recent match against Fulham shows how the Eagles like to defend. It is early on in the match but they are comfortable in the low block. Fulham has a tremendously difficult task to move the ball forward, and the circled attackers are basically ineffective due to Palace’s positioning to close down the ball.