After a rather rocky start as the interim head coach of New York City FC, Nick Cushing seems to have finally gotten things under control. Despite maintaining former head coach Ronny Deila’s methodology, the 37-year-old struggled to find organisation and stability. Similar to Man City, NYCFC’s identity consists of dominant possession-based tactics under an organised positional play structure. After Ronny Deila’s departure, the organisation and stability that is so important for this system to function had disappeared. Slowly, however, the former Man City Women’s manager has been able to improve the overall performance and most importantly, the results.
To further understand this process, it is important to remember a concept mentioned by Pep Guardiola. Attack and defence are inseparable. In other words, it is impossible to understand one without considering the other. Through this perspective, we are able to understand NYCFC’s recent results. While their attacking nature was relatively preserved, the organisation required, on both a structural and behavioural level, was not maintained. As a consequence, results like their 4-4 draw with Cincinnati or their 3-0 loss over New York Red Bulls happened. However, as seen in their last three wins, if time is given to Cushing, he might be able to restore their identity and consequent success.
In this tactical analysis, which will be completed in the form of a team scout report we will examine New York City FC’s tactics in recent matches in order to understand the playing model Nick Cushing is trying to implement. Furthermore in this analysis, we will identify the organisational shortcomings that have hindered their recent success.
Overview
Since the tactics used by Deila are essentially very similar to the ones Cushing is trying to implement, a statistical overview of this season allows for a better understanding of this tactical identity. As far as formations are concerned, Cushing has continued using the 4-2-3-1 deployed by Deila. This 4-2-3-1 is rather asymmetrical as a result of varying individual roles, but we will look at this more in-depth later.
City’s average possession of 58.2% is the second-highest in the league, and it highlights the basic idea that guides this side: domination. Dominating both the space, through their positional play, and the ball, through their behaviour with and without it, is the standard for every match. While City average 469.62 passes per 90, the highest in the league, their 85.7% completion rate highlights a certain level of control over their possession. Additionally, their league-high 15.1 passes per minute of possession demonstrate the high tempo through which they retain possession.
Their effectiveness in possession can be measured through a few metrics. Most significantly, they have the highest xG per shot in the league at 0.152. In addition, their 43.27 xG is by far the highest in the MLS. With 13.76 shots per 90 and 23.49 touches in the penalty area per 90 (both highest in the league), the volume through which they create is incredibly high. Finally, while they rank third in crosses, they have the highest amount of crosses to the six-yard box. This highlights their approach through the wings as we will look at later.
Without the ball, they are just as effective. An incredibly intensive approach is taken with the aim of recovering the ball as soon as possible, ensuring their desired dominance. While their PPDA of 8.05 is impressive, they also have the highest challenge intensity in the league at 7.1 per minute of opponent possession. With the third lowest xGA at 22.05, they have certainly been effective.
Now that we understand how the team wants to perform statistically, we can examine their tactics on the pitch. First, we will examine the structure through which they play, considering both the players’ positioning and the rules that guide it. Afterwards, their behaviour and strategy with the ball are considered. Upon understanding their tactics in possession, we will look at the organisational shortcomings that have left them vulnerable in recent matches. Finally, this analysis looks at their high-pressing system and why it has not fully worked under Cushing.
Structure
City’s 4-2-3-1 structure is guided by the concept of positional play while considering individual characteristics. In positional play, through horizontal and vertical lines, the pitch is split into zones with each player assigned to a certain zone. Considering a set of rules, players are constantly rotating in and out of these zones with the aim of disrupting the opposition. In an oversimplified way, this complex concept dictates the distribution of players on the pitch. Consequently, teams can have an asymmetric structure with varying roles, as long as the organisational rules are met. Considering this, NYCFC’s average positions can be illustrated below.
New York’s initial structure on the pitch can be identified below, considering each player’s role. The use of a double pivot almost always signifies a build-up through the sides, as they can easily shift wide to create passing triangles or diamonds. The inward movement from the wingers creates space for the fullback and diagonal passing lanes.
