MATCH ANALYSIS: MAN UTD v LIVERPOOL (17/12/00) - THE MOVE OF THE GAME

INTRODUCTION

This analysis aims to examine closely the factors leading to Man United forward Ole Gunner Solskjaer's shot in the 78th minute against Liverpool. Please wait for the image below to appear. As well note that only the players directly involved in the move are shown and that the positions of these players have been recreated as accurately as possible..

Man Utd

2 G Neville
20 Solskjaer
36 Chadwick
16 Keane
7 Beckham
11 Giggs

Liverpool

1 Westerveld
6 Babbel
2 Henchoz
12 Hyypia
23 Carragher
17 Gerard
25 Biscan
13 Murphy
7 Smicer

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Move Statistics

- Move type: Direct-attack
- Move length: Around 7 seconds
- N° of passes: 3
- N° of dribbles: 1
- N° of defenders out of position: 1
- N° of unmarked attackers: 2
- Result: Shot saved by Westerveld.

Comments:

- Liverpool's midfield is initially unbalanced with too many players on their left-side.
- Giggs is allowed too much space, neither Babbel or Smicer closes him down quickly enough.
- Henchoz is dragged out by Solksjaer and is then caught ball watching. Solskjaer makes an intelligent run into the empty space behind Henchoz who is caught out of position.

Conclusions

- Bad marking of both players and space by the Liverpool defence and midfield.
- Intelligent movement into space by Man Utd.