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MATCH ANALYSIS: ASTON VILLA v MAN UTD INTER (26/12/00) - GOAL BY SOLSKJAER
 

1) Ball played into the centre, notice how the centre- half (marked with a while square) is dragged out of position & the loose marking by the other defenders.

2) Keane (green square) breaks through, receives the pass & plays the ball out to Beckham (blue square). The whole defence has been sucked into the centre.

3) Beckham now totally unmarked on the right-wing plays in the cross.

4) Solskjaer (marked with a red square) meets the cross ahead of the defender and scores.

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Comments:

- The defenders are not tight enough to the attackers preventing them getting a challenge in to break up the attack - Loose Marking.
- Gap between midfield and defence providing attackers with space to build-up play.
- Excellent combination play allowing a first-time cross from Beckham. The cross gives the defenders no time to prepare. Solskjaer attacks and is first to the ball.
 
Conclusions:
- This move shows how a defence with three centre-halfs can be beaten by playing through the middle, sucking the defenders in then using the space created behind the wing-backs.
- Also, shows the importance of good crossing and how forwards must be first to crosses.
 

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