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A different blueprint for success in the Premier League?- Morning Espresso, 4.22
Welcome in for another edition of the Morning Espresso from the SDH Network, brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta's premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse.
Nottingham Forest are trying to book their spot in the Champions League for next season and secure a top-4 finish in the Premier League this season. Nuno Espírito Santo has gone about it in a very different way than most, but it has worked up to this point for his squad. They could be the first team in Premier League history to finish in the top 4 with average possession numbers of less than 40%.
What's interesting is that they pair that with dropping off from a higher press as well. They try to pick teams off in the middle third or defensive third, baiting opposing center backs or defensive midfielders by dropping off the ball to take away their passing options. Forest's attackers almost want the opponent on the ball to pass them, they stay high and look for the direct counter. Nuno's side tries to force opponents to play longer or through a crowded middle of the pitch. When Forest wins the ball, they have even numbers to attack with a direct approach.
It's worked well. Generally when they've conceded goals, it's been from crosses or from shots outside the 18. Is it a recipe for long term success? It's never been done this way and been successful for one season, so let's continue to wait and see. Could it get Forest to the Champions League?
It's possible as 3 spots will get decided between 5 teams that are currently separated by 3 points. Forest is in 3rd at the moment with the top 5 going into next season's Champions League.
Leeds and Burnley will rejoin the Premier League next season and have settled into that yo-yo level between the top flight and the Championship. Leeds want to be an established top flight team like they've been for the majority of this history (before the Premier League anyway), but can they get there? It seems that as time continues to tick on, there's a new tier of clubs between the Premier League and Championship. It's not ideal for teams to be constantly going back and forth, but I'm not sure what could be done to prevent these gaps forming between clubs based on riches or spending.
Wrexham is trying to change their status as they seek their third straight promotion. They sit in 2nd place in League One right now and are on pace to earn promotion to the Championship. Is that where their promotion train slows? Will make for interesting television either way, right?
Georgia high school soccer action is now into the state tournament portion of the schedule. We'll be at Lassiter tonight as the Trojans host Johns Creek in a battle of top 10 teams in the first round of the GHSA Girls State tournament in 6A. Join us by clicking Listen on soccerdownhere.net or finding us on the Mixlr app for the match, and our updates from other games around the state.
More Espresso on Thursday on the SDH Network, presented by Oglethorpe University.
Published on 2 months, 1 week ago