THE EPL'S BIG 6: STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.

 

1. Manchester City

1. Overall Strengths:

   • Manchester City stands out as the most well-structured team among the Big 6, boasting exceptional squad depth and high player quality.

2. Concerns and Areas for Improvement:

   • The primary concern arises from the team's dependency on Rodri in the midfield.
   • Despite their overall solidity, the absence of a quality backup for Rodri has been evident this season.

3. Impact of Rodri's Unavailability:

   • When Rodri is unavailable, the team has faced challenges, highlighting the need for a reliable alternative.
   • Kalvin Phillips and Mateo Kovacic, while competent, haven't fully convinced in Rodri's absence.

4. Vulnerabilities Observed:

   • Manchester City has shown vulnerability during periods of Rodri's unavailability, particularly at halftime and in midfield aerial duels.

In conclusion, while Manchester City's overall structure and depth are commendable, addressing the backup for Rodri emerges as a potential solution to enhance their resilience and minimize vulnerabilities in specific game scenarios.

2. LIVERPOOL

1. Transfer Success:

   • Liverpool has excelled in the summer transfer market, making strategic acquisitions that have strengthened the squad.

2. Managerial Prowess:

   • The coach has demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding Liverpool with effective tactics and a pressing style of play that is arguably the best in the league.

3. Pressing Style Dominance:

   • Liverpool's pressing style is a standout feature, with players consistently striving to regain possession immediately after losing it.

4. Identified Weaknesses:

   • Despite impressive overall performance, weaknesses have surfaced, particularly in the need for a Defensive Midfielder and a left-footed center back/left-back.

5. Midfield Penetration Concerns:

   • Mac Allister, not accustomed to playing in the position, has led to easier midfield penetration for opponents this season.

6. Potential Solutions:

   • Andre Trinidade: A defensive midfielder proficient in ground duels and adept at progressing the ball in tight spaces.
   • Goncalo Inacio: A left-footed center back/left-back option to bolster the defensive line.

In summary, Liverpool's successful transfer dealings and tactical brilliance highlight their prowess, yet addressing specific weaknesses, notably in midfield and defense, remains crucial for sustained dominance.

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2. 3. CHELSEA

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4. Strengths:

   • Chelsea exhibits defensive solidity and a well-organized backline, supported by experienced players like Thiago Silva.

5. Weaknesses:

   • A notable weakness lies in Chelsea's struggle to score goals, evident in their recent goal drought and three consecutive Premier League games without a win or a goal .
   • The underlying numbers indicate a shocking lack of goals, presenting a deeper problem for the team.

6. Striking Dilemma:

   • Chelsea faces a striking dilemma with the absence of a natural goal-scoring number 9 in the squad.
   • The lack of a clinical finisher has contributed to their scoring woes, emphasizing the need for a prolific striker.

7. Possible Solutions:

   • Chelsea could explore the transfer market for a proven goal-scoring striker to provide the necessary firepower.
   • Developing existing talents or promoting youth prospects who possess natural goal-scoring instincts can also be a viable solution.

In summary, while Chelsea demonstrates defensive strength, addressing the goal-scoring deficiency, particularly the absence of a natural number 9, is crucial to achieving a more balanced and successful squad.

4. ARSENAL

1. Strengths:

   • Arsenal showcases effective build-up play, ranking #7 across featured football leagues in this aspect.
   • The team benefits from a solid goalkeeper duo with David Raya as the starter and Aaron Ramsdale as the backup.

2. Weaknesses:

   • Defensive depth has emerged as a concern, especially with the absence of the injured Jurrien Timber, causing discomfort among Arsenal fans .
   • The team may face challenges in defense, as evident in Jurrien Timber's strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the need for defensive reinforcements.

3. Possible Solutions:

   • Arsenal should prioritize strengthening the defensive line, either through promoting youth talents or exploring the transfer market for reliable defenders.
   • Addressing the defensive depth issue and securing a quality replacement or backup for positions with injury concerns can enhance the team's overall stability.

In summary, while Arsenal boasts effective build-up play and goalkeeping strength, focusing on defensive reinforcements will be crucial to address weaknesses and solidify the team's performance.

5. MANCHESTER UNITED.

1. Strengths:

   • Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, possesses a history of free-flowing combination play, showcasing attacking prowess
   • The team's attacking potential has been evident in previous successes, establishing them as a competitive force.

2. Weaknesses:

   • Lack of a clear playing pattern has been notable, exposing a tactical inconsistency that hampers cohesive team performances
   • Inadequate scouting has been identified as a weakness, impacting the identification and recruitment of key players for the squad's improvement
   • The squad lacks more direct wingers, limiting options in wide attacking areas.
   • A prominent weakness lies in the absence of a top-class defensive midfielder and another high-quality center-back, affecting defensive stability

3. Possible Solutions:

   • Erik ten Hag should establish a clear and consistent playing pattern, fostering a more organized and predictable style of play.
   • Improved player scouting mechanisms are essential to identify talents that align with the team's needs and vision.
   • Acquisition of more direct wingers would enhance offensive options, providing width and variation in attacking strategies.
   • Urgent signings of a top-class defensive midfielder and a high-quality center-back are crucial for defensive solidity.
   • Addressing tactical adaptability, especially in situations like the UCL match against Copenhagen, requires a Plan B that the team can execute effectively, even with red cards or unexpected setbacks.

In summary, addressing tactical inconsistencies, bolstering player recruitment, and fortifying key positions are imperative for Manchester United's resurgence under Erik ten Hag.

6. TOTTENHAM

1. Strengths:

   • Impressive Starting Lineup: Tottenham has showcased an impressive starting lineup under Ange Postecoglou, with notable attacking prowess.
   • Managerial Tactical Expertise: Ange Postecoglou brings tactical expertise, having displayed successful strategies during his tenure.

2. Weaknesses:

   • Squad Depth Concerns: The team faces challenges with squad depth, particularly in defense, as injuries have exposed the lack of quality alternatives.
   • Defensive Vulnerabilities: Injuries and squad depth issues have highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, impacting the team's stability at the back .
   • Need for a Prolific Number 9: Tottenham lacks a prolific number 9, affecting goal-scoring consistency and adding pressure on the attacking players .

3. Possible Solutions:

   • Defensive Reinforcements: Invest in quality defensive reinforcements to address squad depth issues, ensuring reliability in defense even during injury crises.
   • Striker Acquisition: Sign a prolific number 9 to enhance goal-scoring capabilities and relieve pressure on the attacking unit.
   • Youth Development: Develop and integrate promising youth players to provide depth and competition within the squad.
   • Strategic Transfers: Identify and recruit players strategically, focusing on areas that need strengthening based on Postecoglou's tactical vision.

In conclusion, addressing defensive vulnerabilities, securing a prolific striker, and strategic squad enhancements are key to Tottenham's success under Ange Postecoglou.