The New Liverpool : A Statistical And Tactical Guide

The old saying, ' Rome wasn't built in a day' coincides perfectly with the Brendan Rodgers project. The Northern Irishman was brought in to replace the greatest player to have ever pulled on the famous red jersey. It was more than just a swap in managers, it was an 'out with the old, in with the new' statement. Let go of past glories, build a better future.

Rodgers' philosophy is primarily based on the Spanish playing style - ball circulation. His old Swansea side were the surprise package last season, playing a very fluid style of football which earned them the nickname, 'Swanselona'. They kept, on average, 58% of possession per game, ahead of Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea. For a newcomer to the world's best league, that is outstanding. Brendan has been trying to implement his style to the Reds. Let's see how he is doing.

The 4-3-3 formation is being utilised by Rodgers. His Leon Britton, the midfield pivot, is Joe Allen, whom he brought with him to Anfield from Wales for £15 million. His deep lying playmaker is Nuri Sahin, on loan from Real Madrid. And his advanced playmaker is Steven Gerrard. However this pattern does change frequently during games. And the shape as well. The double pivot has been in use by Rodgers.

Martin Skrtel is being urged to carry the ball into midfield, in order to instigate an attack by making the transition from defence to attack. Daniel Agger is already comfortable on the ball and is making the transitions as he does so often.




Suso and Raheem Sterling have made tremendous progress, both being promoted from the reserve set up. Andre Wisdom and Jonjo Shelvey likewise.

Remember the False 9 role that I introduced to you back in Barcelona Tactics Revealed? Well, what if I told you that the Reds' main man, Luis Suarez, takes up this position for Liverpool?

Exhibit A Luis Suarez vs Norwich 5-2

Exhibit B Luis Suarez vs Fulham 4-0

Roaming. That is what the role allows him to do. He has been given the free role to hurt the opposition anywhere on the field of play. And these defences couldn't handle him.

The Plan B for Brendan is to use wing backs to provide the width in order to stretch the game. Which means making the switch to three centre backs or using two and Joe Allen being the libero, in the style of Franz Beckenbauer and Sergio Busquets. That's why Jose Enrique had that three games of fame spell earlier in the campaign. Against Everton, with Liverpool squandering a 2 goal lead, Coates was brought on in place of Nuri Sahin and the Reds converted to a 3-5-1-1 with Enrique and Wisdom as the wing backs.

Statistics

Average Possession

58% per game, compared to the 55.5% attained from last year, it is a big improvement.

Action Zones

Swansea were criticized for playing a lot of their football away from the final third, it was seen as a beautiful defensive tactic, to keep the ball so the opponent's cannot score. It was true.

At Liverpool, with a vast array of attacking talent, Brendan has been able to take the game to the opponent using possession, rather than defending using the ball.

Luis Suarez

Playing in the Messi role, Suarez must score as well as create for others.

He has taken 102 shots this season, averaging 6 per game, and scored 11.

He has created 48 chances, averaging 2.8 per game.

He has completed 53 dribbles, averaging 3.1 per game.

NEXT UP : MID SEASON PREMIER LEAGUE AWARDS

Arsenal 5 Tottenham 2 : Tactical Analysis

First Half

Tottenham lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, using the people's choice of Adebayor and Defoe up top. With the departure of Rafael Van Der Vaart as the only real number 10, to link midfield and attack, it was a justifiable choice. However, it left them a man short in midfield, which meant that Arsenal's midfield three were free to dominate. Arsenal played in the usual 4-3-3, no surprises.

Defoe drifted to the left in the early minutes, mainly to target Per Mertesacker as his pace could cause the German a real problem. And it did when he drew him out of position and was 1-on-1 with Szczesny. His parried shot found Adebayor and Spurs were ahead.

After Adebayor's dismissal, Tottenham were left with only Defoe isolated up front, and their formation was now a 4-4-1.

And with less pressure on Arsenal's deep lying midfield duo of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal were allowed more time on the ball.

The main threat going forward for Arsenal was on the right flank. Walcott was getting the better of Naughton all the time, and with Sagna supporting. So it was no surprise when Mertesacker expertly headed in from a Walcott cross.

Totttenham were defending deep in their own half, and the only way to penetrate a team like that is quick passing combination around the box, or a piece of individual brilliance. Barcelona have to do it on a weekly basis when teams shut up shop. So a move started by Arteta, finished with Podolski's shot trickling into the corner of the net.

That individual brilliance came when Cazorla picked up the ball ten yards from the D, beat Kyle Naughton who fouled him in the process. Advantage played. Santi then beat Lennon and fired in an accurate cross for the much maligned Olivier Giroud to knock in.

Second Half

Tottenham switched to a surprisingly offensive 3-4-1-1. Dempsey was brought on, and would harry Arteta and limit his control on the game. Good luck.

Lennon and Bale would act as make shift wing backs, a risk taken by AVB. And it didn't pay off as Lennon was too far upfield to halt Podolski, and Bale was also too far upfield to stop Cazorla's finish.

Tottenham's lackluster counter attacking paid off when Gareth Bale's charge and drive found the bottom left corner of the net.

Chamberlain's introduction killed off Tottenham, who had spent the majority of the match chasing the ball, as his run fooled Bale and Vertonghen, leaving Dawson alone against him and Walcott. And there was only going to be one winner.

Cazorla's movement in the final third was magnificent. He targeted the wings as conversion to 3 centre backs for Tottenham left a lot of space out wide.

Cazorla Heat Map 2nd Half

Man Of The Match

I believe that he is the best player in the Premier League. His touches were majestic. His awareness and decision making was incredible. The manner in which he analysed space as his targeted the flanks in the second half to gain more time on the ball was magnificent. His passing was flawless. When I said that he was the Premier League's answer to Andres Iniesta, I wasn't kidding.

The Deep Lying Playmaker : A Statistical And Tactical Guide

No team should leave home without one. They are the players who control proceedings. Operating deep in the midfield, they spray accurate balls all over the park. Left, right, and centre. Rarely blessed with pace, they rely on their outstanding technical ability to fashion chances for their team mates.

The Deep Lying Playmaker. Since the emergence of Xavi, every team has one. For Arsenal, read Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard who operates in the ' Pirlo Role ' in front of the defence, dominating games with sweeping passes and precise short passes. For the Tottenham of old, read Luka Modric. Undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment, while Gareth Bale and Scott Parker grabbed the headlines, it was the Croatian who was really orchestrating Spurs' surprising success.

Here is a comparison of 6 deep lying playmakers throughout Europe's top sides last season,

Mikel Arteta

In his 29 appearances in the Premier League last season,

Average Passes Per Game: 76.9

Pass Accuracy : 90.8%

Number Of Passes ( Successful / Total ) : 2023 / 2229

Chances Created : 60

Assists : 2

Accurate Long Balls Per Game : 5.2

Long Balls ( Successful / Total ) : 152 / 172

Tackles : 72

Interceptions : 55

Luka Modric

In his 36 appearances in the Premier League last season,

Average Passes Per Game: 70.4

Pass Accuracy : 87.4%

Number Of Passes ( Successful / Total ) : 2215 / 2534

Chances Created : 96

Assists : 4

Accurate Long Balls Per Game : 7.6

Long Balls ( Successful / Total ) : 275 / 329

Tackles : 56

Interceptions : 81

Andrea Pirlo

In his 37 appearances in Serie A last season,

Average Passes Per Game: 86.4

Pass Accuracy : 86.9%

Number Of Passes ( Successful / Total ) : 2778 / 3197

Chances Created : 125

Assists : 13

Accurate Long Balls Per Game : 11.2

Long Balls ( Successful / Total ) : 414 / 488

Tackles : 79

Interceptions : 64

Xabi Alonso

In his 36 appearances in La Liga last season,

Average Passes Per Game: 78

Pass Accuracy : 88.1%

Number Of Passes ( Successful / Total ) : 2476 / 2809

Chances Created : 65

Assists : 9

Accurate Long Balls Per Game : 9.3

Long Balls ( Successful / Total ) : 336 / 426

Tackles : 109

Interceptions : 81

Xavi

In his 31 appearances in La Liga last season,

Average Passes Per Game: 93.8

Pass Accuracy : 92.4%

Number Of Passes ( Successful / Total ) : 2688 / 2909

Chances Created : 65

Assists : 7

Accurate Long Balls Per Game : 7.1

Long Balls ( Successful / Total ) : 220 / 238

Tackles : 29

Interceptions : 33

Yaya Toure

In his 32 appearances in the Premier League last season,

Average Passes Per Game: 75.6

Pass Accuracy : 90.5%

Number Of Passes ( Successful / Total ) : 2189 / 2419

Chances Created : 54

Assists : 6

Accurate Long Balls Per Game : 5.5

Long Balls ( Successful / Total ) : 176 / 216

Tackles : 55

Interceptions : 39

There are two scenarios of a team playing with a defensive midfielder :

The Pirlo Role

The playmaker in question will sit in front of the back four and look to hit the channels with sweeping long balls. The role is aptly named after in the grand daddy of the position : Andrea Pirlo. He wasn't blessed with pace, but rather immense technical ability. Juventus have played Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal in advanced positions to defend from the front, leaving Pirlo with a lot of time and space on the ball. His work has inspired Arsene Wenger to place Mikel Arteta in this position. And he has excelled. Young Marco Verrati has been touted as Pirlo's successor in the Gli Azzuri, his recent move to French superpower PSG could prove to be his greatest decision, or his biggest mistake.

Partnering A Destroyer

While Xabi Alonso was plying his trade at Liverpool, he had the freedom to express himself while Javier Mascherano took care of the defensive duties. Luka Modric also did the same while Scott Parker swept up in midfield. Gennaro Gattuso destroyed while Andrea Pirlo did what he does best back in their AC Milan days. Even Xavi has Sergio Busquets covering.

Analysing Teams' Start To The Season

ARSENAL

Key Player : Santi Cazorla

Disappointment : Olivier Giroud

Position : 8th

Record :

1 win
2 draws
0 losses

2 goals scored
0 goals conceded

Major Point : 3 straight clean sheets

The Gunners, despite sitting in 8th behind newly promoted West Ham, are confident ahead of the next 35 games. But why? Why would they be upbeat after drawing against Sunderland and Stoke? Enter Steve Bould. The introduction of the former defender has had a serious effect on Arsenal's results. I cannot remember the last time this happened but Arsenal have not conceded in 3 games. At the Brittania and at Anfield, two of some of the toughest venues to go to in the Premier League. Everything the Potters and the Reds threw at them, the men in red dealt with expertly. The only problem is that they haven't hit the net as often as they should. £9.6 million signing Olivier Giroud has started slowly in front of goal, his clever movement has not been compensated with the goals that convinced Wenger to sign him up from Montpellier. But fellow newcomers, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla have started life at the Emirates very well, the duo bagging their first of the season in a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. The diminutive Spaniard has emerged as one of the best players in the league, following in the footsteps of Juan Mata and David Silva. Only time will tell whether the mercurial magician can mastermind Arsenal to their first trophy in 8 years.

CHELSEA

Key Player : Eden Hazard

Disappointment : Ramires and Juan Mata

Position : 1st

Record :

3 wins
0 draws
0 losses

8 goals scored
2 goals conceded

Major Point : Eden Hazard's Start To The Season

The Blues have made a sensational start to the season. Albeit against light opposition, Chelsea have hit the ground running in the new campaign. Eden Hazard setting the league alight in the trequrtista role. Fernando Torres firing on all cylinders. And the back four keeping it tight. The only stutter in Chelsea's blistering start is a 4-1 mauling at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup with Falcao helping himself to a hat trick. Ramires has not replicated his heroics of last season so far with dire performances. And neither has last season's Player Of The Year, Juan Mata. But we are only 3 games in. Anything can happen. Speaking of. What if Torres gets injured? Sturridge will have to step up in a role that he cannot play. Their dream start will quickly become a nightmare. Eden Hazard has picked up 6 assists so far - 2 coming from winning penalties. Fernando Torres has 2 goals in 3 games. Where do Chelsea go from here? We shall find out...

LIVERPOOL

Key Player : Joe Allen

Disappointment : Where Do I Begin?

Position : 18th

Record :

0 wins

1 draw

2 losses

2 goals scored

7 goals conceded

Major Point :

53% average ball possession

52 shots

2 goals

New manager. New players. New style. Same old Liverpool. But the new era has shown glimpses of progress. High pressing. Fluid passing. Everything that Brendan Rodgers is hoping to turn Liverpool FC into. Barcelona Mark II. But an opening day loss at the hands of West Brom, a 3-0 mauling at the Hawthorns, rained criticism upon the Welshman. An encouraging display against champions, Manchester City, where young starlet Raheem Sterling made his full league debut and impressed for the Reds. Leading 2-1 and in cruise control, a loose back pass from early scorer, Martin Skrtel, found Carlos Tevez who rounded Pepe Reina to dramatically equalise. Then came Arsenal. A tactical masterclass from the Gunners secured a 2-0 away win. And once again, the criticism rained upon the team. The only light in this dark start is the emergence of Joe Allen. The new signing brought with Rodgers from former club, Swansea, has been their best player so far. 94.1% pass accuracy. 8 tackles. 1 foul. 10 interceptions. 31 successful long balls out of an attempted 32. Not bad for a player who was plying his trade at Wrexham on loan just 4 years ago. Maybe we are wrong. Maybe the Reds will turn a corner and become the team that Brendan Rodgers wants them to be. Barcelona didn't just play like Barcelona overnight...

MANCHESTER CITY

Key Player : Yaya Toure

Disappointment : David Silva

Position : 4th

Record :

2 wins

1 draw

0 losses

8 goals scored

5 goals conceded

Major Point : 5 goals conceded

The champions had stuttered out of the blocks this year. Compared to last term where 12 goals were shared between Swansea ( 4-0 ), Bolton ( 3-2 ), and Tottenham ( 5-1 ). The Citizens haven't asserted dominance in any of their 3 games this season. The fluidity of their play hasn't expressed yet. But their is still oh so much time left. To think that, arguably, the Premier League's best player, Yaya Toure, was, technically, the worst player in the Barcelona squad is a thought that sends shivers down our spines. 2 goals and 1 assist so far for the Ivorian, but 91.6% pass accuracy, 9 chances created, and 26/31 long ball accuracy, that's really something. On the other hand, David Silva has been lacking in quality so far in this campaign. Remember, this is the player who single handedly masterminded Manchester City's crushing victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford 6-1. The 5 goals conceded is concerning, especially with 3 of them coming at home to Southampton and QPR. What will happen in 2 weeks when Arsenal visit the Etihad? We'll soon find out...

MANCHESTER UNITED

Key Player : Robin Van Persie

Disappointment : Nemanja Vidic

Position : 5th

Record : 

2 wins
0 draws
1 loss

6 goals scored
5 goals conceded

Major Point : Robin Van Persie 4 goals
                        Rafael and Kagawa 1 goal

The Dutchman just can't stop scoring. In whatever shirt he wears. The transfer saga of the window ended with Robin Van Persie jumping ship to Manchester United from Arsenal. The usual armchair assumptions were made. " He will flop like Torres did ". Torres wasn't the best ST in the world when he moved to West London, that's the difference. When RVP was still wearing Arsenal colours, the squad was branded as a one man team, due to his excessive scoring. What they didn't realise was that there is no such thing as a one man team, Arsenal create the chances, Van Persie puts them away, simple. And when you have the BEST STRIKER IN THE WORLD playing up top for your club, he's gonna hit the back of the net a lot more regularly than other frontmen. Well, well, well. It seems as if the one man team accusations have also moved north to Manchester. Of the 6 goals scored by Man United, 4 of them came from Van the man. Could he be the player the Red Devils need to bring the title back to Old Trafford? In the form he is in, I would say so. But to win titles, you need a solid defence. And when your best defender is constantly making mistakes, then you have to say that the back line is faltering. Coming back from a serious injury he sustained against Basel last year, Nemanja Vidic has looked shaky at the back. Man U need him back to seriously challenge for honours. And fast.

TOTTENHAM

Key Player : Moussa Dembele

Disappointment : Gareth Bale

Position : 14th

Record :

0 wins
2 draws
1 loss

3 goals scored
4 goals conceded

Major Point : Luka Modric's Departure

It's all gone quiet at the Lane. 9 months ago, Spurs were a shoe in for top 3, outsiders for title winners, and were playing the most entertaining football in the land thanks to Mansour City reject, Emmanuel Adebayor, getting on the end of the Bale/Lennon combination. Fast forward to the 1st of September and a lot has changed. A lot. However, Tottenham's biggest mistake wasn't the sacking of Harry Redknapp, nor the sale of Rafael Van Der Vaart, it was the sale of Luka Modric. The Croatian playmaker was Tottenham's best player, and his creativity will sorely be missed. I don't think that any of Spurs' acquisitions can step up to the bar the midfielder set, but the Moussa Dembele lad has shown serious potential. His powerful strike to open the scoring against Norwich was just a sample of what the Belgian offers to the team. He should fill in Van Der Vaart's boots with time. Andre Villas Boas has bought well, but sold badly. His reputation in England will take a serious hit should he fail to succeed at Tottenham, the Portuguese needs time, but will Daniel Levy give him enough?

Barcelona Tactics Revealed

Ever wondered what makes the Catalan giants the team they are? Have you ever wanted to see beyond the usual ' pass, pass, pass ' assumption? And find out why Yaya Toure, the Premier League's Xavi, was sold to accommodate a 21 year old Sergio Busquets? Well, wonder no more. I am here to explain how the magnificent Barcelona system works. Every small detail will be covered in this article. From their famous passing game to a libero. Here we go :

Formation

Since Guardiola's arrival in 2008, the Barca structure has been under a lot of change. Team selection, positions, and formations. Here's what the Barcelona team looked like before Pep stepped in :

The attack was spear headed by the famed Holy Trinity : Samuel Eto'o, Thierry Henry, and Lionel Messi. Three of the most deadly forwards on the planet, on the same wavelength, cue defensive destruction.

The midfield was made up of two maestro's in Andres Iniesta and Xavi who will dictate the tempo of the game and will construct attacks. While Yaya Toure will cover the defensive duties as the holding midfielder.

The defence was made up of one of the most under rated players ever to play the game, Gianluca Zambrotta, new signing, Gabriel Milito, patriot, Carles Puyol, and steady eddie, Eric Abidal.

Barcelona finished in 3rd place that season, behind winners, Real Madrid and Villareal in second. 18 points off the title and 10 off second place. Something needed to change.

So Frank Rijkaard was replaced by Barcelona B coach, Josep Guardiola, a club legend who amassed 263 appearances for the club in his 11 years of services in the pivote role in front of the defence.

And this was what he did :

Lionel Messi was relieved of his duties as a right winger, who would cut in to shoot or cross, and was give the false 9 role or the free role. He would not be glued to the last defender and wait for a player to sent him through a la Inzaghi, but he would come in deep to collect the ball and play in other players. This caused havoc for defenders. They couldn't mark him because if they did, they would leave a huge gap in defence for Eto'o or Henry to exploit. They were powerless to stop him.

Gerard Pique was bought back from Manchester United as Guardiola wanted to make the team into a big family. Gerard had the philosophy of Barcelona already drilled into him at his time in La Masia, so it would be a breeze to enter the first team.

Sergio Busquets was promoted from the B team to the first team, replacing Yaya Toure in midfield and given the pivote role.

And we all know what happened next.

Keep Possession

" The one who has the ball is the master of the game "

- Xavi Hernandez

Sensei Xavi is right. There are two purposes to keeping possession for long periods of time : Attacking and Defending.

Attacking

• When you have the ball, you can dictate the tempo of the game.
• You can tire the opposition by making them run all over the park for long periods of time. This leads to lapses in concentration due to physical and mental exhaustion, which leads to goals.

Defending

• If you have the ball, the opponent cannot attack.

Since Pep Guardiola's arrival in 2008, Barcelona has never had less than 50% of possession in a game

High Pressure

Barcelona apply high and intense pressure to get the ball back from the opposition.

• This destroys the opposition physically and mentally. They break their backs to get the ball off Barca, and when they do, they find themselves surrounded by two players hounding them in possession.
• If the ball is won in the opposition's half, then you are around 20m to goal. Instant danger. Winning the ball in your own half. No danger.
• But only pressure them into mistakes. Do not give away silly fouls.

Guardiola installed a rule into his players : the 6 second rule

When they lose possession, they have 6 seconds to get it back. If they don't get it back, they regain their positions.

High Defensive Line

Barcelona aim to play their football inside the opposition's half in every game. Playing a high defensive line :

• Pushes everyone further forward, literally the whole team is in the opponent's half, which compresses the space in which the opponent can play in.
• Offside trap, when Barcelona put intense pressure on defenders, since they are technically deficient, their only option is to knock it out to the frontman. With that high defensive line, 8 out of 10 times the striker will be caught offside.

Look back at the 6 second rule picture and look at how high the defensive line is. At 3 seconds, there is only 1 player in their own half. At 4 seconds, there is 2.

Triangle Passing

Here is an example of Barcelona's triangular passing against Arsenal :

Look at Xavi coming deeper to create another triangle and offer himself as an outlet

There are now more triangles and the players can combine again to get themselves out of the situation

Creating Space

Players have to drift to draw their marker out. This opens up another passing option and another lane.

Example :

Once Xavi has picked up the ball, he instantly moves in the free space in the middle of the park. Pedro makes a quick look to his left to examine the situation around him and sees Dani Alves unmarked on the right side.

Pedro moves in deeper to draw left back Gael Clichy out of position and open up space for Alves to run into.

To this day, I have no idea how Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed that chance. just look at Arsenal's defence's shape,

Libero

Busquets plays a very important role on the pitch. You may not notice, but Busquets is the instigator

Take a look here :

Busquets has dropped from CDM to SW. Here's why :

• Notice how Gerard Pique is already pulling off wide. He is covering for Dani Alves who has read the situation as is already pushing upfield. The reason why Dani Alves is allowed to push up so far upfield is because he has Pique covering him. And Pique has Busquets covering him.

False 9

Messi is not a striker. Messi is not a winger. Messi is not a midfielder. Messi has no set position. That's what makes him so hard to mark he will roam the field, daring defenders to come out of position and mark him. And before you know it the ball is in the back of the net.

Example

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Goal Vs Arsenal

Messi takes a quick look over his shoulder and sees Zlatan making a run in behind him.

 Messi takes two steps forward. TWO STEPS FORWARD. And draws Vermaelen out of his position and creates a gap behind him. Xavi sends a lofted ball over the defence to release Zlatan.

Zlatan now has a lot of time and space to make a decision of where to shoot.

TWO STEPS CREATED ALL OF THIS








Hopefully this piece gave you a greater understanding into the world of Barcelona. Feel free to leave a comment below on what my next post should be. I write for you.

Who Had The Best Premier League Debut? : Shinji Kagawa, Eden Hazard and Santi Cazorla Do Battle

Another summer, another array of talent imported into the Premier League. The fans of clubs around the country await the impact that their new addition will make. An inspired arrival? Or a untimely flop a la Torres? And it all begins with their first step. A debut.

Shinji Kagawa Vs Everton

A £17 million signing from Bundesliga champions, Borrusia Dortmund, Kagawa sent the Manchester United faithful into raptures when his move was completed. The jealousy of the Red Devils missing out on tricky playmaker, Eden Hazard, to rivals, Chel$ea was recouped by the ' Japanese Iniesta '. Here is the positives and negatives from his debut performances against Everton at Goodison Park :

Ball Collection

Given the Number 10 role by Sir Alex Ferguson, Kagawa was given a license to roam the pitch. He moved up top as a secondary striker, he came in deep alongside Scholes and Cleverley to build up attacks, and attempted to create chances from the flanks to aid a tightly marked Antonio Valencia, but focused on the left wing instead.

Attacking Third Impact

His energy in the final third was duly noted. Two passes in the final third to Antonio Valencia. That proved to be one of Kagawa's negatives throughout the game.

Chance Creation

Four chances created in a 90 minute game is a good number.

Unfortunately, Shinji started his Premier League career with the Reds with defeat as Everton triumphed 1-0. But his performance is encouraging to the Manchester United faithful. If they do exist.

Rating : 7.7 / 10

Eden Hazard Vs Wigan

The most expensive transfer so far in this year's window. No surprise coming from the West Londoners. Chelsea secured the services of the mercurial Belgian for a modest fee of £32 million from under the noses of some of Europe's biggest clubs. His first challenge was to overcome a tactically savvy Wigan side, coached by former Blue, Roberto Martinez.

Attacking Third

A pretty pitiful performance in the opposition's danger zone by the young Belgian. The stats speak from themselves. With 50% of his passes going astray, this was a very poor performance by Eden.

Overall Passes

Very low number at 23. And 6 of them going astray. Another terrible stat. Being given the Number 10 role by Di Matteo, Hazard should have been roaming the pitch in search of an opportunity to break the Wigan back three. The reality was far from it.

Chance Creation

1 chance created. 1 assist. Good efficency. Terrible number once again.

Despite Hazard's poor performance, Chelsea came out victorious in the tie, winning 2-0.

Rating : 6 / 10

Santi Cazorla vs Sunderland

Signed for a reported £16 million, Santi Cazorla arrived at North London with a proven pedigree. Masterminding his former club, Malaga, to their highest position in history in 4th place, gifting them a place in this year's Champions League. First up, a seemingly straight forward tie against Sunderland at the Emirates.

Defensive Contribution

Also assigned the Number 10 role, Santi's defensive performance was very good.

Ball Collection

The heat map shows that Cazorla's zone tended to be in the opposition's half, as he rarely dropped deep to create. He was roaming the final third, always demanding possession, right, left, and centre. A serious replacement for Cesc Fabregas.

Chance Creation

7 chances creating is an excellent number. Poor finishing and tight defending prevented Santi from opening his assist account.

Attacking Third

Unlike Kagawa and Hazard, Cazorla focused on every point in the final third. Providing service right, left, and centre.

A park-the-bus performance from Sunderland stalled Arsenal's campaign objectives as the Black Cats escaped with a stalemate at 0-0.

Rating : 8.5 / 10

So it looks like Arsenal's Santi Cazorla wins this round, but with 37 games left in the season, Kagawa and Hazard could easily catch up to the Spaniard.