Game of Chess: Liverpool vs Totenham Hotspurs Post-Match Analysis

Courtesy: getty images

Liverpool started the match with a 4-3-3 formation and shifted to a 4-4-2 with posesion as Firmino dropped deep to help the midfield. On the other hand, Spurs lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and shifted to a 2-3-5 with possession. This tactic is mostly used by Manchester City as the fullbacks play in the midfield(inverted fullbacks)  while the attacking midfielders play in the half-spaces.

Images courtesy: BT Sport

Things went on a mess when Sissoko appeared to have handled the ball by his upper arm. According to Supersport  analysts, the ball appeared to have hit his armpit then on his arm. It was a ruthless decision from the referee because the match was just 30 seconds only and he awarded a penalty to Liverpool.

Spurs dominated the match but failed to score. They lacked creativity in the opponent's third. They played well in the first half but things went wrong on the second.  Spurs dropped the 2-3-5 formation and played a 4-4-2 formation. This gave chance Liverpool to build up their game play and launch dangerous attacks.

Here are the things Tottenham Hotspurs did to reduce Liverpool's dominance:

1. Played the game from the back.
This attracted Liverpool's forwards to press Spurs high on the pitch this leaving a space behind for the inverted Spur's fullbacks to build up their play.

2. Quick one touch passes.
Tottenham played one touch passes which helped them to break the intact midfield.

3. Long balls.
When Spurs were in possession, Liverpool pressed them higher on the pitch. This forced Spurs to play long balls which oftenly found Liverpool's defenders out of their positions.

Those were the main weapons used by Tottenham in order to eradicate Liverpool's dominance in the UCL finals. Indeed Spurs played well but lacked attack completion. Congratulations to Liverpool for winning the Champions League! To the Spurs side, losing is learning and there is always another chance.