Goal Analysis: Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic Community Shield 2013

After the analysis presented in the previous post regarding the Community Shield Final 2013, in this post we take a look at how the two goals were scored in the Final by Robin Van Persie; we take a look at the offensive and defensive side of the two teams. 

Highlights for the game are available here.

1st Goal: Robin Van Persie (6th minute, Assited by Patrice Evra)

Robin Van Persie started where he left off last season by opening the scoring for Manchester United with a brilliant late run in the box and a precisely placed header.

Initially, we take a look at the clever positioning of Ryan Giggs and how he manages to double-up as he makes a run in to the box. 

Veteran positioning from the Veteran Giggs

Offensive Side:

The placing of Ryan Giggs(highlighted) in this frame displays how he manages to deploy himself in the perfect Advanced midfielder position. The ball comes from the Right side which Giggs lays-off to the other side to RvP.

Defensive Side:

Defensively, the three players in the center of midfield for Wigan Athletic do not pick up Ryan Giggs or press up the passer to intercept or delay the pass. The next frame will show how openly ball is given to RvP who then passes it swiftly to the other side. 

United galloping forward towards the goal

 

Now, because of Wigan's non existing pressing or covering up, this frame displays that attackers are more than defenders in the Wigan box. RvP is still not in the frame as he has given the pass away to Patrice Evra and now is making the run in to the box anticipating a pin-point cross from the left-back which is duly delivered by Evra.

RvP's brilliance

Now RvP has made the run parallel to the cross struck by Patrice Evra, and the Wigan defense looks in absolute shambles with no one covering either of the United attackers. RvP gets almost a free run, then a free header to place the ball superbly to the side of the goal-keeper. 

Offensive Brilliance: 

• Ryan Giggs: laying the ball-off, getting into the box and allowing RvP to be given more space and time.
• Robin van Persie: Pass to the flank and make the run into the box, Typical CF play, typical RvP goal.

Defensive Liability:

• Non-existent Pressing and covering from Wigan Midfield
• No one covering or going with RvP's late run
• No defender covering up the United attackers in the box giving free headers to at least three player; one of them scored.

2nd Goal Robin Van Persie (59th minute, assisted by Danny Welbeck)

This was lucky for RvP but he surely deserved it as he looked threatening the entire game. Nice build-up play again by United with Ryan Giggs involved in it once again, this time while the Wigan defense was back in numbers they were still lacking the pressing or covering up necessary to stop the intricate passing inside the box and/or blocking the shots coming in. 

Easy build up from United

Offensive Side:

 

Ample space was once again given by the Wigan midfield to the United attackers to move in to; and Giggs with all the experience he has was not going to miss out on such shortcomings; once again the pass coming from the flank, this time the left flank, and Giggs easily moving into the space to gather the ball. Danny Welbeck then dropped down in the space behind the defense and easily retained possession before passing to RvP who took a shot which deflected in to the back of the net. 

In the frame below we can see the Wigan defense trying to make a line to block the shot but no one is willing to press Danny Welbeck in to an error or to find a time to initiate an interception or a tackle.

Welbeck not pressurized; easily dealt!

Defensive Side: 

Once again the midfield is no where to be seen nor the flank-protectors stop the pass from coming in; although there are enough defenders back but still United find it very easy to maneuver the ball in and around the area. With so many players back but no one pressing a powerful shot was due to be deflected; away or towards goal was any one's guess; unluckily for Wigan ball deflected towards goal and RvP was celebrating his second of the night.

RvP asking for the ball, Welbeck obliging

Here is another angle showing the player's positioning with one player ball-watching while the others are backing off; even Welbeck could have taken a turn and fired in a shot and possibly would have had a goal. He did made the right decision and put it on RvP's strong foot and then it flew in off the deflection. 

United once again with numbers in the box

This is how Wigan were lined up when RvP got the ball, once again three players in red shirt were not marked; while three Wigan players were marking or pressing no one. RvP took the shot and got his just reward.

Deflection leaves the goalkeeper bamboozled

Player marked with the blue circle tried to block the shot; but instead of the ball going wide it went in and United were 2 up and cruising towards lifting their 20th Shield triumph. 

Offensive Brilliance:

• Ryan Giggs: Once again involved in the attack; again providing a decoy run this time to assist Danny Welbeck.
• Danny Welbeck: Holding to the ball, retaining possession and then providing RvP a pin-point pass to try a shot with his stronger foot.
• Robin van Persie: The difference once again; as this time his instincts got him the goal rather than a brilliant run in the box, his instincts are as good as his skills.

Defensive Liability:

• Doubling-up without real intent of getting the ball.
• Non-existing midfield once again.
• No pressing towards the ball and no tackling to get the ball.
• Poor positioning to get the ball.

Verdict:

Manchester United: 

Final verdict for United is to get a deep lying play-maker and for them to win the EPL this season they need to have RvP firing all season long.

Wigan Athletic: 

For Wigan Athletic defensive liabilities are evident and if they are thinking of jumping right back in to the big league; they need to sort it out before it is too late. Also the midfield of McCarthy and McArthur seem to have their minds placed some where else.