Rule changes &VAR have impacted set plays, where man-to-man contact from the defending team with shirt pulling and blocking can be viewed and deemed a penalty.
Teams have moved to heavy-based zonal marking. The problem with zonal marking, it leaves players and space free.
If you want to know more on the numbers game on corners watch this....
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Heavy zonal marking takes place in the 6 yard box. Why? Defending teams can't be outnumbered so close to goal.
Which in turn leaves space elsewhere, the second 6- yard box is lightly populated and open to exploitation.
Which in turn leaves space elsewhere, the second 6- yard box is lightly populated and open to exploitation.
Heavy zonal marking leaves the edge of the box light.
Forest have had problems with this over course of the season.
Forest have had problems with this over course of the season.
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Man City were light on the edge of the box, which cost them.
Take players out of this 6-yard box to fill more areas, and teams will target the most dangerous space that you can leave.
Brighton give up any numerical advantage at the back post to place two markers on Gabriel (and leave three up!)
Brighton give up any numerical advantage at the back post to place two markers on Gabriel (and leave three up!)
And even with heavy zonal marking in the 6-yard box, teams are finding a way to outnumber the defending team in one area of it.
Arsenal, have been and are the prime example, but all teams identify the low-populated areas of the 6-yard box.
Arsenal, have been and are the prime example, but all teams identify the low-populated areas of the 6-yard box.
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So, what is the answer for defending teams?
The truth is, there isn't one.
There will always be a spatial or numerical advantage for the attacking team.
Gone are the days of players on the post, defending teams can't afford that luxury.
The truth is, there isn't one.
There will always be a spatial or numerical advantage for the attacking team.
Gone are the days of players on the post, defending teams can't afford that luxury.
VAR has took away the grappling and manhandling that was used by defenders and with analysis and the improved delivery, the favour has been swung to the attacking team.
So why the complaints? VAR is allowing for more goals, isn't that what we all want?
Yes and no. With throw-ins now taking an age to take alongside corner routines, does a clock need to be put on the taking of a set-play? Or do we introduce a ball in play clock?
Yes and no. With throw-ins now taking an age to take alongside corner routines, does a clock need to be put on the taking of a set-play? Or do we introduce a ball in play clock?
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