Following a poor start to their first ever MLS campaign, New York City FC have had an upturn in fortunes recently, collecting three consecutive wins, most recently a victory over Toronto FC. It’s no coincidence that this turnaround has come at the time of a change in system for Jason Kreis, whose team is performing considerably better than in the build-up to the first derby.
Before the first matchup, in which the Red Bulls emerged victorious with a 2-1 win thanks to a brace from Bradley Wright-Phillips, I noted some deficiencies in the NYCFC system, one of which was evident in the build-up to the first goal. Their lack of coordination and defensive synergy was on display as Sacha Kljestan was given the freedom in the half-space due to a lack of understanding between David Villa and Ned Grabavoy. From this position, Kljestan relayed the ball onto Lloyd Sam who beat his full-back to assist an open Wright-Phillips in the center with a cross.
A diagram from my match analysis on Spielverlagerung, depicting the issues with NYCFC's organization in the build-up to the first goal.
However, there has been a system change at Yankee Stadium, which has proven to benefit NYCFC, after picking up three wins in their last three outings.
There hasn’t been a drastic change in formation, however the effects of a newer 4-1-4-1 shape in comparison to the rigid 4-4-2 are much more telling. As opposed to the flat 4-4-2 with Andrew Jacobson and Mix Diskerud level like the two forwards, Jacobson is now clearly the deepest, forming a midfield triangle with Grabavoy and Diskerud at the highest point. This leaves a lone striker in Villa, though he is supported well by Diskerud and the two wide players who are also situationally lopsided to create an asymmetrical shape.
Improved Attacking Synergy and Staggering the Midfield
One of the key issues in New York City’s weak start in MLS was their lack of synergy between the team, especially in attack. This came as no surprise considering it was a newly-formed squad, but it has improved naturally as the season has progressed. The new system, however, has definitely helped in this development.
A key feature which has facilitated the improved synergy is the better staggering in midfield. As opposed to the flat midfield of the 4-4-2, the positions of Jacobson, Diskerud and Grabavoy have better variation both horizontally and vertically. With players on different vertical lines, the ability to create better passing angles and general positional superiority is increased. This is definitely a factor in their improved combinations too – previously they would attempt combinations, but fail often on the third pass. However, they threaten in these situations more with the improved passing angles and extra man in midfield.
More of a simple factor in NYCFC’s improvements is the pure fact that they have played longer with each other. In the month-and-a-half since the Red Bulls won the derby, NYCFC have developed their understanding between each other and have benefited as a result.
Little Change in Defense
Despite the changes in formation, NYCFC still adopt the same shape in defensive organization. Situationally it does change into a 4-3-2-1 shape with the two central midfielders pushing up to support the lone striker, but this is only in occasional pressing scenarios.
With the situational 4-3-2-1, New York City FC can theoretically enforce a higher central press when the ball is in a deeper stage of development. However, there is the potential for issues to arise beyond the press if it is beaten, which is probably why it isn’t a common sight for NYCFC against the ball.
Much like their possession game, the NYCFC have developed a better understanding which has allowed them to be much more stable against sides such as Toronto FC, who possess one of the league’s best players in Sebastian Giovinco.
With their improved synergy in defense, their ability to possess the ball has improved greatly since the start of the season. Although there are still some underlying issues such as their shape and orientation of that shape, the once serious issues out of possession are less harmful. Some of these issues are still present, but certainly to a lesser degree.
In the 4-4-2, NYCFC possess some of the most common issues of teams who utilize the standard variation of this shape, such as the space open between the lines. Although they have improved their staggering in possession, this is still an issue without the ball. As a result, there is frequently space between the midfield and defense which can be taken advantage of.
This is further emphasized during the situational lack of access in their press. Although they have improved, there are still coordination issues and it’s during these moments at which they are most vulnerable.
Conclusion
The New York Red Bulls ended their losing streak with a win over Real Salt Lake after a first-half goal from Mike Grella. It was an impressive performance. Jesse Marsch started young players such as Anatole Abang, which made for an attacking lineup as Wright-Phillips was moved to the left side. The change-up worked to great effect as the Red Bulls dominated Real Salt Lake and could have easily ended the game with more than the one goal from Grella.
They will be looking to continue this momentum at Yankee Stadium for the next edition of the budding rivalry, which seems the perfect game to continue their momentum. Although their opposition have improved since the last meeting, Marsch will be confident of keeping the Red Bulls’ perfect record in the derby after an effective display against Real Salt Lake.
Tom Payne is an analyst and writer for Spielverlagerung(@spielvercom) - a football tactics website focusing on match and team analysis. You can follow him on Twitter at @tompayneftbl.
