United’s superior tackling the main difference at Old Trafford?
Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool this weekend was hardly a classic – it was a mundane, scrappy game producing few chances. Indeed, it is exactly the sort of victory United always achieve at this time of the season – picking up results without playing well.
But in this type of match, football often comes down to doing the basics well. This was not a match characterised by superb long-range passes or lightning counter-attacks, but by individual battles on the pitch.
And therefore, the tackle success ratios from both sides made for interesting reading. Manchester United’s was 63%, Liverpool’s just 48%. Not an enormous difference, but potentially crucial in a tight game such at this one.
This Chalkboard details where the tackles were won and lost:
United’s superior tackling the main difference at Old Trafford?
This also backs up the argument that the fact that United have lost their last three meetings with Liverpool without Fletcher and win as soon as he comes back into the team is not a coincidence.
you are right.. the fact that liverpool are having the worst season in 8 years has nothing to do with it, just fletcher.
I think the tackling shows Liverpool’s hesitance in possession. Look at how many times they lost duels (or Man Utd won tackles)in their own half, a sure sign they couldn’t distribute well, playing out of the back.
Ahhh, but dear sir, you made the classic mistake of not clicking on things to see what the represent. These numbers also include dribbles headers. If you check you will find the numbers to be
MUFC: 19/6
LFC: 19/10
Dribbles headers?
Hmm… should have been “dribbles AND headers”
I may have misread this, but it would appear Lucas won all his challenges.