Final third
This area is one of importance as it demonstrates the capability of sides to get into the opposition’s defensive zone; therefore highlighting the extent to which a side is able to put themselves in position to create (and execute) chances. There are two areas which we can look at here: final third entries and then final third passing:
As we can see, City have increased their number of final third entries during their recent run of poor results (up from 65 to 69.5 per game) – suggesting, if anything, that their build-up play has shown no signs of faltering.
During this time, City have also increased their number of passing attempts in the final third by 8.59 per game – a not inconsiderable figure – from 163.16 to 171.75: reflecting their increased ability to get into the final third. However, and despite these increased numbers, their final third completions have only increased from 125.5 to 127.37 (1.87) per game, someway short of the increase in numbers of attempts and has seen their completion % fall from 76.92% to 74.16% (and reducing their season total figure):
This fall in passing completion is also reflected in the number of chances City have actually created, their total dropping from 17.66 to 16.25 (1.41) – still among the élite in the Premier League but indicative perhaps of them (backed up by the lower pass completion) not quite being as efficient or clinical in the areas that matter.
Next Page: Man City Shooting analysis…
