How Leicester’s tactical flexibility bodes well for the future

I mentioned earlier that Leicester City implemented a 3-5-1-1 formation, but out of possession it was most definitely a 3-4-3. To facilitate this, the Foxes needed two players flexible enough to play a couple of different positions throughout the game. Up stepped James Maddison and Christian Fuchs, the former slotted into the left-wing position inside the 3-4-3 – with Dennis Praet shifting into right-wing, helping Harvey Barnes through the middle.

In defence, Fuchs was initially deployed as the left centre-back in a three – a position he’s starting to own, purely due to his reading of the game and the slight lack of pace making him struggle as the full-back. However, in transitions, Leicester City needed the full-backs to push high and provide width – meaning Fuchs slotted into the left-back role to allow James Justin to flourish in an attacking sense. Both played unsung hero roles yesterday and deserve recognition.

Finally, Rodgers deserves a lot of credit. I think he’s one of the best managers in the world for getting his game plan correct prior to a fixture.  I’ve questioned his in-game adaptions, substitutions, and other decisions, but he got everything correct against Arsenal. This is another system and formation that he’s added to the Leicester City portfolio, which is drastically growing with every passing fixture.

I think this is extremely important and bodes well for the future of th

is season. Having a multitude of different formations that Leicester City feel comfortable playing in, will allow consistent adjustments depending on the fixture – with a European escapade, and three cup competitions this season, there’s a wide variety of matches all with different requirements.

The Foxes are starting to build a reputation of being “giant killers” after good wins away at Manchester City and Arsenal already this season, but are struggling to bypass “lower” tier opposition at home. Once Rodgers understands the formula to beat these sorts of teams, Leicester will be a very difficult side to outplay this season.