In May 2022, Roy Hodgson, the seasoned English football manager, announced his retirement after an illustrious career. Having managed some of the most prestigious teams, including Malmö FF, Inter Milan, Blackburn Rovers, Finland, Switzerland, Fulham, Liverpool, and England, he left a significant mark on the football world. However, retirement was not the end for Hodgson, as Crystal Palace brought him back into the spotlight during the 2022-23 season. The classic 4-4-2 formation became the bedrock of his tactical approach, a formation that he had successfully employed throughout his managerial career. In this setup, the team’s shape remained compact and organized, allowing for defensive solidity and quick transitions in attack.
In this article, we will delve into Hodgson’s tactical approach at Crystal Palace, exploring his style, formation, preferred line-up, attacking and defensive strategies, directness, and overall approach to the game. Hodgson took over after Patrick Vieira was sacked.
Crystal Palace : Defensive Stability and Tactical Organization
When Roy Hodgson returned to Crystal Palace in March, the team was in a precarious position, hovering just above the relegation zone. One of Hodgson’s immediate priorities was to bring defensive stability and tactical organization to the squad. He implemented a pragmatic and disciplined playing style, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation. The two holding midfielders, typically Cheick Doucouré and Jeffrey Schlupp, provided a solid shield for the backline, while the defensive line operated with greater compactness.
Hodgson’s emphasis on collective defending and well-coordinated positional play quickly made Crystal Palace a more resolute and difficult team to break down. Players displayed improved communication and cohesion, ensuring that the defensive lines remained well-connected and capable of dealing with opposition attacks effectively. The results were evident, with fewer goals conceded and a newfound sense of confidence at the back.
Crystal Palace Attacking Fluidity and Creative Freedom
Contrary to his reputation as a defensively-minded manager, Hodgson encouraged attacking fluidity and creative freedom in his players. A key factor in Crystal Palace’s attacking resurgence was the reintroduction of Eberechi Eze as the attacking midfielder in the 4-2-3-1 setup. Eze’s role provided him with the freedom to roam and express himself creatively, forging a dynamic attacking quartet alongside wingers Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha, and striker Jordan Ayew. Hodgson’s tactical approach struck a fine balance between defensive stability and attacking flair, empowering the players to showcase their individual talents while maintaining a structured and cohesive offensive system. The increased attacking impetus resulted in more goals scored and a greater attacking threat from Crystal Palace.
The players displayed a better understanding of each other’s movements, resulting in improved link-up play and goal-scoring opportunities. Eze’s presence as the creative hub in midfield facilitated swift and incisive attacks, as he provided key passes and made intelligent runs to unlock opposition defences. Hodgson’s tactical emphasis on vertical passing and direct play allowed Crystal Palace to exploit spaces behind the opposition defence, leading to an increased threat in front of goal. The players’ quick decision-making and ability to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defensive structure showcased the effectiveness of Hodgson’s tactical instructions.
Efficient Transition Play and Directness
Under Hodgson’s guidance, Crystal Palace demonstrated a more efficient transition play and increased directness in their attacks. The team capitalized on quick counter-attacking opportunities, utilizing the pace and skill of players like Zaha and Olise to trouble opposition defenses. Eze’s presence as the creative hub in midfield facilitated swift and incisive attacks, as he provided key passes and made intelligent runs to unlock defenses. Hodgson’s tactical emphasis on vertical passing and direct play allowed Crystal Palace to exploit spaces behind the opposition defense, leading to an increased threat in front of goal.
The players’ quick decision-making and ability to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defensive structure showcased the effectiveness of Hodgson’s tactical instructions. The reintroduction of Eze to the starting line-up proved to be a pivotal move. Operating as the attacking midfielder in the 4-2-3-1 formation, Eze had the freedom to roam and express himself creatively, forming a dynamic attacking quartet alongside wingers Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha, and striker Jordan Ayew. Hodgson’s tactical approach allowed the players to showcase their individual talents while maintaining a structured and cohesive offensive system. The team displayed a greater understanding of each other’s movements, resulting in improved link-up play and goal-scoring opportunities.
Palace High Press and Compact Defensive Block
Hodgson’s tactical acumen was evident in Crystal Palace’s defensive strategy, which combined a well-structured high press with a compact defensive block. The team’s pressing intensity increased under Hodgson, forcing opponents into making hurried decisions and committing turnovers in dangerous areas. The midfielders and wingers worked in tandem to apply pressure and win back possession in advanced areas, disrupting the opposition’s build-up play. When pressing was not feasible, Crystal Palace seamlessly transitioned into a disciplined 4-5-1 defensive shape. This allowed the team to maintain compactness in central areas and deny space for the opposition to exploit. Hodgson’s emphasis on team cohesion and defensive discipline laid the foundation for Crystal Palace’s improved defensive performances, making them a more resilient and challenging team to face.
The increased pressing intensity and defensive compactness limited the opposition’s ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, resulting in fewer shots faced and a reduced number of goals conceded. Crystal Palace’s defensive resilience was evident in their ability to hold onto leads and secure vital points during crucial stages of the season. The team’s collective commitment to defensive duties under Hodgson’s guidance played a significant role in their successful bid to avoid relegation. The high press and compact defensive block also facilitated quick transitions into attack, allowing Crystal Palace to capitalize on turnovers and catch opponents off guard. This tactical flexibility showcased Hodgson’s ability to adapt to different situations and make the most of his players’ strengths. The players’ willingness to buy into Hodgson’s tactical approach and execute his game plan with precision contributed to Crystal Palace’s defensive solidity and overall improvement as a team.
In a stroke of managerial brilliance, Roy Hodgson orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Crystal Palace. With a strategic focus on defensive solidity, attacking flair, and efficient transitions, Hodgson’s impact was evident in the team’s improved performances and results. The future looks brighter for the Eagles, and they can rest assured that Premier League football will be gracing Selhurst Park once more. Bravo, Hodgson!
Catch you in the next one.