Why defenders are taking goal kicks

Manchester United made a subtle difference to their approach during their recent 3-2 loss to Arsenal in the Premier League. The game seen Lisandro Martinez taking goal kicks back to David De Gea, to have him begin the phase of play.

There has been a quiet rise of defenders taking goal kicks this season, but what is the benefit of this and how does it have an affect on the game state? Jon Mackenzie is here to discuss this approach and his favourite subject - pressing!

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[MMiniprize]

Good to know my inability to take goal kicks when I was 10 was actually a strategic masterpiece ahead of its time..

[jakezxz]

It's really quite fascinating that there is this much to learn from such a small 5 yard pass - Football really has many layers!

[andydavies]

I noticed this in their first leg league Cup semi final against Forest. The ball being at the keeper's feet in the box, rather than at a defender's feet in the box, seemed to put Forest off from pressing. Weird

[claywandera]

this analysis make u not just watch the game for the sake of it by watch a puzzle being solved in satisfying but yet methodical whist the process being intriguing and enigmatic especially when both sides are tactical and intelligent
thanks for these pieces @tifo and all the lads who contribute to this content

[snakeman]

never thought about it this way it infuriated me so much when they united kept doing that as in the game vs brentford and arsenal it backfired but now it really seems more so an issue with the players rather than the setup if the press works for the oppposition

[Deehydrate]

Can we get a tactical Overview of Anthony Martials role under ten Hag? A lot of people think he is lazy because they dont see his runs without the ball

[lankrah]

This same strategy was used in the Brentford game that United lost 4-0. Since then, Ten Hag abandoned it for a bit. Appears he's bringing it back.

[Chris-zsfd]

Eeeexcellent video Jon, I really enjoyed a tiny detail being expanded like this. I normally struggle to engage myself in tactics videos, but this one I was engaged with from the beginning :)

[leftbeef]

Somebody I'd said this already but tifo always makes videos of stuff I never think about but I'm glad I know now.

[Soulsbyproductions]

Would love a video on why any top teams have been monitoring Gordon. Is this just a home grown thing or do the stats add up to much

[sharkdom]

The old school answer to this question used to be " because the keeper can't kick it far enough"

[gluestix]

finally a manager under which people like Tifo make tactical videos about MUFC. so glad to have ETH at the wheel

[jonnynsofor]

Great video! I’ve noticed Arsenal passing straight back to the Ramsdale from kick off a lot and I think it’s for a similar reason of the unpredictable ability to go to either side.

[AA-srmr]

I have to say it, these videos are the most incredible and knowledgable football content I've ever seen, thanks so much guys. I love it

[silasbirdsell]

Really excellent explanation of a small detail in the game. I think this really brings us closer to the level of analysis which is being used by professionals within the game

[akamiguelsanchez]

What I really appreciate about TIFO/The Athletic is how they always explain quite niche concepts or statistics in inclusive ways

[chetk]

Learnt more from this than most other commentators who just babble on about random tactics they just make up!

[somendrajadon]

Good explanation. Although the entire point could've been conveyed in 3-4 min max

[grandtechnical]

Great explanation! However - what's to stop the keeper passing to Martinez, therefore initiating Arsenal's press on that side, who passes it straight back to De Gea so he can then flip it immediately to the other side?

[jameslock]

I noticed this today on the Arsenal v city game. Makes so much sense now