Who were the standout managers in Premier League matchday 28 and what tactics did they use?

From Oliver Glasner's high-pressing tactics to Nuno Espírito Santo's defensive masterclass, Premier League Matchday 28 of the 2024-25 season showcased managerial strategies that significantly influenced match outcomes. Join us as we delve into the standout tactical approaches employed by top managers this week.

Oliver Glasner's High-Pressing Strategy at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park highlighted Oliver Glasner's effective high-pressing tactics. Under Glasner's guidance, Palace has become one of the most distinct teams in the league, known for their aggressive counter-pressing strategy aimed at immediately regaining possession upon losing it.

Aggressive Counter-Pressing

Palace's approach under Glasner involves a high-pressing unit that applies immediate pressure to regain possession. This tactic has been instrumental in their recent successes, including the narrow win against Ipswich Town.

Effective Utilization of Wing-Backs

Players like Daniel Muñoz have thrived under Glasner's system, transitioning from traditional winger roles to versatile wing-backs. Muñoz's all-action performances exemplify the effectiveness of this tactical shift, contributing both defensively and offensively.

Nuno Espirito Santo's Defensive Masterclass with Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest's 1-0 triumph over Manchester City was a testament to Nuno Espirito Santo's defensive acumen. His strategic setup effectively neutralized City's renowned attacking prowess, leading to a historic victory.

Compact Defensive Formation

Espírito Santo implemented a compact defensive formation that limited Manchester City's space and disrupted their usual fluid passing game. This disciplined approach frustrated City and minimized their goal-scoring opportunities.

Strategic Counter-Attacks

While maintaining defensive solidity, Forest capitalized on counter-attacking opportunities. The decisive goal by Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 83rd minute exemplified this strategy, catching City's defense off-guard.

Arne Slot's Dynamic Offensive Play with Liverpool

Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Southampton showcased Arne Slot's dynamic offensive tactics, emphasizing quick transitions and exploiting defensive gaps.

Quick Transitional Play

Slot's strategy focused on rapid transitions from defense to attack, utilizing the pace of forwards like Darwin Nuñez and Mohamed Salah. This approach led to multiple goal-scoring opportunities, with Nuñez opening the scoring in the 51st minute.

Exploiting Defensive Weaknesses

Liverpool effectively identified and exploited Southampton's defensive vulnerabilities. Salah's goals, both from penalties, resulted from defensive errors under pressure from Liverpool's relentless attack.

Enzo Maresca's Possession-Based Approach at Chelsea

Chelsea's 1-0 win over Leicester City under Enzo Maresca highlighted a possession-based strategy that controlled the game's tempo and minimized opposition threats.

Dominance in Possession

Maresca's philosophy centers on maintaining possession to dictate play. Against Leicester, Chelsea's midfield effectively controlled the ball, reducing Leicester's opportunities to build attacks.

Tactical Adaptability

Facing Leicester's defensive formation, Maresca adjusted Chelsea's tactics to exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities. Marc Cucurella's decisive goal in the 60th minute resulted from such strategic adjustments.

Ruben Amorim's Defensive Resilience with Manchester United

Manchester United's 1-1 draw against Arsenal showcased Ruben Amorim's defensive resilience, employing tactics reminiscent of his idol, José Mourinho.

Deep Defensive Setup

Amorim implemented a deep defensive setup, focusing on absorbing Arsenal's pressure and limiting clear goal-scoring opportunities. This cautious approach frustrated Arsenal, leading to a balanced contest.

Effective Counter-Attacking

While prioritizing defense, United remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Bruno Fernandes' stunning free-kick goal exemplified this strategy, capitalizing on limited but high-quality chances.

What You Need to Know About Premier League Matchday 28 Managers

• Oliver Glasner: Led Crystal Palace to a 1-0 victory over Ipswich with aggressive high-pressing and counter-pressing.
• Nuno Espírito Santo: Masterminded Nottingham Forest's 1-0 win over Manchester City through defensive solidity and strategic counter-attacks.
• Arne Slot: Guided Liverpool to a 3-1 victory over Southampton with quick transitional play and relentless offensive pressure.
• Enzo Maresca: Secured Chelsea's 1-0 win over Leicester by dominating possession and making key tactical adjustments.
• Ruben Amorim: Managed a disciplined defensive display in Manchester United's 1-1 draw against Arsenal.