Three at the back is the key to beating Leeds United and Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has just gifted the rest of the Championship a blueprint.
The Addicks registered a 1-0 win over the Whites at The Valley on Saturday afternoon after a deflected, messy goal from Macauley Bonne.
As with the majority of United’s fixtures this season, the opposition sought to frustrate and restrict with most of their players behind the ball, defending their box.
After the game, former United midfielder Bowyer lifted the lid on his gameplan and what he had learned was Marcelo Bielsa’s Achilles heel.
“The game plan was to try and start with four at the back and then try and press them to win it high, but because of the way they play out, they’re a top side,” he said.
“So, we could never really set ourselves for the press, but we went to the back three, which was always going to be the plan once we hit 20 minutes.
“I’ve been watching a lot of games and they struggle against a back three. They don’t create as many chances.
“That paid off because we restricted them.”
The visitors had 72 per cent of possession in the capital and shot on goal 19 times compared with the hosts’ three efforts.
However, Bowyer felt his team were more than deserving of the three points.
“To beat, for me, the best team in the league is an amazing achievement,” he said.
“I thought we deserved it. Obviously we’re going to be under a bit of pressure at times.
“Everyone Leeds play against are under pressure: how quickly they move the ball, how quickly they break on you.
“I knew it was going to be tough, but we held our own. Tactically, we got it spot on from start to finish.
“We’ve got a group of players that put their bodies on the line time and time again. I say this so much about my players, but it’s the truth and I can’t praise them any more.
“They’re a group that just never say die.”
