25 Jun Do LALIGA EA SPORTS Teams Change Their Position on the Field When Winning or Losing? A Detailed Analysis of the 2023/24 Season
Do LALIGA EA SPORTS Teams Change Their Position on the Field When Winning or Losing? A Detailed Analysis of the 2023/24 Season
Abstract
This study analyzes the positional adjustments of LALIGA EA SPORTS teams during the 2023/24 season, focusing on the changes in field positions when teams are winning or losing. The analysis is based on detailed metrics including positional width, filtered centroid, and positional depth in both offensive and defensive phases. Statistical significance was assessed using paired t-tests, revealing key insights into tactical adaptations.
Introduction
Football teams often adjust their strategies based on the game situation. Understanding these adjustments can provide valuable insights into tactical planning and execution. This study aims to analyze how LALIGA EA SPORTS teams change their field positions when they are winning or losing. The analysis focuses on three key metrics: positional width, filtered centroid, and positional depth, examined in both offensive and defensive phases.
Methodology
Data for the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season were collected and analyzed. Each team’s positional data were categorized into minutes spent winning, losing, and the total average. The study employed paired t-tests to determine the statistical significance of the differences observed.
Results
1. Positional Width
Offensive Phase
When winning, teams tend to reduce their width in the opponent’s field, adopting a more conservative approach. For example, FC Barcelona decreases their width with possession by 8.11%. This tactic likely aims to avoid losing possession in dangerous areas and maintain more secure ball control.
Defensive Phase
Teams also reduce their width in their own field when winning. Atlético de Madrid reduces their width in their own field by 4.81%. This helps maintain a more compact formation, making it harder for the opposing team to penetrate.
2. Filtered Centroid
Offensive Phase
Teams show a less advanced offensive centroid when winning. Cádiz CF reduces their offensive centroid in the opponent’s field by 5.66%. This adjustment may indicate a lower risk in attack and a greater priority on ball possession.
Defensive Phase
The defensive centroid is closer to their own goal when winning. Athletic Club increases their defensive centroid in their own field by 11.26%. This reflects a more solid defensive approach, with players retreating more to protect the lead.
3. Positional Depth
Offensive Phase
Positional depth in the opponent’s field is generally less when teams are winning. However, contrary to the general trend, Girona FC increases their depth in the opponent’s field by 2.54%. This adjustment can help maintain pressure on the opponent while protecting the lead.
Defensive Phase
Teams retreat more into their own field when winning. FC Barcelona adjusts their depth in their own field by 0.94%. Although the change is small, it helps maintain a more compact defensive formation.
Discussion
The analysis reveals that LALIGA EA SPORTS teams significantly adjust their field positions based on whether they are winning or losing. A general trend towards a more defensive stance when winning is observed, with teams reducing their positional width, moving the defensive line closer to their own goal, and adjusting their depth in both defensive and offensive phases.
These adjustments appear to be aimed at maintaining the lead by adopting a more conservative and compact formation. However, this strategy might also invite pressure from the opposing team, potentially increasing the risk of conceding a goal.
Conclusion
LALIGA EA SPORTS teams exhibit significant tactical adaptations in response to their game status. The study highlights the importance of these adjustments in maintaining competitive advantage. Future research could explore the impact of these positional changes on overall team performance and outcomes.