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Atlanta United Vs New York City FC: 3 things we learned – Pitiful performance

By Josh Bouland

BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Heber #9 of New York City with arms raised to fans as he celebrates with teammates scoring a goal in the 2nd half of the the MLS match between New York City FC and Atlanta United at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2019 in the Bronx Borough of NY, USA. NYCFC won the match with a score of 4 to 1 and clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Heber #9 of New York City with arms raised to fans as he celebrates with teammates scoring a goal in the 2nd half of the the MLS match between New York City FC and Atlanta United at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2019 in the Bronx Borough of NY, USA. NYCFC won the match with a score of 4 to 1 and clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 21: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez (7) lays on the sideline in pain after trying to re-enter the game after getting injured, but could not continue to play during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Atlanta United FC on September 21st, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 21: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez (7) lays on the sideline in pain after trying to re-enter the game after getting injured, but could not continue to play during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Atlanta United FC on September 21st, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Missing key players

The biggest storyline heading into Wednesday night’s match was the absence of Atlanta’s star,, Josef Martinez. However, head coach Frank de Boer decided to rotate a significant portion of the line-up in addition to the striker position, creating an interesting set of problems.

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Brandon Vazquez slotted in for Josef, playing up top with Pity Martinez (who started in his usual spot). Julian Gressel started on the bench, most likely because of the knock he took against San Jose just four days prior and because the pitch at Yankee Stadium is narrow, giving Gressel less width to work with. Franco Escobar played in place of Gressel, while Hector Villalba replaced Justin Meram at left wing-back. With Escobar on the right, that pushed Leandro Gonzalez Pirez out to right center-back, which allowed Florentin Pogba to start at left center-back.

The biggest issue with the formation, which is still a 3-5-2, is where Villalba plays. He is right-footed, so naturally, he will drift inside to shoot or pass with his dominant foot. The problem with this is the congestion it causes in the middle of the pitch. With Villalba in the middle, along with Pity and Vazquez, players clog that part of the field while also leaving the left flank (and Gonzalez Pirez) exposed. When possession would inevitably turn over in midfield, New York were left with a fairly easy counter-attack, preying on a sloppy and unprotected Gonzalez Pirez.

De Boer’s substitutions did little to help the situation. Mo Adams subbed on for Eric Remedi, who came close to receiving a second yellow on the night. Meram subbed on for Villalba but didn’t touch the ball for a whole three minutes after entering the game. Dion Perreira subbed on for Escobar but made no difference in the end.

Despite missing their best player, Atlanta showed they have bigger personnel problems to deal with, and at a less than ideal time as well.

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