Anmol
Despite having soccer greats like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez on their roster, the recent game between Atlanta United and Inter Miami served as a sobering reminder of the difficulties facing the Herons.
The 3-1 victory of Atlanta versus Inter Miami at Chase Stadium brought to light serious problems for the Miami club, especially with regard to attacking production and consistency.
This is a detailed analysis of the events that took place during the match and its wider ramifications for Inter Miami.
After being winless in their previous ten games, Atlanta United overcame Inter Miami, forcing the home crowd to leave before the 75th minute.
Even with Messi, Suárez, and Sergio Busquets returning in the starting lineup, Inter Miami was unable to muster any attacking momentum.
The team’s total expected goals (xG) for the entire game was a pitiful 0.64, and they managed just seven shots in the second half.
Messi and Suárez, with xG scores of 0.18 and 0.26, respectively, were unable to have a notable effect.
Inter Miami’s Offensive Struggles and Consistency Issues
Against Atlanta, Inter Miami, who had previously in the season displayed a promising offensive surge, seemed lifeless.
As the postseason draws near, this inconsistency makes one worry about their performance. With 19 goals in five MLS games between April 14 and May 12, the squad raced to the top of the standings.
But the recent slump in performance, which includes four goals in the previous five games, is concerning.
Miami failed to penetrate a well-organized defense in their previous game, a close 1-0 victory over D.C. United, and needed a late goal from Leonardo Campana to seal the victory.
This was in stark contrast to their previous 3-1 triumph over the same team in March, when Miami demonstrated a strong and well-organized offensive.
Atlanta took advantage of Miami’s defensive errors, scoring twice through Saba Lobjanidze and once more through Jamal Thiare following Messi’s equalizer.
Messi’s first club loss since Barcelona’s May 2021 loss to Celta Vigo, when he scored, occurred in this encounter. Concerns are still raised about Inter Miami’s defensive play, especially when things get tight.
Tactical Adjustments and Player Utilization
While acknowledging the team’s advantageous circumstances before the game, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino also saw the need for improved consistency and tactical modifications.
Miami was unable to take use of their depth even with a strong bench that included players like Leonardo Campana, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Matías Rojas.
GOLAZO del capitán para acercarnos en el marcador 💥⁰#VamosMiami! pic.twitter.com/4nyf4Gc26o
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 30, 2024
Martino’s rotational approach hasn’t always worked well, particularly when the timetable is busy. For example, the squad has performed particularly poorly in midweek games, winning just one of the six this season.
This pattern implies that Miami has trouble keeping up with the physical demands of a busy schedule and load management.
With 34 points from 17 games, Inter Miami now sits atop the Eastern Conference standings, a considerable increase from their 2023 campaign.
But as the club gets closer to the playoffs, their inconsistent play could prove to be a liability. Due to the first-round best-of-three series in the playoffs, Miami has found it difficult to maintain consistent high performance.
Noting that a successful regular season does not equate to postseason success, Martino underlined the significance of continuing to play well into the postseason.
This idea is emphasized by historical examples, including as St. Louis City’s early playoff departure in 2023 despite winning the Western Conference.
The Messi Factor and Team Dynamics
Without a question, Messi’s presence has improved Miami’s performance and profile, but depending only on his genius is not a long-term plan.
To handle the demands of the playoffs, the squad needs to become more resilient and united. It is imperative that other important players like Suárez and Busquets are skillfully incorporated into the team’s tactical scheme.
The recent loss of Inter Miami against Atlanta United brings to light important problems that the team needs to resolve if it is to advance to the playoffs.
Although having players like Messi and Suárez gives the squad a significant edge, there are still questions about the team’s general consistency and resilience under duress.
In the upcoming weeks, Coach Gerardo Martino’s tactics and the players’ flexibility will be crucial in determining whether Miami can convert their success during the regular season into a long playoff run.
To succeed, Inter Miami must ultimately strike a balance between using their star strength and creating a strong, stable team dynamic.
Their fortitude, tactical adaptability, and capacity to deliver when it counts will all be put to the test on the path to the MLS Cup.
*This Article was written by Anmol, author @09sports.com
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