Change in approach striking as teams embrace two up top

For more than a decade, the footballing world was shaped by Pep Guardiola's blueprint, which placed an emphasis on positional play, strict regimented movements, and midfield overloads.

The decline of the traditional number nine seemed inevitable, as managers sought more control in the middle of the park, often deploying an extra midfielder at the expense of a second striker, sometimes deploying no striker at all.

However, the game is shifting again, and nowhere is this more evident than in the growing trend of teams opting to play with two strikers.

Manchester City, the epitome of controlled possession football under Guardiola, have subtly altered their style, adopting a more direct approach not seen under Guardiola before.

If Guardiola – the trendsetter of modern football – is playing this way, then change is in the air.

The pendulum has begun to swing back in favour of the striker, and clubs are responding accordingly.

The 4-4-2 formation, once the bedrock of football, has seen a resurgence, with managers realising that controlling possession means little if there aren't enough attacking options in the box to finish chances.

The game has always been cyclical; what was once deemed outdated often comes back into fashion.

Shelbourne and Derry City both lined up with two strikers in their game last weekend, as did Cork City, Sligo Rovers, and Waterford.

The shift is not only tactical but philosophical – managers are recognising the value of having two focal points in attack.

In Friday’s match at Tolka Park, Shelbourne’s forward duo of Mipo Odubeko and Sean Boyd were instrumental in unsettling Derry City’s defensive setup.

Boyd, with his physical presence, played as the ideal target man, while Odubeko’s pace stretched the backline.

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