I’m entering at the 20th and Leipzig is definitely on the front foot at home. McKennie is one of two CDM’s shielding the back four.
McKennie with a quick throw to Burgstaller and they win a corner. He one the duel that led to the throw in.
Corner that was created in part by McKennie leads to a goal! Nice flick on to the back post. McKennie not involved in set piece. Schalke up 1 - 0
McKennie is playing way up near the forward line. It’s confusing to me, but it’s been awhile since I’ve seen him play and could be forgetting the ground he covers.
Paulsen nearly wrecks the whole Schalke left side and his shot is put out for a corner. The resulting set piece is cleared by McKennie.
Good work from McKennie at the end of the right channel near the end line. Beats the defender and passes the ball back into the box [Harit] which leads to a close VAR penalty decision.
McKennie is actually playing in the line behind the striker. He’s not in the pivot. Formation was updated midway through the half and confirms my confusion.
Half time. Wagner’s tactics have been really fun and puzzlingly to watch. McKennie has been working really hard and uses his head better than most players I’ve seen recently. Not a ton to say about his passing because his movement and aggression have been the defining characteristics. It’s working overall because he was involved in the movements leading to both goals. After the first few minutes of watching around 20 minutes, it’s been all Schalke for most of the first half and they are dominating duels. I will be biased and say Adams would be a good counter weight for RB if he was available.
I’m watching the strangest cartoon trailer featuring Jadon Bourne for the Bremen match... please tell me someone else saw that. It was an Archer style cartoon... Very odd.
Scramble near the top of Schalke’s box. McKennie was sort of watching on the periphery. Caught him ball watching a few times which is a bit concerning. He needs to get more involved this half.
Schalke score again! My wife was in the way! Matondo’s work ethic pays off as he receives the ball on the counter and scores. 3 - 0 Schalke at Leipzig. They have not won in Leipzig during league play. Great Job by Wagner.
Claims for hand ball in the box on McKennie in the Schalke box. He attempted a clearance and it was blocked into his arm. Never a penalty.
Harit off for Caligiuri... Wow, can’t believe that, but I guess they are up 3 - 0 and Wagner doesn’t need Harit injured playing this well.
McKennie smartly ducks so Burgstaller could smash a header and it was well saved. A little later McKennie heads over the bar after some good anticipation. He definitely plays smart.
McKennie with an excellent sliding tackle. His teammates couldn’t quite keep the resulting ball under control.
Forsberg rifles a shot and forces an error from Nubel. The go inexplicably tries punching away a bending rocket and it merely deflects into bottom of the cross bar and into the net. Oof. Leipzig pull one back but still down 1 - 3.