Parking the Bus: It may not be pretty but it’s effective
After going down to ten men, Arteta’s Arsenal side faced the unenviable task of playing an entire half of football against Pep Guardiola’s Man City Man City.
In light of this, the Arsenal manager opted to deploy a 5–4–0 formation. Effectively Arsenal parked the bus. In an era that has gradually moved away from this unattractive style of playing, with most top managers preferring to dominate possession, yesterday’s heavyweight clash was a reminder that there are different ways to win. And although Arsenal conceded in the eight minute of additional time, the entire Arsenal side fought valiantly in that second half and will be disappointed with the 2–2 draw.
In the past, managers such as Pep Guardiola have complained when teams park the bus against his sides, but at the right time, parking the bus can yet prove to be effective. Back in my heyday I was a defender, so it brings me joy to see players who love to defend and celebrate blocks like they just scored a goal against the opposition.
The tactic has been deployed famously by the likes of Jose Mourinho and Diego Simeone, so here are three of my favourite times teams parked the bus.
Liverpool V Chelsea (0–2) — April 2014
At this point, the title race was being fought between Liverpool and City, with Liverpool the front runners. However, Jose Mourinho’s men paid a visit to Anfield. Determined to spoil Steven Gerrard and Liverpool’s party, Chelsea set up to soak the pressure and counter with a certain Mo Salah in their line-up. They were dealt a stroke of luck when Gerrard’s slip allowed Demba Ba to capitalise and open the scoring for Chelsea. Chelsea sealed the game in the 94th minute after Willian countered as the Reds were searching for an equaliser. A 2–0 win for Mourinho as his team proved to be impenetrable. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claimed Chelsea “parked two buses”, while Mourinho said his team “deserved the win”. A truly iconic game that will be remembered for many years to come.
Barcelona V Inter (1–0) — April 2010
After winning the home tie 3–1, Jose Mourinho’s Inter side went to the Nou Camp with no intention of scoring. They were there to defend their lead, and defend their lead they did. A valiant effort filled with deployment of the dark arts. Mourinho’s side would constantly disrupt the flow of the game, pick up a yellow card when they needed to and frustrate Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side. Barcelona were able to grab a goal through Pique in the 84th minute but failed to score another as the injury time whistle prompted the trademarkrun from Mourinho with a finger pointed into the air. Another iconic game and an example of the effectiveness of parking the bus.
Barcelona v Chelsea (2–2) — April 2012
Managed by interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea faced the mammoth task of going to the Nou Camp against Lionel Messi and co. If the task wasn’t difficult enough, John Terry’s red card for kicking out meant a miracle would be needed to advance. But after Messi missed his penalty with the score 2–1 to Barcelona it seemed like said miracle was about to happen. Despite the majority of the game being played in the Chelsea half, and with Di Matteo opting to play with a back seven at times, a chip by Ramires to bring the score on the night to 2–1 and a last minute goal by Fernando Torres sealed Chelsea’s place in the final. Chelsea went on to win the Champions League final and so the 2011/12 performance at the Nou Camp will be a dear memory for all Chelsea fans.
