Stefano Pioli’s tactical plan was executed to perfection by his players, as AC Milan took advantage of the absence of striker-pair Immobile and Caicedo. In a match full of interesting tactical moves, Lazio’s lack of depth proved fundamental as they could not find a plan that fully suited the characteristics of their players. Tactical analysis […]
A dominant first half display helped Bayern Munich seize the advantage, but second half changes from Peter Bosz saw Bayer Leverkusen pose serious problems for the champions. However, Leverkusen were unable to press their advantage, as poor finishing saw them concede the DFB-Pokal in a game that should have been a more even contest. Tactical […]
Lampard’s continuous tinkering with his team’s shape helped convert Chelsea’s control into goals. A dominant display asserted the hosts back into the Premier League’s top four, whilst Watford’s fears of relegation continue to worsen. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Frank Lampard will be given time at Chelsea, but Champions League football has […]
Arsenal had problems creating against Wolves’ well-organized 5-3-2 defensive system in the first half, however Bukayo Saka was able to show his talent when he put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead just before half-time. The second half saw the roles reversed as it was now Arsenal soaking up Wolves pressure, and eventually they managed to seal […]
Manchester City performed a guard of honour for Liverpool before the game, but there was no title procession for Liverpool once the game began. City had an attacking scheme designed to find weaknesses in Liverpool’s compact 4-3-3 system and overwhelmed Liverpool to take a 3-0 lead in the first half, with Kevin De Bruyne being […]
Relentless and organized pressing was at the heart of this cagey affair, where the teams could only be separated by a spot kick. José Bordalás’ high-pressing machine put their bodies on the line to disrupt Zinédine Zidane’s side’s buildup, but waning intensity would inevitably lead to enough costly holes to result in heartbreak. Tactical analysis […]
Despite dominating possession, Tottenham Hotspur showed very little creativity in their unbalanced system, and were rightly punished for it. Sheffield United were finally back to their normal selves, defending compactly before great transitions down the flanks exposed more problems with Spurs’s Joséification. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. The horse race towards the […]
Quique Setién’s latest buildup experiment featured Riqui Puig at the tip of a midfield diamond and fullbacks used as wingers. While this helped Barcelona protect themselves against Atlético’s counterattacks, it failed to disorder Atlético’s defense and win a game with few open play chances and no major tactical changes during the second half. Tactical analysis […]
A hodgepodge starting eleven coupled with a lack of attacking intent handcuffed Brighton from minute one. A much more astute Manchester United midfield – replete with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes – took full advantage. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. Four points from two matches since the restart, including a thrilling late […]