Neither side was able to create consistent offensive chances in a match that was defined by defensive adjustments. Both managers sought to stymie the other, with Pablo Machín using the full flexibility of his 3-1-4-2 formation against Betis’ lopsided 4-2-3-1 shape. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. After narrowly avoiding relegation Deportivo Alavés made […]
Second in Ligue 1 last season, Marseille came to Paris with the hope of creating a surprise against a weakened PSG. After resisting defensively and taking the lead in the first half, Marseille managed their avance in what would be a chaotic second half to ensure victory against the Parisians. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Carlo Ancelotti’s new look for Everton has given them their first win at Tottenham Hotspur since 2008, and a great start to the new season. A change to the 4-3-3 formation improved the buildup play, while James Rodríguez’s silky touches and switches took the limelight in a deserved victory. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
A variety of tweaks in buildup and a superb debut performance from Willian saw Arsenal open the 2020/21 Premier League season with a commanding win at Craven Cottage. Having taken the early lead through Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal looked composed and dangerous every time they went forward, as Scott Parker’s side failed to cope with the […]
This was a game that lived up to all expectations as Liverpool and Leeds produced a thrilling game on the opening day. Leeds’ intense man-marking approach helped set the tone as the game became a high tempo affair in which the individual skills of Liverpool’s forwards – most notably Salah – were needed to create […]
Against a team that presented problems in all phases of the game, Olympique Lyonnais dominated possession and wasted their chances as manager Rudi Garcia made some questionable changes in the second half. Bordeaux adjusted their defensive approach three times and, in the end, managed to get a point. Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas. […]
A coronavirus ravaged Paris Saint-Germain side, missing their entire frontline, looked bereft of ideas against Lens’ well-drilled 3-4-1-2 shape. The normal press resistance and rapid transitions we have come to expect from the capital club were absent from a performance that featured plenty of ball possession and little incisiveness. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
In a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, France took a win by moments of technical brilliance and intense effective pressing, while they let Croatia dominate possession for significant periods. The guests appeared tactically prepared and ready to take advantage of France’s weaknesses in their experimental 3-4-1-2 formation, but a few mistakes in the […]
Gareth Southgate made the decision to experiment with a 3-4-3 system for this match against Denmark. However, England ran into problems as they struggled to outplay Denmark’s pressing and were lacking in creativity from central midfield. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Denmark started this Nations League campaign with a defeat against Belgium on […]
Unable to solve tactical questions posed by Italy on the left flank through Lorenzo Insigne and Leonardo Spinazzola, the Netherlands were the worst team for the full ninety minutes. Italy’s smart setup took the home side by surprise and, subsequently, the Netherlands didn’t manage to turn it around with some tactical manoeuvres. Tactical analysis and […]