A first match-up between 2018’s World Cup semi-finalists should have revealed how far these teams have progressed, now that both managers have had more time in their respective roles. Instead, England and Belgium looked far from completing such a feat, as they both showed glaring issues in their passing structures, shot creation and in-game management. […]
An unflattering fixture, punctuated by poor tactical decision-making and physicality did little to raise the low bar both Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique Marseille have set so far this season. Marseille’s lack of discipline was on full display, while Lyon’s toothless offense gave a performance for the ages. In a year in which Paris Saint-Germain has […]
Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla put on a mighty fine display at Camp Nou to avoid defeat, and also lay down a marker for their ambitions of the title as an outsider. Two early goals were followed by an otherwise goalless encounter, yet it was hard not to become engrossed in the away side’s fluency offensively and […]
During a chaotic start, United took the lead in the second minute, before finding themselves 2-0 down only five minutes later. After this, Spurs were largely superior, with a stable possession game and good use of width. Anthony Martial’s sending off just before the 30th minute effectively ended United’s game, as Spurs went 4-1 up […]
Antonio Conte chose to field a more defensive-minded version of his 3-4-1-2 formation. He slotted in Barella, Vidal and Gagliardini in order to enhance the defense, but this also helped Inter dominating big periods of the first half. However, with intensity dropping and Inzaghi presenting a more aggressive side in the second half, the match […]
An exhilarating game at the Allianz Arena ended in a win for Bayern Munich after Robert Lewandowski grabbed the winner in stoppage time. Bruno Labbadia’s Hertha BSC were superb in the second half as they twice erased the defending champions’ lead, but Lewandowski’s four goal display proved just enough to steer Bayern to a win […]
Pep Guardiola showcased how to deploy an effective high block in the first half, but a countermove from Marcelo Bielsa put Leeds United right back into the game. Once circulation of the ball was improved, the game between two of modern football’s great philosophers evolved into vintage and chaotic end-to-end action. Tactical analysis and match […]
For this last game before the international break, PSG destroyed Angers six to one. Despite slowing the game down after taking the lead, PSG were easily creating big chances against a fragile Angers that reacted too late in the game. Tactical analysis and match report by Simon Piotr. After a game against Reims in a 4-3-3 […]
After a convincing start to their new domestic campaign, Barcelona found Celta Vigo’s 5-3-2 block a tough outfit to crack. But despite several setbacks, the visitors managed to rack up the goals and seal a second win under their new manager. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Celta Vigo have made a steady start to the […]
Bayern Munich made a slight change to their usual 4-2-3-1 shape, marked by a focus to left-sided play and more positional freedom for Kimmich and Tolisso. Dortmund frequently played through Bayern’s high press and scored twice, and even could have done more damage. Eventually, it was individual quality from Kimmich that made the difference as […]