Jürgen Klopp’s side came away with a win, but this was a game that could easily have gone the other way if Leicester City had their shooting boots on. The Cody Gakpo transfer deservedly took the headlines, but the problems for Liverpool have less to do with their collection of forwards and much more to do […]
Ligue 1 returned from the World Cup break with a full round of midweek matches. Among those was a trip to fourth-placed Marseille for newly-promoted Toulouse on Thursday night. The return journey must have felt much longer for them, as they let in six goals in a comprehensive defeat. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Manchester City returned to Premier League action with a bang, as they commanded Leeds United from the first minute. City’s shape in possession caused a variety of problems and although Leeds altered their approach, they were no match for their opponents. Rodri’s first-half goal and Erling Haaland’s brace were enough to secure the three points. […]
Graham Potter’s arrival at Chelsea was expected to result in the evolution of an already versatile team – however, early inconsistencies halted those notions in their tracks. Coming off the World Cup break, it’s clear that Potter has been in his bag, as Chelsea repeatedly sliced through a Bournemouth side that was left bewildered by […]
The clash of two clubs from the capital marked the return of the Premier League— and a typical state of affairs. Brentford battled their way into the lead to take charge of the contest, but a turnaround tinged with regret left the Spurs faithful ambivalent at the final whistle. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
After over five weeks away due to the World Cup, the Premier League was back on Boxing Day, and so were the league leaders Arsenal. They marked their return to competitive action by hosting West Ham United for a London derby. They needed to come back from behind to win but did so very convincingly […]
How long does it take for a tactical aspect to become vintage? Perhaps Liverpool still doesn’t control games like they used to, but they can rely on its right-sided flexibility to unlock super compact opponents. Aston Villa brought a ball-sided approach, but Liverpool’s adaptations caused them to untangle. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp do not know how to disappoint. Shaking off any malaise from the World Cup, their men produced a thriller in which the more dominant outfit got their way. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. From the pinnacle of the international game, attention turns back to the club arena. […]
The passing of the torch or the crowning of a glorious legacy? Two stars graced the grandest global stages in a fixture whose symbolic significance would dominate the narrative. Only one could take home the trophy, but both figures lived up to the billing in a spectacle for the ages. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Croatia achieved a memorable victory over Morocco and secured the bronze medal in the process. The repeat of the goalless Group F draw was a tense affair, with both teams having their moments, but Croatia once again held their nerves courtesy of some stringent defending in the second half. Tactical analysis and match report by […]