Manchester City was geared to attack Liverpool’s defense at pace, but if anyone wants to match their chaos, they rarely come out on the other side with points. Jürgen Klopp’s new 4-4-2 structure was the perfect platform to connect on the direct and spin behind a disrupted City backline. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
The ‘Group of Death’ reunited two giants of the European game in a contest whose second half was one for the ages. An exhibition with six goals aligned with Xavi’s risks that befitted the big stage, but even his staunchest backers could struggle to bear the consequences of the outcome. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Arsenal started the game on a positive footing as they went ahead early on. Their defensive scheme limited Liverpool’s chance creation for the most part, and they showed some good possession sequences in the second half to eventually earn their win. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Arsenal’s start to the season has been […]
The weekend’s topspiel brought together two familiar foes at the peak of German football. What was a second half spectacle revealed why this edition of the fixture broke from the past. One camp had to risk it all, while the other must face the same inquiry it has stirred around its rival. Tactical analysis and match […]
Peter Bosz’s misfiring Lyon were in desperate need for a victory when they hosted newly-promoted Toulouse at the Groupama Stadium. The Dutch head coach was a man under pressure after a terrible recent run of form, so much so that he himself labelled this match as a must-win. His side failed to deliver, though, as […]
Barcelona dominated possession here but struggled to get through Inter’s compact 5-3-2 shape, finding themselves with a lot of u-shaped circulation. Hakan Çalhanoğlu netted from range at the end of the first half, which left Barcelona chasing the game against a defensive scheme that they ultimately did not have the answers to. Tactical analysis and […]
Derby day revenge is a dish best served cold. In a clash whose bitterness runs deep, Manchester City’s new talisman avenged the family name to douse Erik ten Hag in another baptism of fire that reminded us all of the changing of the guard in one of England’s footballing strongholds. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Following the final international break before the World Cup, the Bundesliga was back with a bang. The Friday night fixture pitted defending champions Bayern Munich against Bayer Leverkusen, who finished on the podium last season. Both sides had endured difficult starts to the new season and were a fair way away from where they would […]
The big games have always raised the biggest questions from Arsenal. Mikel Arteta had already recorded wins over Tottenham Hotspur, but none have been as important in terms of determining just how good the Gunners can be. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Derby day is football’s bread and butter, but competitiveness is […]
Giving up the high ground to their neighbors before the kickoff, Spain knew the imperative laid with them to force the issue. Still struggling to make the most of their dominance of the ball and the territory throughout the match, their growing enterprise paved the way to a dramatic finale. Tactical analysis and match report […]