Gareth Southgate once again tried to manage risk with a back three focused on stability. However, a lack of solutions when it came to ball progression meant that England struggled to threaten the Italian defense as the home side ran out 1-0 winners in a cagey affair. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. England […]

The final international break before the World Cup will see European sides finish the group stage of their Nations League campaigns. Of course, the rewards within the competition are at stake, but in a wider context, teams and players that are set to travel to Qatar in November will be quite keen to take this […]

Though Atlético Madrid looked the better team early on, Real Madrid held out and found the back of the net twice before the end of the first half. Excellent game management through patient possession kept them ahead, though Atlético Madrid made it difficult for the last ten minutes after Mario Hermoso scored from a corner […]

Leipzig’s philosophy is one which seeks to excel in transition phases, but here their counterpressing here was beaten by Gladbach, making it hard to establish control of the match. Their possession game was also unable to break through the Gladbach pressing, and they struggled to threaten as they suffered a 3-0 loss. Tactical analysis and […]

How better for Marco Rose to begin his new job than to down the club he formerly coached? The Leipzig manager set out his stall in front of a home crowd, bagging a comfortable victory. However, the self-inflicted damage from Borussia Dortmund eased his task considerably. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. The […]

The high flying Red Devils have made their way out of purgatory, but their progress has hit a snag in the road. Real Sociedad were more than a match for the hosts due to a mature buildup phase and a hybrid block, but it was fortune that favored their bravery to separate the sides. Tactical […]

Once worthy of an even joust with their guests, Sevilla have now plummeted. The peak of Julen Lopetegui’s reign is a distant memory. His men took the fight to their opponents on home turf but had fallen apart by the final whistle. Is this loss only accelerating an inevitable departure? Tactical analysis and match report […]

Heated derbies can disrupt trends. Despite thirty-seven attempts from both Everton and Liverpool, neither team could break the deadlock; two rivals who desperately need to build momentum sooner rather than later. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.  Merseyside derbies have fallen into very similar narratives: Everton clinging on for dear life, whilst Liverpool runs […]

Manchester United might have turned up in the derby, but all eyes were on if they could retain their focus ahead of a midday kickoff on the south coast. The contest was a struggle, but Erik ten Hag’s nous laid the foundations for a decisive phase of pressure and the game winning goal. Tactical analysis […]

Two of Serie A’s most well-renowned coaches have been backed in the market, without drastically adapting their old-school styles. After both Juventus and AS Roma failed to provide a great array of offensive options, the tactical display from both teams has left more questions than answers.   Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.  The […]