After a first half of poor passing quality, one team tinkered to resolve such issues, while the other wallowed in self-pity. A goal, crafted in Poch-Esque fashion would be consumed in the harsh dose of José Mourinho reality, as Tottenham Hotspur blew their lead to a revitalized Manchester United after the break. Tactical analysis and […]
After early phases of even pressing, Liverpool flexed their authority, gained control and put their trademark pressing triggers in place. What was needed was a switch, and the entrance of Diogo Jota gave Liverpool the offensive potency they had missed. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Throughout the illustrious history of the Premier League, […]
The defensive game plan of Leicester City disrupted their opponents’ buildup, but an aggressive counterpress left the Foxes’ cornered. Manchester City know more than one route to victory, which their next challengers will have to consider. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. The matchup between the Premier League’s number one and three took little […]
Carlo Ancelotti’s switch to a 5-3-2 defensive shape was sensible and organized, against a Manchester City team that missed their usual fluency. However, the missing offensive plan and loss of defensive cohesion could only last for so long, as City tweaked their approach to score two late goals. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]
The North London derby followed a similar chain of events, in terms of Arsenal control and Tottenham Hotspur defense. However, flexibility down Arsenal’s left channel and Spurs’ incapabilities of defending that area, as well as issues with their buildup play, handed their rivals a deserved victory. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Previous derbies […]
The first encounter between Marcelo Bielsa and Thomas Tuchel did not live up to expectation. Leeds United’s aggressive pressing and Chelsea’s unorthodox shape in the first half, led to limited chances for the visitors; whilst Leeds were incapable of penetrating through an organized opposition defense. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. The matchup between […]
Facing off with a direct rival to their top-four aspirations, Chelsea looked to carry on their hot streak in a crucial matchup. But it turned out they had little to fear. Thanks to their usual stable platform and a new role for one of their big summer signings, the home team coasted to another win. […]
United took an instant lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and continued to put the pressure on City with aggressive defending in the period after. City eventually gained control for the remainder of the first half but could not break United down. City were shocked again early in the second half as a United transition […]
Chelsea’s attacking game plan sought to outplay the Liverpool pressure and beat their offside trap to release their forwards behind Liverpool’s defense. This was relatively successful in the first half and they ended up taking the lead via Mason Mount just before half-time. The second half saw Thomas Tuchel’s side conceding more territory and looking […]
Neither team was able to find the cutting edge to score in this match, but that was down to good defensive schemes as much as anything else. United were proactive in preventing Chelsea dominance in the first half, but then fell back in the second half. The home side had the better chances but were […]