Erik Ten Hag tried to experiment with a 4-3-1-2 system for Manchester United as they faced Brighton & Hove Albion. After a slightly difficult start though, Roberto De Zerbi’s side were able to find tactical superiorities against United’s system by exploiting width, and the away side ultimately left Old Trafford with a convincing victory. Tactical […]

The first half was a somewhat low-tempo affair, as United tried to control the game with a cautious possession approach which Arsenal were happy to allow. Arsenal took more possession in the second half though, while United attacked through transitions. This very nearly worked out for the away side, but Arsenal ultimately got the decisive […]

On the day, Tottenham’s buildup bettered Bournemouth’s press. The away side continued to showcase their understanding and the effectiveness of Ange Postecoglou’s style of play. Whereas for the home side, there is still work to be done, and fitness levels to be reached, for Andoni Iraola’s style to begin making an impact.  Tactical analysis and […]

Liverpool were able to keep some level of control over Newcastle’s pressing and transition play in the early stages of the match. However, a sudden goal and red card put Liverpool behind with ten men. Newcastle struggled to capitalize on this and put the game to bed with their possession game in the second half […]

Three outings, two away days, and one prominent injury in eight days have thrown City’s squad into the deep end. But the sign of a true champion is strength in adversity. Against an opponent whose quality can cause most in the league a world of pain, the Premier League holders showed why, at this stage […]

Newcastle’s gameplan in and out of possession made them deserved winners of this match. However, Villa’s insistence of playing a high defensive line without the required engagement on the ball changed the potential narrative of this game from “opening day away loss” to “statement home victory”.  Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Smoothy.  The […]

Liverpool took the lead early on against a Chelsea defense still finding its feet, but the home side were able to hit back in the first half and ended up taking the initiative as the game went on. Mauricio Pochettino found a tactical arrangement with a 3-4-3 shape in possession which posed problems for Liverpool, […]

Short Burnley passes? Manchester City engineering long balls? Just how did football get into this position? Despite dynamics that would confuse the traditionalists, the result was not as unclear. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a […]

Manchester City are the bar against which every other team in England measure themselves. Arsenal could not even book their entry into this fixture with their own title, but their trophy cabinet was a little fuller at the end of this contest. Though the power still lies in the north east of the nation, its […]

Erik Ten Hag set out with an adjustment to United’s pressing shape to try and neutralize City’s 3-2-4-1 system. This was moderately successful, however two quality strikes from İlkay Gündoğan gave City the goals they needed to overcome United and take home the FA Cup. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. We decided to […]