United started out with some nice phases of possession but Arsenal quickly took the larger share of the ball and were able to cause damage to United’s midfield pressing. Despite this, United’s defense were able to hold strong and make the platform for their attackers to thrive on counterattacks, where Rashford was able to sink […]
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 […]
Erik ten Hag entered this match with a plan focused on a strong pressing game without the ball and exploiting Liverpool’s offside line upon regaining possession. This worked extremely well, and goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were enough to earn an impressive win for United. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. […]
The secret behind elite teams lies in their creation of dilemmas: on which danger should one’s attention center? That art charms spectators and opponents alike. Without a doubt, Manchester City’s new number nine took the limelight on and off the field. But the iron works set the stage for the champions to recast the supporting […]
Bring your blueprint but fail to tackle old issues can see very little development. This is the risk Erik ten Hag faces and couldn’t be highlighted better by a brutal Brighton display. The work of an ex-United striker ran the center-backs ragged, whilst a familiar face provided the finishing blows. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Friday night under the lights at a raucous Selhurst Park would be a stern test of Arsenal’s metal. Notwithstanding their early lead, the visitors were under the cosh for stretches of this match. But they weathered the storm, thanks to a man whose debut was well worth the wait. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Not every objective is achieved the same way. From two teams that have borrowed ideas from one another to reach the top of the game, both Liverpool and Manchester City aimed to release the full-backs from work produced by the inside forwards. From this aspect, one team was head and shoulders above the other. Tactical […]
Antonio Conte comes with guarantees. Short-term, but more importantly, success. Follow his commandments and thou shall follow. No better example has been Tottenham Hotspur, an unbalanced and unstructured mess, which he was able to reform mid-season to make a miraculous recovery and reach a precious Champions League spot. Written by Joel Parker. Principles are king […]
City have a robust tradition around final day drama for a club with ‘no history.’ Indeed, the events of a decade ago are in a league of their own, but always willing to entertain, the reigning champions produced a stressful spectacle with a stunning scoring spree to retain their crown. Tactical analysis and match report […]