Chelsea dominated possession and territory in the first half but lacked cutting edge. More attacking intent from West Ham in the second half helped raise the tempo of the game, which ultimately benefited Chelsea. After a missed penalty and West Ham red card, Chelsea eventually got a winner from substitute Christian Pulisic. Tactical analysis and […]
Behold the Premier League’s greatest rivalry. Football is nothing like it was twenty years ago and neither are these two teams. But chaotic defending, errors and refereeing decisions always offer fun. Though not on top form, Arsenal was still superior to their opponents in turmoil. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Ambitions between one […]
In a tumultuous campaign, breaking through a window of opportunity into fourth place offers Manchester United the chance to salvage some pride. But the gulf in class to their rivals was too much to close on away turf in this derby. A masterclass in midfield and clinical counterpressing strangled the guests in a clash that […]
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revamped his midfield structure at the interval to overcome a difficult first half period and knock London rivals Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup. The results underlines the tactical versatility and astuteness this Chelsea side possess. Tactical analysis and match report by Charles Orchard. February’s close-fought fixture between these two […]
Spurs have surged up the standings into the top four, rendering this fixture a chance to shore up their bid for a Champions League place. But their guests from the south coast have an uncanny habit of wreaking havoc in the capital city. A change in formation, a pair of dynamic midfield motors and a […]
In a thrilling climax, the next round of this heavyweight bout took place under a week after the stalemate at the Etihad. Tired legs and weary minds sought to galvanize themselves after tests in midweek, but the difference in energy quickly told. One outfit succeeded where the other had failed at this stage last year […]
In a match that could have seismic implications for North London’s top-four battle, Brighton scored two stunning team goals and negated Arsenal’s usual passing precision to record their first win in eight games. The result represents a damaging defeat to Mikel Arteta’s men and hands the initiative over to arch-rivals Tottenham. Tactical analysis and match […]
Everton picked up three huge points at home to Manchester United, with Anthony Gordon’s deflected strike the only goal of the game. This was a game devoid of quality, with Manchester United falling even further back in the race for a top-four finish, whilst Everton opened up a four-point gap between themselves and Burnley. Tactical […]
Duking it out for the top spot in the league, Manchester City and Liverpool went toe to toe at a critical juncture in the narrative. What manifested over the 90 minutes was a thrilling contest. An equal split of the four goals might not have produced a winner at the Etihad Stadium by the final […]
Tottenham Hotspur visited Aston Villa on a pivotal day in the Premier League’s top-four race. Chelsea’s statement win over Southampton seemingly made it clear that there was only one spot to fight over, and after both Manchester United and Arsenal slipped up, Tottenham had the chance to strengthen their bid for Champions League football next […]