Eager to rebuff Spurs’ quest for fourth place, Arsenal needed a win. But if Patrick Vieira ought to have been in a giving mood to bestow his old club a favor, he had not read the script. Potency in transition, pressing, and possession stunted the guests, whose season will go down to the wire. Tactical […]
The ease it took for West Ham United to break into transition indicates the sorry state Everton has slid into. Though Frank Lampard’s team had a few positive passing links, it is their fragile backline, costly individual errors and limited play in possession that see Everton in the middle of the relegation battle. Tactical analysis […]
Pep Guardiola was deeply aware of Southampton’s threat ahead of kickoff, foreshadowing a tense clash. Manchester City’s class might have pulled them clear of the home team at the final reckoning, but they did not book their spot in the last four of the FA Cup without a fight. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Amidst the most tangible of ownership-related fiascos so far, Chelsea produced a contrastingly professional first-half performance to shrug off Chris Wilder’s spirited Middlesbrough side and reach a fifth FA Cup semi-final in six seasons. Tactical analysis and match report by Charles Orchard. The ambiguity of this current Chelsea side – which likewise speaks for much […]
In a crucial fixture for European places, Tottenham Hotspur conspired in their new craft, as they comfortably beat a scattered West Ham United. Connections through the lines were pivotal in playing through the visitors, before a classic partnership provided the finishing touches. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. London matchups aren’t always feisty, but […]
Aston Villa attempted to pose a challenge to Arsenal with their narrow defensive scheme, but Arsenal proved very effective in progressing over the wings. This, along with their strong high pressing game, helped Mikel Arteta’s side to dominate the first half and take the lead. The home side were more aggressive in the second half […]
Leeds brought a high tempo approach to the game, and their pressing made Wolves uncomfortable in the early stages. A couple of forced substitutions and a goal for Wolves helped the home side gain more stability midway through the half, and they eventually went in 2-0 up. Things spiralled out of control for them in […]
Rolling back the years in their fight to finish in the top four, amid their latest growth spurt, Arsenal relished the visit of Liverpool as a stern trial of their credentials. The visitors were slow to find their rhythm before half time, but tinkering from the dugout was too much to handle. Tactical analysis and […]
Brighton arrived with an interesting strategic approach and made the first twenty minutes tough for Liverpool. However, the away side went ahead, which shifted the momentum of the match greatly. Graham Potter attempted to change things in the second half, but Liverpool ultimately had too much for his side and won without trouble. Tactical analysis […]
Amid turbulent seasons experienced by both clubs, Antonio Conte brushed aside a wayward effort from fellow ex-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard to replicate the Italian’s seasoned and curated wing-back system. The result was a tormenting scoreline that intensifies Everton’s very real relegation fears. Tactical analysis and match report by Charles Orchard. November’s rather forgettable stalemate between […]