Pep Guardiola showcased how to deploy an effective high block in the first half, but a countermove from Marcelo Bielsa put Leeds United right back into the game. Once circulation of the ball was improved, the game between two of modern football’s great philosophers evolved into vintage and chaotic end-to-end action. Tactical analysis and match […]
Liverpool brought their usual pressing aggression into this game and kept Arsenal pinned into their own half. However, on one of the few occasions where Arsenal were able to play through the press, they went 1-0 up. This did not last long though, as Liverpool continued to dominate after equalizing quickly via Sadio Mané. Andrew […]
The start of the game was promising for Manchester City, as they went ahead early through a spectacular Riyad Mahrez strike and continued to dominate possession and territory for much of the first half. However, some undisciplined defending allowed Leicester to equalize before half-time. This theme would continue in the second half, as City conceded […]
Manchester United picked up their first three points of the season, but not in the style they would have wanted. Brighton and Hove Albion’s possession structure gave them the control, smashing the woodwork on numerous occasions. Just when they thought they grabbed a deserved point, a penalty awarded after the full-time whistle, gave United the […]
With a congested fixture list, both teams rested plenty of regular starters. However, the fluidity and focus on spacing that Mikel Arteta has brought to Arsenal was once again visible, even if it was not executed spectacularly. Leicester meanwhile were somewhat reliant on individual efforts from their attackers to make breakthroughs. A second half own […]
The first half saw Liverpool on top but Chelsea were able to hold on with their passive 4-5-1 defensive shape and occasional transition attacks through Timo Werner. Andreas Christensen’s sending off just before half-time changed the game though, as ten-man Chelsea were unable to cover space defensively. Two Sadio Mané goals wrapped the game up […]
Graham Potter’s effect on Brighton’s attacking style continued, and impressively so. Were it not for wasted openings and missed chances, Lampard’s own tactical adjustments might not have been enough to fully disrupt an opening match day result for Brighton. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly. Looking to improve on last season’s fifteenth-placed finish, […]
Carlo Ancelotti’s new look for Everton has given them their first win at Tottenham Hotspur since 2008, and a great start to the new season. A change to the 4-3-3 formation improved the buildup play, while James Rodríguez’s silky touches and switches took the limelight in a deserved victory. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
A variety of tweaks in buildup and a superb debut performance from Willian saw Arsenal open the 2020/21 Premier League season with a commanding win at Craven Cottage. Having taken the early lead through Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal looked composed and dangerous every time they went forward, as Scott Parker’s side failed to cope with the […]
This was a game that lived up to all expectations as Liverpool and Leeds produced a thrilling game on the opening day. Leeds’ intense man-marking approach helped set the tone as the game became a high tempo affair in which the individual skills of Liverpool’s forwards – most notably Salah – were needed to create […]