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 […]
Mikel Arteta went for the same formula that got the best of Manchester City last season: some pressing, some great buildup play and a whole lot of defending in a deep 5-4-1 formation. Though losing a final is never a good thing, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp might be even more worried about how easy Arsenal […]
Mikel Arteta’s side were able to make use of a direct attacking strategy by utilizing the strengths of star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to come back from a 1-0 deficit to beat Chelsea. Frank Lampard’s side had started strongly and were seemingly winning the midfield battle after going ahead, however, their cause was not helped by […]
Two goals in two minutes was enough to get Chelsea over the line and into next season’s Champions League. Though the stakes were high, the game was limited in action, as Chelsea faced a stern and organized medium block, while Wolverhampton couldn’t build the transitions forward. The visitors therefore missed out on their Europa League […]
With key players missing, Leicester set up to try and counterattack against Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side were afforded space in non-threatening areas of the pitch against the 5-3-2 shape of Leicester and were unable to create much from their possession phases. Nevertheless, the pivotal moment of the match arrived for United with twenty […]
Manchester United looked to return to form after a disappointing FA Cup exit and this saw them return to their 4-2-3-1 shape. A bright start bore no fruit for United before they fell behind, requiring another special Greenwood moment to bring parity. Unforced errors in possession and West Ham United’s growth during the contest limited […]
Defensive miscues ruled the day, as both Chelsea and Liverpool struggled to find consistency in their backline. Despite a number of clever tactical decisions made by Frank Lampard, his side was once again undone by its lack of attention to detail. While no manner of lack of conviction in their own third was going to […]
If there was one game that fit the pattern of a ‘Mourinho masterclass’, it was this. For all the possession that Leicester City enjoyed, not once did Brendan Rodgers’s side look likely to threaten Mourinho’s defensive-minded Spurs. Instead, the visitors received a clinic in finishing from a rejuvenated Harry Kane, whose performance in this match […]
A repeat of the 2018 final did not disappoint. Chelsea’s versatile 3-4-3 system gave Frank Lampard’s team superiority down the channels, both on and off the ball. Manchester United did not get a sniff, as Chelsea confirmed their place in this year’s FA Cup final. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Though these […]