A wonderful sequence of buildup play put Arsenal 1-0 up in the first half. Manchester City dominated the ball, but were unable to break down Arsenal’s deep defense, despite Pep Guardiola’s tactical adjustments. Mikel Arteta’s side added a second goal with twenty minutes left, making City’s task almost insurmountable, and Arsenal eventually closed the game […]
Relegation six-pointers are always matches of high emotion and drama. A rattling experience for fans of either side, a delight for the neutrals. Two early West Ham goals could have provoked a meltdown in the Watford defense, but Nigel Pearson’s team would control later phases and build momentum to encourage a fightback into the game. […]
After an even start, Leicester City, in their 3-4-3 formation, got the upper hand through the middle of the first half by exposing Sheffield United’s defensive problems. Chris Wilder reacted with three substitutions at half-time to turn the game around, but a lot of unforced errors by his players gave way for the hosts to […]
A match dominated by Liverpool ended in defeat as costly errors from Virgil van Dijk and Alisson handed Arsenal the victory at the Emirates Stadium. The win boosted Arsenal’s hopes of securing European football for the upcoming season, and stripped away Liverpool’s aspirations of crossing the 100-point record established by Manchester City. Tactical analysis and […]
Southampton flew out of the blocks, pressing aggressively in their 4-4-2 shape to control the early proceedings. Manchester United eventually responded, but typical issues emerged in possession. The guests then reorganized, piled on the pressure, and found their reward in the dying embers of the game. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Manchester United have been […]
In a battle between two formations with three center-backs, something unheard of in the Premier League ten years ago, Wolves proved to be everything that Everton was not. By being compact in defense and through rotating positions in a very versatile offensive showing, Wolves dominated the match and never really felt in danger. Tactical analysis […]
Arsenal once again used a 3-4-3 system and were able to control possession of the ball and pose certain problems for Spurs in the buildup phase. However, when it came to chance creation, Spurs had the slight edge as they capitalized on Arsenal’s mistakes. After Son Heung-min had cancelled out Alexandre Lacazette’s first half effort, […]
Sheffield United exposed Chelsea’s defensive issues in full view and compromised the visitor’s Champions League hopes; for the entirety of the match, the hosts got into superb positions to cross the ball, while the always inspiring David McGoldrick, yes he did, even managed to deliver a brace. Frank Lampard constantly attempted to improve his team’s […]
Two teams known for their respective three-at-the-back systems played out a match which was largely a stalemate, until John Egan’s dramatic late winner secured victory for Chris Wilder’s side. Both teams had well-organized defenses and attacks relying much upon wing-play, transitions and direct passing to some extent, leading to a game which often lacked in […]
Lampard’s continuous tinkering with his team’s shape helped convert Chelsea’s control into goals. A dominant display asserted the hosts back into the Premier League’s top four, whilst Watford’s fears of relegation continue to worsen. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Frank Lampard will be given time at Chelsea, but Champions League football has […]