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 […]
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 […]