How long does it take for a tactical aspect to become vintage? Perhaps Liverpool still doesn’t control games like they used to, but they can rely on its right-sided flexibility to unlock super compact opponents. Aston Villa brought a ball-sided approach, but Liverpool’s adaptations caused them to untangle. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
City have a robust tradition around final day drama for a club with ‘no history.’ Indeed, the events of a decade ago are in a league of their own, but always willing to entertain, the reigning champions produced a stressful spectacle with a stunning scoring spree to retain their crown. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Following an early exchange of goals, the game returned to its usual state, but Liverpool once again seemed to be removed from their offensive peak. An abject opening half hour gave way to a more controlled display, as Sadio Mané sent Liverpool level on points with Manchester City following a superbly taken header. Tactical analysis […]
Tottenham Hotspur visited Aston Villa on a pivotal day in the Premier League’s top-four race. Chelsea’s statement win over Southampton seemingly made it clear that there was only one spot to fight over, and after both Manchester United and Arsenal slipped up, Tottenham had the chance to strengthen their bid for Champions League football next […]
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 […]
Manchester United progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford against Aston Villa. Scott McTominay scored the only goal of the game for United, who were sent out in a shape reminiscent of what was frequently seen under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Villa had a number of chances […]
As the title charge seemingly grinds to a halt, gaining the three points was an absolute necessity for Chelsea. Standing in the way was Aston Villa, along with Chelsea’s own offensive issues. Tactical analysis and match report by Manasvin Andra. As Thomas Tuchel tries to work through his team’s offensive issues without Ben Chilwell and […]
With both team’s flirting with midtable mediocrity, three points were important to claw towards expectation, which would leave the other red-faced. Arsenal exposed Aston Villa’s structural issues for all to see, a first-half rout enough to seal a big win. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. A quarter way through the Premier League […]
Manchester United’s possession structure and wing dynamics presented a tough challenge for Aston Villa to contend with throughout the game. Villa were able to go ahead after some poor individual defending from United, but the away side quickly turned it around in the second half with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood, before Edinson […]
Though Arsenal had decent spells, Aston Villa’s organized defensive shape and work in transitioning proved too much for Mikel Arteta’s team. Arsenal had their most controlling periods towards the end of the game, thanks to their changes, but reverted back to old systemic problems in desperation for points. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]