The third round of the FA Cup began with a big tie between Manchester United and Everton. The scoreline may suggest that this was a relatively routine win for the hosts, but they made life tougher for themselves than it needed to be. In the end, though, they had too much quality for their opponents […]
Heated derbies can disrupt trends. Despite thirty-seven attempts from both Everton and Liverpool, neither team could break the deadlock; two rivals who desperately need to build momentum sooner rather than later. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Merseyside derbies have fallen into very similar narratives: Everton clinging on for dear life, whilst Liverpool runs […]
Everton picked up three huge points at home to Manchester United, with Anthony Gordon’s deflected strike the only goal of the game. This was a game devoid of quality, with Manchester United falling even further back in the race for a top-four finish, whilst Everton opened up a four-point gap between themselves and Burnley. Tactical […]
The ease it took for West Ham United to break into transition indicates the sorry state Everton has slid into. Though Frank Lampard’s team had a few positive passing links, it is their fragile backline, costly individual errors and limited play in possession that see Everton in the middle of the relegation battle. Tactical analysis […]
Amid turbulent seasons experienced by both clubs, Antonio Conte brushed aside a wayward effort from fellow ex-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard to replicate the Italian’s seasoned and curated wing-back system. The result was a tormenting scoreline that intensifies Everton’s very real relegation fears. Tactical analysis and match report by Charles Orchard. November’s rather forgettable stalemate between […]
Manchester City might be etched more closely to beautiful football than most, but even they have to turn to scraps when they are forced to. A resounding Everton defensive display had kept an awkward City restricted, but give a Pep Guardiola team control and you will be punished. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
Flexibility, wide rotations, and false nine’s hit Chelsea with a flash of old Pep-fluency. Manchester City had the game wrapped up, with three goals before half-time, as they delivered a message for the rest of the league, whilst pressure continues to grow on Frank Lampard. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. A matchup between […]
A matchup between two teams, level on points, forty-eight hours after their last game was not ideal for both, but Chelsea and Aston Villa served up a feisty affair. Chelsea blew hot and cold, convincing combinations hand-in-hand with fruitless passes, whilst Aston Villa pressed effectively, without feeding their attack as much as they could have. […]
Boxing Day brought a much-needed win for Mikel Arteta. Not only does it buy him time, but the convincing way his Arsenal side dispatched their unflattering London rivals provides a blueprint for the future. His team showcased a functional system, combinations, and a balanced framework in an entertaining affair. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
A game between two of the top three teams in the league usually offers fun offensive displays and strong tactical game plans. Tottenham Hotspur’s compact defensive block was superior, but they offered nothing on the transition, against a Chelsea side that lacked creativity and imagination. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. As if 2020 […]