Top teams’ ability to progress the ball becomes increasingly scrutinized in modern football due to the continued improvement of the defensive systems they face. This analysis outlines the buildup strategies of seven of Europe’s elite teams, and briefly discusses some of the trends observed within. Written by Josh Manley. Defending and pressing in modern football […]
The game played out largely as most predicted it would, with Atlético in a low block 4-4-2 shape fending off Liverpool wave after Liverpool wave. Strong goalkeeping and emergency defending from Atlético kept them in the game, but Liverpool were able to take it to extra-time thanks to Georginio Wijnaldum’s goal. Chaos then descended as […]
Liverpool were trailing early on thanks to Willian’s powerful strike and some questionable goalkeeping. They were then handed the majority of possession, in which they were relatively well structured and put together a few decent sequences, but were ultimately unable to make it count in the final third. Chelsea sealed their win with a counterattacking […]
Saúl’s fourth minute goal set the scene for the rest of the game as it allowed Atlético Madrid to do what they do best – defend in a low block. Liverpool were unable to find the solution to crack Atlético’s compact 4-4-2 shape as the home side cleared almost everything that came into their penalty […]
The world’s most watched competition is back, with a splendid series of knockout matchups. In this piece, we preview the first two ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by José Pérez and K.T. Stockwell. Atlético Madrid – Liverpool Liverpool Tyrannical dominance of the Premier League, current Champions League […]
Whilst the first half was all about West Ham’s measured resistance, and how the visitors tried to wear them down, the second period was much more about Liverpool’s coping of the host’s inevitable response. Despite finding a few regular ways to exploit each other, it was in transition where both teams looked at their most […]
In a match that featured plenty of chances but very little fluidity, Roberto Firmino’s 84th minute strike proved the difference as Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool emerged as the winners after a testing battle against Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers. Molineux has made a name for itself as one of the toughest away grounds for a top six […]
Manchester United came to Anfield seemingly looking to replicate the game plan that earned them a draw against Liverpool earlier in the season, with a 5-2-1-2 system from which to counterattack Jürgen Klopp’s side. Liverpool grabbed an early lead through Virgil van Dijk’s header though, and limited United to very little on the counter. In […]
Spurs approached the game with a typical José Mourinho strategy as they sought to defend in a low block and hit Liverpool on the counterattack. Liverpool were able to create a few good chances though, and finally got the breakthrough just before half-time. Spurs’ change of attitude in the second half was not enough to […]
Even when facing a heavily rotated Liverpool team, Everton just could not pick up a win at a ground they once called home. Carlo Ancelotti’s men had a handful of great chances in the first half but Jürgen Klopp’s intense pressing system pinned Everton back in their own half, before an incredible winner from Curtis […]