Manchester City performed a guard of honour for Liverpool before the game, but there was no title procession for Liverpool once the game began. City had an attacking scheme designed to find weaknesses in Liverpool’s compact 4-3-3 system and overwhelmed Liverpool to take a 3-0 lead in the first half, with Kevin De Bruyne being […]
Predictably, City were able to press Chelsea in their own half and monopolize possession almost immediately in this match. The false nine role of Bernardo Silva and accompanying midfield arrangements posed an interesting prospect for Chelsea to deal with. Ultimately though, Chelsea came through with two decisive transition moments, firstly for Christian Pulisic’s goal in […]
Both teams came to the game with adjusted defensive schemes and mostly familiar attacking shapes. Arsenal kept things relatively even in the early stages before defensive errors from David Luiz helped City into a comfortable lead, and the defender getting sent off on top of that. From this point, City could pick Arsenal apart with […]
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 […]
Manchester City had the majority of the ball and at times outplayed Manchester United in midfield. Once they reached the final third, City lacked ideas against United’s five-man defense though. At the other end they struggled to deal with United’s direct passing and counterattacks. In the end United won 2-0 with both goals involving errors […]
Sheffield Wednesday’s man-marking system did a good job at congesting spaces for the attackers in the first half, achieving an empty scoresheet very few would have expected. That was until City varied their movements, triggering continuous decisional crises for the opposition, ultimately ensuring a deserved victory shortly after the break. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Aston Villa’s defensive system collapsed when two goals in rapid succession stunned Villa, who were then able to climb back up the ladder by pulling one back. Eventually, City simply proved to be too good, as Villa encountered its own strategic issues. Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem Bianchi. Following the weekend’s events – […]
A conservative City was easily neutralized by a solid Real Madrid team in an encounter that saw both sides spar out until the home side’s fortunate goal triggered Guardiola’s reaction. With all guns out, Real Madrid were no match for City, slowly crumbling as the visitors rose to the top of the Bernabéu. Tactical analysis […]
Club football has entered its decisive phase, with lots to play for in every competition. With just two games left to play in the first knockout round, let’s focus on Wednesday’s ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by Sander IJtsma, José Pérez, K.T. Stockwell and Kareem Bianchi. Real Madrid […]
In terms of the balance of play and the result, this game was reminiscent of the earlier clash between these sides this season, when City dominated but were unable to win. Guardiola’s side set up with a left side overload in attack and were able to break through Spurs time and time again, but unable […]