Eight center-backs, deep 4-4-2 formations and little shot activity. It’s Diego Simeone’s dream, but take a look closer and it’s a title-swaying game between Pep Guardiola and one of his former assistants. Just how did football end up in this position? Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article […]
Porto entered the second leg with a narrow lead, and they started this clash by disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm once again. However, all it took was one moment of brilliance for Arsenal to level the proceedings. Despite the away side’s determined efforts to take the tie to penalties, Arsenal ultimately displayed composure when it mattered to […]
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the ball with a good possession structure in the first half, as well as suffocating Newcastle with their high pressing. This earned them a two-goal lead at the break, and they were able to extend this lead in the second half, this time defending slightly deeper against a Newcastle side who […]
Arsenal last left the London Stadium with title ambitions tainted, they left this time with those ambitions invigorated. Off-ball movements and set-piece routines carved through an uncharacteristic West Ham United, that seems torn on its future. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. A 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium gave David Moyes […]
Arsenal brought an interesting idea into this game with a 4-2-4-0 structure in possession, which helped find weaknesses in Liverpool’s compact pressing game. The home side attacked with a high tempo, and deservedly prevailed against a Liverpool side who struggled for width and fluidity in their own attack. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. […]
Three defeats on the spin, pressure built during the break on Arsenal, whether they were able to keep the pace of the title challengers. Originally, Crystal Palace appeared to provide a tough contest but constantly gave them identical routes to attack their limited defense. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Despite being in […]
Two sides from the English capital faced off on New Year’s Eve. Having registered just one win in their last five matches, Arsenal really needed all three points to not only rescue some semblance of momentum but also top the standings at the turn of the year. Instead, they suffered yet another defeat having put […]
The Emirates Stadium expected to observe an orderly ending to the year. Yet, Arsenal failed to fulfill their duty. The armory still seems too stilted to fire on all fronts, pining for old firepower. Maybe Mikel will consult the work of his old boss about the art of evolution before it is too late. Tactical […]
Arsenal, again, are top of the tree for Christmas— and their central defenders are at the heart of the latest chapter in that tale. Even if scores of yesteryear were not on the cards, the horrors of Anfield annihilation flashed before their eyes in phases of this contest. But, in the end, the stabilizers in […]
The Seagulls soared to take away Arsenal’s aspirations for the title. It was time for retribution. The hosts might not still display the ruthless mindset in the final third they desire, but merciless management of this match made Brighton their latest victims in the quest for the league crown. Tactical analysis and match report by […]