The champions returned to winning ways in the Premier League, although the victory was far from straightforward. Everton’s aggressive approach caught Manchester City off guard, yet City, inspired by Pep Guardiola’s second-half adjustments, orchestrated another comeback to clinch a crucial win. Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan. November cast a shadow over the blue […]
For the first time in a fair few years, the Club World Cup final felt like the much-awaited spectacle it ought to be. Manchester City versus Fluminense was not only a match between the best teams from Europe and South America, but it was also built up represent a wider clash between two differing approaches […]
All but one of the last twelve clashes between these two clubs have offered at least three goals. This edition would follow that tradition but became a battle of two distinct possession plans, rewarding a different attitude and approach from the guests than under their prior leaders. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. […]
This contest began to restore the standard state of affairs between the two clubs that have led the way in the league. The balance of play might have been with the favorites, but beating the best, rather than being the best, is a quality that Liverpool showed they can call upon if needed. Tactical analysis […]
Rarely do such high-scoring draws have such an even and competitive edge towards them, let alone involving Pep Guardiola. Mauricio Pochettino has troubled Pep’s ideas before, and once again, the crazy action did not stop right until the very end. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free […]
Not since the first weeks of last season has Erik ten Hag felt such pressure. Manchester United desperately tried to keep things familiar, in a familiar formation, but Pep Guardiola slightly tweaked his wingers’ roles to brutally punish their dysfunctional rivals. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article […]
When taking the stairs, you don’t notice that every step is even to work easily. Pep Guardiola’s key ritual is zonal spacing, and to give Jérémy Doku the one-versus-one isolation he craves, an important tweak was made to the box to control Brighton & Hove Albion. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We […]
If Arsenal were serious about a title charge, now was the time to send a statement. Home soil, missing midfielders, and a weapon waiting in the wings were a welcome window of opportunity to end a rotten record. Even though their display did not dazzle, the hosts would pass this test. Tactical analysis and match […]
Manchester City returned to winning ways, and it was indeed a challenging battle against an in-form RB Leipzig side. Pep Guardiola essentially went back to his tried-and-true system and the players who were instrumental in achieving the treble last season. This approach bore fruit, partly due to the contributions of substitutes Julián Álvarez and Jérémy […]
Three outings, two away days, and one prominent injury in eight days have thrown City’s squad into the deep end. But the sign of a true champion is strength in adversity. Against an opponent whose quality can cause most in the league a world of pain, the Premier League holders showed why, at this stage […]