Category: Masterclasses

United’s attacking depth the difference against Arsenal

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Manchester United may have been second-best for long stretches against Arsenal, but the match ultimately exposed a growing truth about Carrick's team: they can score from anywhere, at any moment, through anyone. While Arsenal controlled the possession, United’s depth in attack - spread across the squad rather than one star, proved decisive. In a season defined by inconsistency, this ability to flip a match on its head in seconds might be their most valuable weapon in the race for Champions League football.

Manchester City’s dominance is being challenged — and this time it feels different

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

Manchester City have won eight of the past twelve Premier League titles. They've been the dominating force in the league, and the drivers behind many modern tactical innovations. But they are no longer an unstoppable force. With some questionable decisions in the transfer market, this golden era at City has essentially evaporated. They now find themselves seven points adrift, with looming question marks over what's next for many of their once invincible stars. Here is why Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League might finally be over, once and for all.

Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City – Match Analysis – Carrick’s first in charge

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League

Manchester United cannot compete with the likes of City, Chelsea or Arsenal by playing a possession-based game. Not at present moment. But they can compete with any team in the league by playing on the counter, and racing forward at high speeds. If United were going to win against City today, it was always going to come this way. And against so much of the criticism about United, Carrick didn't try to do anything extraordinary. He just set up a team that would be difficult to break down, full of leadership, and full of attacking intensity on the break. And as a result of that approach, it could have been 4 or 5-0. It could have been that bad for the Citizens. United were that vivacious on the attack. Here is my analysis of United's 2-0 win over City in the Manchester derby.

Game of Numbers #42 – Scott McTominay as a goal-scoring midfielder

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis

Now in Serie A, Scott McTominay has emerged as one of the most important players for one of the most historic clubs, scoring goals for fun week in and week out. Here is why Scott McTominay has become the main man in Naples.

Why won’t Matheus Cunha pass to Patrick Dorgu?

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Attacking Midfield, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

Matheus Cunha has been one of the brightest spots in what is slowly becoming a dim season for Manchester United. But for all that he's done so well this season, he's yet to find a sense of synchronization with a pretty key teammate - Patrick Dorgu. Most notably, he just won't pass Dorgu the ball. Weird, huh?

Game of Numbers #41 – Reece James in central midfield

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League

It doesn't have to be a forever thing. But for the time being, Reece James looks right at home in central midfield. Here's why it's been the perfect positional switch in allowing the best out of James this campaign.

Arsenal’s superiority comes from strength in depth

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

Arsenal have something the other top sides in the Premier League continue to lack: strength in depth. This is what will ultimately carry them to the Premier League title this season.

Unai Emery – Aston Villa – Tactical Analysis – 2025-26 Edition

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

Since Unai Emery has entered the frame at Aston Villa, we've consistently seen another challenger in the mix for those Champions League places. Now on their eleventh win in a row, Aston Villa are having their best season in over a hundred years. The conversation is no longer about whether or not they can challenge for the top four, but the Premier League title. Here is an an analysis of Unai Emery's Aston Villa in 2025-26, and why they are now on track to challenge for the title.