Category: Premier League

Game of Numbers #40 – Bruno Fernandes as an ‘8’

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

They might not be firmly in the top four yet, but Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have seen significant improvement this season. Much has been made in the media about Amorim's use of the 3-4-2-1 and whether or not it's a perfect fit for players like Bruno Fernandes and his midfield partner Casemiro. But with some new signings hitting the ground running, Manchester United are clicking on all cylinders and getting the best out of their best players. Here is why Ruben Amorim's use of Bruno as an '8' has worked so far in 2025-26.

Game of Numbers #39 – Erling Haaland’s backstep before goals

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

Manchester City have scored 15 goals in the Premier League's opening 8 matches. Erling Haaland has scored 11 of them. And among many of those goals, a common trend has emerged. I call it - the backstep!

Ruben Amorim – Manchester United – Tactical Analysis – 2025-26

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

This is a rather optimistic take on the state of Manchester United, amidst much in the way of common criticism and calls for Amorim's head that will likely continue to circle the media all season long. Here is my tactical analysis of the Red Devils to start the 2025-2026 Premier League season.

A tribute to Diogo Jota

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

The Portuguese striker netted 34 goals in 85 appearances across all competitions in his first two seasons, developing a knack for finishing off chances in the penalty area. What became perhaps most impressive about Jota's early years at Liverpool was his surprise knack for scoring headed goals.

Pep Guardiola, Copy-Cats & Why Team Tactics Must Work for Your Players

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Coaching, Premier League

The weirdest of the weird proclaim modern football to be boring, because every team endeavours to play the same way. High-possession, high-pressing, building out from the back, goalkeepers involved in the build-up, inverted this, inverted that, and some degree of positional rotation. The man credited for starting or popularizing many of these modernizations is Pep … Continue reading Pep Guardiola, Copy-Cats & Why Team Tactics Must Work for Your Players

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)

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

This might finally be the year. It might finally be the year that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City don't win the Premier League. Despite that, they've still been the most tactically complex team in the league, carrying on from much of the tactics that brought them a treble-winning triumph last season. Here is what Pep Guardiola has imposed in 2023-24, continuing to make City one of the most dominant forces in the world.

Game of Numbers #38 – Alejandro Garnacho’s intensity & awareness

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League

It's amazing to think that Alejandro Garnacho is only 19 years of age. Sometimes, you can see the rawness in his game. The facets that still need to be carefully developed. But as he ages, let's hope he never loses his tenacity. His hunger for more. His appetite to win at all costs, even when no one else is pulling their weight. He might not have the soaring high stats to back this up, but I truly believe Alejandro Garnacho is one of the players of this season in the Premier League. That's promising for United, who so desperately need something to cling onto for the future. Here is Game of Numbers #38, including what makes Alejandro Garnacho one of the best young players in the Prem.