Category: Premier League

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!