Tag: 4-1-4-1

Luciano Spalletti – Napoli – Tactical Analysis (2022-23)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Most Recent, Serie A, Team Analysis

Luciano Spalletti has worked wonders since arriving to the scene of Naples in 2021. The Italian manager helped Napoli to a third-place finish last season, and now prepares to lead the closing stages of their title charge in 2023. With some supremely smart acquisitions in the summer working their magic, Gli Azzurri currently sit ten points clear atop the table, and have more than double the points of Serie A's historical dominator - Juventus. If Spalletti can continue to get his tactics right and maintain the remarkably positive culture he's built since arriving, Napoli will walk away with the title this year. So with that, here is our analysis of the club from Naples so far in 2022-23.

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France 3-1 Poland – Match Analysis – 2022 World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, World Cup 2022

Even despite six of their potential pre-tournament starters now missing, France continue to be one of the most electric sides at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Supercharged by the vibrancy in attack of Kylian Mbappé and masterfully supported by Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud - France's front four quartet work together wonderfully to bring out the best in one another. The French put on a dominant display on Sunday, rolling to a rollicking 3-0 win over the Poles in the Round of 16. Here is our match analysis.

Vincent Kompany’s first game at Burnley – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, Team Analysis

After a decade of Sean Dyche, Burnley have officially kicked off a new era with Premier League legend Vincent Kompany. The Clarets played admirably in their first Championship match since 2016, with a new set of tactics on full display. Kompany's bright start got off without a hitch - his team achieving a brilliant 1-0 victory over last season's Playoff Finalists. Here is our in-depth analysis of Burnley's 1-0 win over Huddersfield on the opening day of the 2022-23 EFL Championship season.

England 4-0 Sweden – UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 – Match Analysis

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, Women's Football

Sweden might be the second best nation in the world on FIFA World Rankings, but on the pitch, they were easily second best in Tuesday night's semi-final. England on the other hand performed admirably and with a clinical verve, even if some unwanted discrepancies crept into their performance. In the end, Sarina Wiegman's team produced the goods when required, and now move onto the final with the chance to lift the country's first ever senior European Championships title, at their home ground, Wembley. Unfortunately for the Swedes, their worst showing of the tournament sends them home without a prayer; however, their attention can now be aimed towards a place at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Bobby Smyrniotis – Forge FC – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Team Analysis

Despite sitting in third place in the Canadian Premier League table, you could make the argument that Forge FC have been the best side in the league. The Hammers have accumulated the same amount of wins as Cavalry and Pacific ahead of them, each of whom have played more games. In that time, Smyrniotis' side have conceded just 13 goals, scoring 31 along the way, the best record in both categories. So with that, we analyze the Canadian Premier League's most dominant team, and what lies in store for the remainder of the season for Forge FC.

England 2-1 Spain – UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Women's Football

What an exhilarating game. England and Spain have been two of the best teams at this summer's European Championships, and the quarter-final match-up between the two heavyweights proved to be one of the best in recent memory. Both teams left absolutely everything on the pitch, pushing and probing for the win the entire 120 minutes. In the end it was the Three Lionesses that pulled off the impressive result in extra time, with Georgia Stanway and Kiera Walsh leading the charge to victory. Here is our analysis of the fiery affair.

Alan Koch – FC Edmonton – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Coaching, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Team Analysis

Koch has made a series of tactically intriguing decisions over the course of the past eleven games, developing a clear sense of style with his team. So with that, here is our tactical analysis of Alan Koch's FC Edmonton, why the Eddies are still worth a watch this season, and our recommendations for the team moving forward.

Forge’s new signings paying dividends in recent run of form – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Masterclasses, Match Analysis

The atmosphere inside Tim Hortons Field was electric on Sunday, culminated by a string of impressive performances leading toward another top class win over first-placed Pacific FC. The Hammers dominated the tempo of the match from start to finish, with the entire squad in full flow and complete harmony over a tired Pacific team. Impressively, Forge's recent run of form has been accompanied by the introduction of two new faces to the team - Malik Owolabi-Belewu and Rezart Rama. Both have fit like a glove in Bobby Smyrniotis' side, pushing others into roles that allow the entire team to achieve equilibrium and stability. Here is our match analysis of Forge's 3-0 win over Pacific, and the impressive accomplishments of Owolabi-Belewu and Rama since entering the frame.

How Cavalry’s staggered shape stunned Edmonton – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Formations, Match Analysis, Most Recent

The Cavs started the season in a 3-4-2-1 formation, suffering two embarrassing losses to York and Atletico, and a stagnant draw against Forge. After realizing the slow-moving car wasn't quite motoring the way he wanted it to, even despite the gas pedal being pressed, Wheeldon Jr. was right to identify a new vehicle. Now in a flexible 4-4-2 shape, Cavalry have been utterly dominant in both of their matches since, both in and out of possession. On this particular occasion, they completely stunted Edmonton's progress going forward, and massively exploited space in exactly the right areas through staggering their personnel across the pitch. Here is a quick tactical analysis of Cavalry's commanding 3-0 win over FC Edmonton.

Pacific FC vs. Halifax Wanderers FC – Tactical Preview

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coaching, Formations, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Most Recent, World Football

No team in the Canadian Premier League has enjoyed a stronger start to the season than Pacific FC. James Merriman's team have been a well-oiled machine through and through, with a front four firing on all cylinders, and a cast and crew working behind the scenes to best support their fluidity up front. Not only have Pacific had a successful start from a team perspective, but as individuals working to serve one another within Merriman's 4-1-4-1. Here is our tactical preview of Pacific's match against HFX Wanderers FC.

Pacific FC 2-1 Forge FC – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Formations, Match Analysis, Most Recent, World Football

The Canadian Premier League's fourth season kicked off this past weekend, ending with a heavyweight fixture between last season's Playoff Final contenders. Despite Forge FC's dominance in the match, Pacific FC pacified much of Forge's central penetration, and were clinical in front of the goal in securing the win. Here is our match analysis.