Tag: Everton

Game of Numbers #15 – Jordan Pickford’s positioning masterclass

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Goalkeeper, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Player Education

Sometimes criticized across his Everton career, Jordan Pickford has enjoyed a formidable past couple of seasons for both club and country. The Toffees might be in serious threat of relegation this season and very well might have gone down last campaign if it had not been for their remarkable keeper. Despite the club's poor form, there's even a genuine argument for Pickford to be the goalkeeper of the season thus far. That argument came to life all the more in Everton's recent match against Manchester United, where Pickford was one of the standout players on the pitch despite his side being completely outclassed. Here are the finer details behind Pickford's stunning nine-save display against the Red Devils.

How Sean Dyche’s Everton beat Arsenal – Match Analysis

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

I've long been a defender of Sean Dyche's intensive and defensive, "long-ball" style. But there's perhaps no greater victory in his entire career than starting off at Everton with an absolute bang, beating the league leaders in Arsenal, who had previously only lost a single league game. Everton themselves had not won under Frank Lampard since October. But Sean Dyche would have relished the challenge of his first match, and would have taken all the pressure off his players to perform on the opening day. It showed in their performance, with the Toffees achieving a shock 1-0 win over the current title favourites. Here is how Sean Dyche's Everton beat Arsenal.

Analyzing the Premier League table based on Expected Points (xP)

by TMS Staff, posted in Data Analysis, Most Recent, Premier League

The use of probability models in football to calculate Expected Goals, Expected Goals Conceded and Expected Points, have taken off to new heights in recent years - with more fans, coaches, managers and even players paying attention to these hypothetical numbers. Between statistical probability, the actual result, and the expectations for all that has been produced, we analyze how many points each team should have won in each match, based on Expected Points.

Futbol Masterminds – Messi, Grealish, Kane, & a Whole Premier League Preview!

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Podcast, Premier League

Lionel Messi wants OUT of Barcelona again. But we're not convinced he's actually leaving again. Meanwhile, Manchester City have splashed the cash on Jack Grealish and might do so again to sign Harry Kane. If they do, is the title race done and dusted before it even begins? Rhys doesn't think so, and thinks another Premier League challenger could be set to go neck and neck with the Citizens this season. Then the lads break down the top four race, relegation battle and why Tottenham, Arsenal, and Everton are still stuck in no-mans-land. Follow the show @futbolmasterminds and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify! 

Liverpool 0-2 Everton – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Premier League, World Football

The last time Everton won at Anfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold had just had his first birthday. September 1999 was the date, a match that lives long in Don Hutchinson's memory and almost no one else's. But even though it had been more than twenty-one years since Everton last won at Anfield, you just got the feeling that it might happen again this season. In the end, Carlo Ancelotti put on a tactical masterclass and his team put on a defensive clinic, but Liverpool were also woeful in attack and looked on different wavelengths at times. It all culminated in a historic win for the Toffees and an embarrassing defeat for Jurgen Klopp as things continue to go from bad to worse for the Reds. Here is a tactical analysis of Everton's historic 2-0 win over Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti – Everton – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Managers, Premier League, World Football

After David Moyes left Everton for Manchester United in 2013, the Toffees haven't been the same. They had a decent three years with Roberto Martinez until 2016, and perhaps their biggest mistake was letting the Spanish manager go. Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce and Marco Silva all failed to make an impact at Everton and finally the board said enough was enough and splashed the cash for one of the biggest names in the business - Carlo Ancelotti. Ever since, the men in blue have been flying high in the Premier League, playing fantastic football along the way. This season, Ancelotti's side have started better than any other Premier League team and as things stand, sit at the top of the table with three wins from three. With fantastic new signings in James Rodriguez, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucore, and the rising form of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton fans have plenty to be excited about this campaign. Here is a Tactical Analysis of Carlo Ancelotti's Everton so far in 2020-21

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 1

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

Every single week The Mastermind will be bringing you an exclusive EPL Team of the Week, starring the best eleven players of the round. The criteria for making the XI will include a players' impact on their team's performance and result compared to other players around the league. This is the Team of the Week … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 1