Tag: Match Analysis

How Brighton beat Arsenal & Spurs in a 3-5-1-1

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

After a bit of a new year slump, Brighton are back on track, beating the fiercest of North London rivals in successive weeks. Graham Potter's ability to tweak his shape and personnel has been a hallmark of his time at Brighton, seemingly always finding a way to get the balance right in his team. But the former Swansea manager made several big calls in the past two weeks, handing a debut to Moises Caicedo against Arsenal, and operating without a recognized number nine against Spurs. Despite those big calls, Potter's men came out on top in back to back weeks against two sides battling it out for a place in this season's top four, whilst using an intriguing 3-5-1-1 shape.

Canadian Premier League Matchday 2 – Tactical Review

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

The Canadian Premier League is back! This weekend saw another heavyweight clash between Cavalry and Forge, and a surprise team take top spot in the table. Here is our (ongoing) tactical review of the Canadian Premier League's second round of fixtures.

The tactical tweaks every CPL team must make ahead of Matchday 2

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

Last week, the Canadian Premier League kicked off for its fourth season, with the opening set of matches featuring a repeat of last season's Playoff Final. From a personal standpoint, I opened the season with the launch of our Role Continuity Player Evaluation System - our first ever database scoring player habits and on-the-field actions. But anyone who knows this site knows that we're here for the tactics, and the in-depth scrutinization of each and every team. So after our analysis of every single opening match, here is what each team needs to change ahead of the second round of fixtures.

Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool – Tactical Analysis

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

"If Manchester City win the match, the title race is over." - every Premier League pundit in existence. Well, Manchester City didn't win the match, so what happens now? First of all, what a match. Second of all, I am of the firm belief that Manchester City thoroughly outclassed Liverpool on the day, and that Raheem Sterling should have been ruled onside from that VAR disallowed goal (surely it's too close to say clear and obvious?). But I digress. I am not here to talk about refereeing decisions. Instead, the tactics! So let's jump into it, and discuss whether or not the title race is over, or in fact, still with everything to play for.

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.

Canadian Premier League Opening Weekend – Tactical Review

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

The Canadian Premier League is back! After just a few months away, the CPL finally has its second sense of normality for the first time since the inaugural season, with a full calendar of matches set to play. The opening weekend saw two fairly stale matches to kick off the campaign, but a repeat of last season's Playoff Final set to take place this Sunday brings hope for what is to come as we cover the tactics of each and every team this season. Here is our opening weekend tactical review of the Canadian Premier League's first four matches.

Manchester City 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Debunking the 5-5-0

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Formations, Match Analysis, Most Recent, UEFA Champions League, World Football

Knowing Pep Guardiola's level of footballing intelligence, we thoroughly trust his judgement. However, within the commentary surrounding what Atletico did on the day to achieve a result, as an undoubtedly all-out defensive approach, the 5-5-0 has become overstated - almost as a metric for evaluating Atletico's solidity. In actuality, the 5-5-0 rarely ever took centre stage.

How Crystal Palace shocked Arsenal – Match Analysis

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

Under the influence of Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace have put on a show this season, beating several of the league's most formidable sides. Shock wins against Manchester City and Nuno's Spurs will live long in the memory of Palace fans, but few of their performances can top this past weekend, when they creamed Mikel Arteta's … Continue reading How Crystal Palace shocked Arsenal – Match Analysis