Tag: Tactical Analysis

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.

Why Brian White scores so many goals

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

The Vancouver Whitecaps have been flying high this year, and the man at the centre of it all has been their leading scorer - Brian White. I break down exactly why Brian White scores so many goals, and what other forwards learning their trade can take away from White's scoring record so far in 2025. Let's dive in!

Forge 1-0 Cavalry – Match Analysis

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

What a dramatic finish. What a dramatic match. I haven't watched much football in the last year, but wow. That was one of the best games I've seen in a long time. And who would have expected anything less? It's always a tactical battle and such an intense match when Forge host Cavalry, and their … Continue reading Forge 1-0 Cavalry – Match Analysis

FC Dallas 0-1 Vancouver Whitecaps – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Team Analysis

For the first time in club history, the Vancouver Whitecaps have won their first four opening matches of the MLS season. They continue be one of the standout sides in the league, playing an attractive brand of football along the way. Here is my match analysis of their win over FC Dallas, and how they dominated the Bulls from start to finish.

Jesper Sørensen – Vancouver Whitecaps – Tactical Analysis – 2025

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

Vancouver were far and away the best Canadian side inside Major League soccer last season. Showing much in the way of promise and potential, the Caps still made the decision to change coaches and bring Jesper Sørensen into the equation in place of Vanni Sartini, hoping for better fulfilment behind all that promise this season. Since the opening day of the season, the Whitecaps haven't looked back.