It might be wrong to credit this tactical approach to Pep Guardiola. After all, the origin story to the 'fullback' is because the defender was fully back. However, in operating with a centre-back that steps up into midfield, Guardiola also created a construction within his team that regularly positioned centre-backs out wide. From then on, this approach has only become more popular. It's been the top tactical trend of 2023, and often one that's allowed the best teams in the world to thrive.
Just shy of the halfway mark inside the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, Unai Emery's Aston Villa have been the surprise package. In with a real shot of the top four, Emery's Villa are even within touching distance of the Premier League title chase, currently sitting a single point behind Arsenal in the lead. With that, we analyze what has made Unai Emery's Aston Villa so remarkable this season.
One thing is for certain. Spurs have not been the same since injury to James Maddison. Spurs were flying high with no signs of slowing down at the start of the season. But injuries across the squad have since stunted their progress and made for a more difficult second half of the first half to this campaign. Micky van de Ven's been a miss at the back, but Maddison's creative influence has been that missing puzzle piece that's made for a lack of a finishing touch to Tottenham's endeavours. Perhaps not anymore, with Dejan Kulusevski showcasing his potential as a 'Creative Ten'. Here is Game of Numbers #36 - featuring role changes for Konrad Laimer and Dejan Kulusevski.
Despite all the hype surrounding Mauricio Pochettino's arrival at Stamford Bridge and a host of new young prospects to excite the fanbase, Chelsea have more or less continued where they left off last season. That is, providing an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 campaign, currently sitting in 12th place. With that, we analyze Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea, and suggest where they need to improve in order to get back into the race for European football next season.
Newcastle United have been defined in the Eddie Howe era by energy and intensity, including an all-out press, and fervid counter attacking immediately upon regaining possession. Anthony Gordon perfectly embodies the Newcastle way under Eddie Howe, and has been one of the surprise stars of the 2023-24 season. Many scoffed at Chelsea's interest in the former Everton youngster at the start of last season, particularly the price tag bestowed upon him. But Gordon is proving to be a priceless acquisition for the Magpies this season, bringing his tireless tenacity to the table every game. Here is Game of Numbers #35.
Gotham FC finished the 2023 NWSL season in sixth place, narrowly scraping into the playoffs on goal differential over the Orlando Pride. They were far from the favourites to make the playoff final, let alone win the whole thing over a star-studded team like OL Reign. Yet thanks to a double-assist from Midge Purce, the NJ/NY team claimed the highest honour the NWSL has to offer. Here is a dribbling masterclass featuring lessons from the electrifying Midge Purce and Manchester City's new kid on the block Jérémy Doku.
Chelsea's greatest crux over the past few years has been the lack of a goal-scoring centre-forward up front. Nicolas Jackson came into the club this season to not only be their goal-scoring '9', but to be someone that could offer so much more in producing for others in Pochettino's system. He's delivered on both fronts this season, even if struggling to score and assist to the same heights as some of the best strikers in the league. Here is what Nicolas Jackson offers Chelsea at the age of 22, and where he can still improve from here.
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