Tag: Willian

Game of Numbers #6 – Lucy Bronze as a Floating 8

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Women's Football

FC Barcelona Femení had a slow start to their first match of the season, initially struggling to find avenues forward in Tenerife's 5-4-1 defensive block. UD Granadilla Tenerife compacted the lines both vertically and horizontally to stunt Barcelona's progress forward, but in an abnormally high-line that spurred Giráldez's team to hit long passes over the top. They were caught offside from these attempts time and time again, particularly in their quest to spray in behind for Geyse's speed. But then, everything changed.

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Mikel Arteta – Arsenal – 3-4-3 – Tactical Analysis

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

The common opinion on Arsenal these days is that they have massively improved under Mikel Arteta and that better times must be ahead. The manager's been given the benefit of the doubt so far in his time at the helm of the Emirates, but other than an FA Cup win, there hasn't been too much to celebrate for Arsenal fans since Arteta took charge. The Gunners have been lackluster to start this season, particularly in front of goal, which is always going to be a problem given that their primary dilemma over the past decade has been at the other end of the pitch. With a few key additions in Gabriel and Thomas Partey, Arsenal could be set for another season in the top six. But they have a massive job to do to get there, especially given the topsy-turvy start to this Premier League season, and their own personal woes to start the campaign. The Gunners currently sit 11th in the table, with a goal differential of -1. But still, many believe Arteta is the right man for the job and that better times are ahead. So with that, here is our Tactical Analysis of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Frank Lampard – Chelsea – Tactical Analysis (Pre-Season 2020-21)

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

Frank Lampard enjoyed a successful first season with Chelsea F.C., despite no new summer signings coming through the door. The Blues hovered around 4th for the majority of the season in behind Leicester City, and eventually secured 4th behind Manchester United. Lampard relied heavily on young talent in 2019-20 and the club were rewarded with fantastic performances from the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Reece James. However, although all of those players have potential, they might not be at the level of Premier League champions just yet. Lampard and those above his authority recognized that and responded with several new signings of the highest quality. In fact, very few other clubs have (on paper) done better summer transfer window business...ever. Despite the promise all their new signings have, it remains to be seen how they will all come together and whether or not it's worth it to bench some of the young players that secured their Champions League finish last year, for a heap of new players that have never played together before. So with that, here is a Tactical Analysis of Frank Lampard's Chelsea heading into the 2020-21 season.

Arsenal – Premier League 2020-21 – Transfer Market Analysis

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

The 2019-20 Premier League season was Arsenal's worst in twenty-five years. Not since 1995 had the Gunners finished below 8th place in the table and even under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, their form was inconsistent at best. Despite Arteta's tactical nuisances and potential to be a world class manager, Arsenal fans may be feeling skeptical going into the 2020-2021 season knowing that things have gotten worse, rather than better, since Arsene Wenger left the club. Even their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea did little to lift the fans' spirit and their lack of Premier League success has had an impact on their ability to attract top quality players in this summer's transfer window thus far. With all that said, Arsenal are still an incredibly interesting outfit and Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly prove to be a tactician worth examining throughout 2020-2021. To kick off our new Transfer Market Analysis Series, we discuss who Mikel Arteta may look to bring in to strengthen his team and achieve greater success in 2020-21.

How Antonio Conte’s Chelsea Won The 2016-17 Premier League Title Playing 3-4-2-1

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Formations, Managers, Premier League, Team Analysis, World Football

In an era where formations are ever-changing, the 3-4-3 has become one of the most popular to use around the world. Serie A teams have long been fans of the back three, but formations like the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 are growing in popularity virtually everywhere - from Spain to France to Germany to even England … Continue reading How Antonio Conte’s Chelsea Won The 2016-17 Premier League Title Playing 3-4-2-1

2017-18 Premier League Team Guide: Chelsea

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, World Football

CHELSEA INTRODUCTION After winning the league in such stunning circumstances last season much should be expected of Chelsea going into 2017-18. But with the uncertain futures of a few massive stars and the departure of one crucial midfield giant, many are beginning to doubt that Chelsea can be repeat champions. It's practically a reality that … Continue reading 2017-18 Premier League Team Guide: Chelsea

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 29

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

It's seemed like a foregone conclusion for about 5 months now but this might have been the week that won the title for Chelsea Football Club. No side in Premier League history has ever been 13 points ahead of every other club and failed to win the title, putting it almost beyond doubt that the Blues … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 29

English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 19

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

Gameweek 19 marked the halfway point in the 2016-17 season and what a first half of the season it has been in the Premier League. Gameweek 19 also saw Antonio Conte's Chelsea equal the all-time record for most consecutive wins in the Premier League, equalling the record set by Arsenal's "Invincibiles" in 2001/02. On top … Continue reading English Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 19

Barclays Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 7

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

For the first time in weeks the BPL Team of the Week isn't too tough to call. There were plenty of stellar performers this week but not too many to count like in weeks past. This is The Mastermind's Team of the Week for Gameweek 7 in the Barclays Premier League! Goalkeeper: Lee Grant  Stoke City … Continue reading Barclays Premier League Team of the Week Gameweek 7