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Tactical Analysis: Unai Emery’s Aston Villa
Spain’s Basque Country harbors some of the greatest architects in the world. Mikel Sanz de Prit and César Azkarate are great examples of that, the architects who have designed San Mames, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. Another Basque architect, albeit of a different nature, would be Mr. Europa League himself, Unai…
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From Istanbul With Love: A Tactical Analysis of the Champions League Final
In the aftermath of a hard-fought final where Manchester City emerged victorious, Pep Guardiola now stands as a revered figure, hailed as a deity in the blue half of Manchester. Despite encountering numerous battles against Inter’s relentless challenges, City showcased their mettle, adapting their tactics to overcome the Italian giants in a strategic showdown. Recognizing…
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How West Ham Beat Fiorentina in the 2023 Europa Conference League Final
It’s rare for David Moyes to allow his excitement to spill into celebration, at least throughout his 25-year career in the dugout. And that’s why, in the moments after his West Ham United side triumphed in the Europa Conference League final, his cheesy grin and swinging arms were as loud as any words he said…
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Tactical Analysis: How Did Luton Town Reach the Premier League?
Luton Town completed the ultimate fairytale with their penalty victory against Coventry City in the EFL Championship playoff final. Their nine-year rise from the National League to the Premier League will go down in history as one of the most dramatic rises in English football. They finished third in the Championship this season, despite replacing…
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What Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea Might Look Like
Chelsea have finally confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach. After what was a truly disastrous season for the West London giants, owner Todd Boehly wanted to ensure that the next managerial appointment would be the right one for the club and its plethora of young players. After an extensive…
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Manchester United’s Slight Tweak in Build-up Structure and Its Ripple Effects
Injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have meant Erik ten Hag has had to adjust his tactics in getting to the end of the season. Coupled with injuries, Manchester United have had a relentless schedule to combat and have clearly looked exhausted as the season draws to a close. At times, despite the clear…
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The Roberto De Zerbi Effect – How the Italian Guided Brighton to Europe
When Graham Potter ended his three-year spell at Brighton Hove & Albion and joined Chelsea in September 2022, it seemed that Brighton’s gradual rise was set to come to an end. After Sporting Director Dan Ashworth’s move to Newcastle and the sales of key players like Marc Cucurella and Yves Bissouma, it seemed that Brighton…
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Tactical Analysis: How Coventry City Reached the Playoff Final
Coventry City is a win away from a return to the Premier League after beating Middlesborough 1-0 on aggregate in the EFL Championship playoff semi-final. A win against Luton, who were promoted to League One in the 2017/18 season alongside Coventry, in the final dubbed as “one for the romantics” by Coventry manager Mark Robins,…
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Tactical Analysis: José Luis Mendilibar’s Sevilla
It has been a rollercoaster campaign for Sevilla. After a sensational three-year spell that would see them finish top four on three straight occasions as well as win the Europa League, Sevilla sacked Julen Lopetegui on October 5 after picking up just five points from seven matches. The return of Jorge Sampaoli as manager failed…
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Atalanta 0-2 Juventus: A Highly Rotated Juventus Side Outfoxes Their Opponents in the Second Half
After a first half of no shots on target for either team, Juventus became more aggressive in their pressing and managed to get the three points. Having recently regained their place in the top four after their 15-point deduction was reversed, Juventus have won three straight matches and are 90 minutes away from the…