-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Tottenham vs. Manchester City
On Sunday afternoon, in the final match of the Premier League’s opening weekend, Tottenham Hotspur hosted Manchester City in what was undoubtedly the most anticipated fixture of the round. Much of the pre-match discussion was around City’s new £100m signing Jack Grealish and Spurs’ Harry Kane, also touted with a move to the Citizens, but…
-
![]()
Breaking Down the 4 -4 -2 Mid-Block: Analysing Leicester City’s Possession Play against Villarreal’s Mid-Block in the Pre -Season
After a season that saw them claim their first-ever FA Cup triumph and come within inches of Champions League football, Leicester City have started their 2021/22 campaign off on the right foot. The Foxes defeated Manchester City in the Community Shield thanks to a late penalty from Kelechi Iheanacho, whilst they condemned Bruno Lage to…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Iran’s ‘Hazfi’ Cup Final Match
The last match of the Iranian football competition in 2020/2021 was held Sunday in the “ Naqsh-e Jahan” Stadium in Esfahan, between Esteghlal & Foolad. Esteghlal finished the Iranian league in third place, and Foolad finished it in sixth place. This match was the final match of the Iranian “ Hazfi ” Cup, and the…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Cycle Over Division
Football is often divided into the ‘four moments’ (in possession, out of possession, attacking transition, defensive transition) as a framework for analysis, however, by doing this, are we ignoring the complex, fluid nature of the game? Watching and analysing Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli (17/18 especially) and Italy at Euro 2020, alongside reading the intriguing Pep Confidential,…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Italy vs. England
As the glitz and glamour of Wembley Stadium drew out at 8 pm, all of the nation started on as England kicked off their first final in 55 years, and a first European one at that. No matter the result, the nation was proud of their team. As for the Italians, the Azzurri’s contrast in…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Spain vs. Italy
After one of the most entertaining nights of Euro 2020, Italy won only their 5th penalty shootout in their footballing history. It only took 23 shots, two magnificent goals and 120 minutes of semi-final football to get to the nail-biting conclusion. In the first half, it became very apparent that Spain were not going to…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: England vs. Denmark
“They walk into Wembley as the sporting god’s intended it. Spirit lifting frenzy, stomach churning fear. Thrill competes with jeopardy – beyond this for England or Denmark, the ultimate game or nothing. A semifinal underpinned by a gripping narrative with an energizing edge.” An introduction worth its weight in gold and fit for any…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: England vs. Ukraine
Gareth Southgate stood in awe of the excellence that was on show in Rome for the quarter-final tie against Ukraine. The culmination of steel and flair was on show for all to see in the Italian capital, and the English ascendancy was dominant throughout the match. It took less than 5 minutes for England…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Czech Republic vs. Denmark
First off, it would be appropriate to finally bury the common narrative that this Danish team has made it this far into the Euros as a response to the Eriksen situation. Apart from being almost cynical in nature, that argument does Kasper Hjulmand’s side a huge disservice. Denmark are very, very good. They overcame…
-
![]()
Tactical Analysis: Belgium vs. Italy
Now that’s what I call tournament football. Apologies at a risk of sounding like the cheesy advert of the NOW! Series in the UK that compiles chart music, but I am still recovering from that high-octane thriller that was Belgium-Italy. We have been completely and utterly spoilt with the rambunctious, nutty football this tournament…
