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  • Tactical Analysis: Manchester United vs. RB Leipzig

    After beginning their Champions League campaign with a statement victory in Paris, Manchester United welcomed RB Leipzig ahead of what would prove to be another huge European night for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.    Last season’s semi-finalists dominated possession at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils in a rare 4-4-2 diamond formation dominated the match –…

  • Tactical Analysis: Leeds United

    After returning to the top flight for the first time in 16 years, Leeds United have enjoyed a phenomenal start to life in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa. From their first game against Liverpool, they made it clear that they would not sacrifice their style of play for any opponent; Bielsa’s side dominated possession…

  • Tactical Analysis: Atalanta vs. Ajax

    After a thumping 4-0 victory over FC Midtjylland, Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side hosted Erik ten Hag’s Ajax at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Although Ajax lost 1-0 to Liverpool last week, they created plenty of chances against the reigning Premier League champions and they did so again in Bergamo.   Ajax scored two first half…

  • Tactical Analysis: Southampton vs. Everton

    Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton travelled down to St. Mary’s to take on Ralph Hasenhüttl’s Southampton on Sunday. With Everton coming into the game as the only unbeaten side in the Premier League, most would’ve expected Everton to run out victorious and go three points clear at the top of the table. However, Hasenhüttl’s side dominated proceedings…

  • Tactical Analysis: Napoli vs. Atalanta

    After controversially receiving a 3-0 defeat and being deducted a point for failing to play their scheduled match against Juventus, Napoli thrashed Atalanta in a match that was expected to be a close contest. Poor structure and individual errors from Atalanta saw Napoli score four goals in the first half and put the game to…

  • Tactical Analysis: Milan vs. Inter

    With Inter looking to challenge for the Scudetto while playing adventurous and risky football and Milan seeking to continue their great form under Stefano Pioli, the first Derby della Madonnina of the season both promised and delivered.   The defining individual on the night was Zlatan Ibrahimović, who at 39 years of age, spearheaded Milan…

  • Tactical Analysis: Chelsea vs. Southampton

    Returning from the October international break, Chelsea hosted Southampton on Matchday 5 of the Premier League. Having lost 2-0 to Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side on Boxing Day, Frank Lampard was looking to come up with a victory this time around, and with six new players in the line-up, Southampton faced a different beast at the Stamford…

  • Tactical Analysis: Manchester City vs. Arsenal

    Manchester City took on Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. In the last meeting between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Arteta’s side restricted City with their 5-4-1 formation and punished them on the counter, resulting in a 2-0 win and taking Arsenal through to the FA Cup Final.   In truth, Saturday’s match…

  • Tactical Analysis: Arsenal’s 3-4-3

    Mikel Arteta has had a promising start to life as Arsenal manager since leaving his post as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and taking over on December 20, 2019. Most notably, Arsenal have massively improved in games against their top 6 rivals. After starting with a 4-2-3-1, Arteta has switched to a 3-4-3 and…

  • Tactical Analysis: Carlo Ancelotti’s Top-of-the-Table Everton

    As we approach the return of club football following October’s international break, Everton sit top of the Premier League, having won four out of four games and creating the most big chances in the league along the way. They have not managed such a feat since 1969, a season in which they lifted the English…