Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Martyn Davis
Internazionale - Fluminense: Chivu Flu To Close To The Sun (0-2)
The warning signs had been ignored. Internazionale leaves the United States in a way that you would expect: limited in both attack and defense, and at the hands of a well-organized Fluminense. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Every step is one closer to redemption. Inter went into the Club World Cup in humiliating circumstances: the more they could progress, the more likely they were to clear this image.
RB Salzburg - Real Madrid: A Win A La Bayer Leverkusen’ Xabi Alonso (0-3)
Bringing back his days with Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso set his team up similarly to what he was used to in the Bundesliga. Central progression and neat counterattacks nipped the game in the bud, allowing Real Madrid to top the group, securing a classic clash with the Old Lady, Juventus in the round of sixteen. Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.
Between the Posts tactical analysis weekend preview: a look at the games we will cover this weekend
Welcome to the weekend primer of Between the Posts, where we preview the matches that will be covered during this weekend, including a little preview of these matches. While most domestic leagues enjoy a nice winter break, or some very welcome Cup matches – hello England! – our focus will be on LaLiga. Fun begins on Sunday! Sunday, January 6th Sevilla – Atlético Madrid (LaLiga), 16:15 CET After a two-week winter break, LaLiga returns with a bang.
Girona-Atlético Madrid: Simeone’s subs overpower Míchel’s charges (0-4)
After a closely fought first half, Atlético Madrid overpowered Girona in the final thirty minutes of play to finish the season on a high. Diego Simeone’s five substitutes moved Los Rojiblancos up another gear as they continued their high-pressing with added intensity, which allowed them to turn the ball over and create numerous chances to score. Tactical analysis and match report by David Pugh.
Getafe - FC Barcelona: Attacking talent the difference for Barcelona against well-drilled Getafe (1-2)
Getafe came out with a plan to press and block Barcelona for as long as they could, while making the most of whatever possession they could get. For large parts of the game this worked, but individual ability, good game management and a bit of luck was enough for the champions to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga. Tactical analysis by Martyn Davis. Getafe have been one of the surprise teams in LaLiga so far and found themselves in seventh place going into this game.
Barcelona - Girona: Barcelona’s Sway Prevails (4-1)
Barcelona's supremacy keeps reigning. For a moment, Girona appeared that they might put a dent in Barcelona’s undefeated streak, but Hansi Flick’s men displayed preeminence, maintaining a clean balance for the tenth LaLiga game in a row. Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri. Atlético Madrid’s draw against Espanyol turned LaLiga’s title challenge into a two-horse competition. It is an ebb and flow race between Real Madrid and Barcelona until the end of the season.
Borussia Dortmund - VfB Stuttgart: Hoeneß Counterpunch Floors Kovač’s Dortmund (1-2)
Niko Kovač looked to kick off his Dortmund tenure with a victory at the Westfalenstadion. His side created the better chances and largely kept Stuttgart in check, but costly lapses in concentration allowed Sebastian Hoeneß’s men to capitalize and leave with all three points. Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed. Borussia Dortmund’s season has swayed far past the desired trajectory line.
Juventus - Inter: Still Conceiçao Ruining Inter’s Week (1 - 0)
Forty days after Sergio Conceiçao's remarkable victory over Inter in the SuperCup final, his son followed in his footsteps, scoring the decisive goal in the much-anticipated 'Derby d'Italia'. In a match characterized by physicality and tactical prowess, Juventus emerged victorious, leaving Inter to rue their missed opportunities.
Brighton & Hove Albion - Manchester City: City’s Concerning Form Continues (2-1)
City started this game well, dominating possession in a 3-2-4-1 shape and going ahead midway through the first half. However, Brighton’s pressing intensity was boosted in the second half, and City’s own pressing showed serious vulnerabilities, resulting in an incredible fourth straight defeat for Pep Guardiola’s side. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
AS Monaco - Barcelona: Catalans Flicked Away After Red Card Fiasco (2-1)
One loose pass can flip a game onto its head. AS Monaco where tasked with breaking down Barcelona in a different way after an early red card saw Barca reduced to ten men. Despite the advantage, Adi Hütter had to add more tools to get the job done. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. In the glitz and glam of the Champions League, Monaco and Barca have rarely crossed paths but do so having both made unbeaten starts to their seasons.
Real Madrid - RB Leipzig: Red Bull Resistance Rattles Regal Procession (1-1)
The kings of Europe wished to move onto the next stage of the competition without the same stress from their trip to Germany. But the Santiago Bernabéu was not in the most pleasant mood that many observers would have expected. Against an outfit with nothing to lose and in their element amidst a chaotic, open context, Real Madrid suffered and struggled to succeed. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
Atlético de Madrid - Athletic Club: Lions’ pressure takes the lead to Bilbao (0-1)
Valverde's team managed to leave the Metropolitano with an advantage. Athletic's high and fierce pressing was once again their main offensive weapon, making Atlético de Madrid uncomfortable and causing them to lose many balls in dangerous areas. The reaction of Simeone's team in the second half was insufficient and the semi-final of the Copa del Rey will be decided in Bilbao. Tactical analysis and match report by Xavi Sánchez.
Portugal - Iceland: Portugal Clinch Perfect Record With Routine Victory (2-0)
Roberto Martinez and his inspired Portugal side will enter next year’s Euro 2024 on the back of ten straight wins and a picture-perfect record in the qualifiers. Their last game of this calendar year concluded with a straightforward victory over an uninspired Iceland side, who seemed devoid of ideas. Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan. Nine games, nine wins, thirty-four goals scored, and two conceded.
Brighton & Hove Albion – Manchester United: Away Day Blues At the Amex (1-0)
The second match between these clubs in weeks followed many themes from the first. Brighton's pretty patterns ran aground in the final third, while Manchester United's energy continued to cool off. Penalties would again separate these teams, making a break from the agony of the past. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Brighton's steady ascent up the standings in the Premier League has propelled the outfit to the heady heights of a hunt for European football.
Chelsea – Real Madrid: Ruthless Madrid March On (0-2)
Frank Lampard decided on an unorthodox midfield arrangement to try to bring a strong press and high tempo attack against the Real Madrid backline. Chelsea were the more proactive side and did create chances, but Madrid’s ruthlessness showed in the second half with two Rodrygo goals putting the game out of sight for Chelsea. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
Borussia Dortmund – SC Freiburg: Dortmund Hit Ten-Man Freiburg For Five (5-1)
Borussia Dortmund maintained their winning start to 2023 with a comprehensive victory over SC Freiburg. The visitors had to play the majority of the game with ten-men but managed to go in level at half-time. The second half, however, was a different story. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Smoothy. Prior to kick-off Dortmund and Freiburg were fourth and fifth in the Bundesliga respectively, only separated by goal difference.
Rethinking our values
This article is part of a series of articles written by candidates for the Progress strategy board elections. The publishing of this article is not an endorsement of the candidate. You can read Adam Hurst’s candidate statement here Emphasising the importance of equality of opportunity is not something we should shy away from, argues Adam Hurst A piece of research – which is part of a project led by the University of Sheffield exploring Thatcher’s legacy – was recently bought to my attention.
The vexed question of tax - Progress | Centre-left Labour politics
This article is part of a series of articles written by candidates for the Progress strategy board elections. The publishing of this article is not an endorsement of the candidate.
Universal credit – a wholly avoidable tragedy - Progress | Centre-left Labour politics
Newcastle was chosen as the experiment for the universal credit rollout – and the problems were clear to see, writes Nick Forbes Over the last two years, Newcastle – 289 miles from London – has been at the forefront of a tragic experiment cooked up in Downing Street. We were chosen as the first whole city pilot for the implementation of universal credit.
Remainers are a greater threat to the Labour vote than Leavers
This article is part of a series of articles written by candidates for the Progress strategy board elections. The publishing of this article is not an endorsement of the candidate.
'Strong men' – a new world disorder - Progress | Centre-left Labour politics
The latest breed of ‘strong men’ leaders are circumventing international rules. We cannot allow this to become the new normal, argues Mary Creagh ‘There was a time when politicians were amazing and anything seemed possible.’ Southwark council leader Peter John‘s words at Tessa Jowell’s memorial service got a hollow laugh from those present, evoking, as they did, the heady days of a three-term Labour government.
The future of the education system
This article is part of a series of articles written by candidates for the Progress strategy board elections. The publishing of this article is not an endorsement of the candidate. You can read Martyn Davis’ candidate statement here If our policymakers truly want to revolutionise our education system, then they could learn a lot from Finland, writes Martyn Davies It is government’s role to be constantly ensuring an education system that is capable of providing world-class learning.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Martyn
Contact Martyn, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack