Casual era.
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Articles by Om Arvind
Bayern Munich - Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk Strikes Killer Blow In A Quiet Affair (1-3)
Liverpool won a game filled with few quality shots thanks to the individual ability of their players and an overall better game plan. Sadio Mané scored twice to both begin and end the scoring, while Virgil Van Dijk ended up netting the winner from a set piece. Tactical analysis and match report by Om Arvind. The first leg encounter between Bayern Munich and Liverpool created the perfect stalemate, with both teams neutralizing each other’s buildup.
RC Lens - AS Monaco: Fun to Close the Season (4-0)
The hosts won convincingly, showing all their collective resources in the defensive phase. For the Monegasques, this match was not reflective of their season, which had been all about fluidity and the functionality of their attacking midfielders. Tactical analysis and match report by Juan Lauz. Two of the most entertaining teams to watch in this Ligue 1 faced off; both, of course, had nothing at stake on this final matchday.
Arsenal - Real Madrid: Bend It Like Declan (3-0)
This tie was a battle between seasoned veterans and novices at the elite European level. It seemed for a while the tide would turn against the hosts, but as they cried out for a marquee moment, their record signing dropped the ball on a dime to take the contest into their hands. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Bayern Munich - Mainz: Bavarians Edge Closer to Title Clinch (3-0)
Against a defensively resilient Mainz side, Bayern Munich faced a tough task, but a dominant first-half display gave them a comfortable early lead. Although Bo Henriksen’s team showed brief moments of promise, Bayern ultimately sealed the win with a composed second-half performance. Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.
Aston Villa - Paris Saint-Germain: Goosebumps In An Orthodox Champions League’s Night (3-2)
Aston Villa's supporters brought an almighty roar, sending belief to Unai Emery's team that a Remontada is possible against Paris Saint-Germain. An intense start went down the drain after Luis Enrique's side caught the Villains on transition. The Parisians were dazed in the second half. However, Donnarumma pulled off a legendary shot-stopping performance to make his team advance to the Champions League semi-final. Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.
Olympique Lyonnais - Manchester United: Fluid Lyon Frustrate United (2-2)
Olympique Lyonnais showed a fluid possession game here and a defensive scheme that allowed them to restrict United's attacks. However, they still needed a last-minute goal from Rayan Cherki to end this game level, while much of the attention will be on the decisive role of André Onana in this game. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. After a convincing win over Real Sociedad in the last round, Manchester United's Europa League campaign continued this week against Olympique Lyonnais.
Villareal - Real Madrid: Mbappe Double Sinks Yellow Submarine (1-2)
Real Madrid claimed the spoils against Villareal in their away fixture at the Estadi del a Ceramica. Kylian Mbappe scored a quickfire brace after Juan Foyth bundled the ball over the line from a corner in the first half. Mbappe’s goals gave Real the victory as they remain top of La Liga by a slender margin. Tactical analysis and match report by Gaurav Krishnan. It’s been some week for Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain - Olympique Marseille: Another decisive match at home for the Parisians (3-1)
The match that practically sealed the Ligue 1 title, with Paris Saint-Germain striking at the right moments and exploiting the weaknesses in Marseille's defensive depth. Luis Enrique's team was truly enjoying their football. Tactical analysis and match report by Juan Lauz. I found that this could have decided the Ligue 1 title in France.
Inter - Lazio: A Cynical Victory Secures Semifinal Berth (2 - 0)
Just days before a crucial title match against Napoli, Inter secured their spot in the Italian Cup semifinal. The team’s success came despite resting most of their top players, as the second lines stepped up with a serious and commendable performance. Additionally, Inzaghi took this opportunity to experiment with tactics, switching to a back-four formation for the last 30 minutes. This strategic shift could hint at what's to come in their upcoming matches.
Everton - Liverpool: Memorable Merseyside Derby Marks The Goodison Goodbye (2-2)
Everton are on the final stretch of their stay in Goodison Park and treated fans to a furiously contested derby fitting for the occasion. Three red cards, a share of the spoils, and a leveler at the death dialed up the drama and rattled their rivals in the fight for the Premier League. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. The Merseyside derby is a hallmark of heritage in English football.
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.
Arsenal - Newcastle United: The Geordies Stun Mikel Arteta’s Reds (0-2)
Newcastle United pulled off a shock victory over Arsenal in the EFL Cup in what turned out to be a fiercely competitive contest. Eddie Howe's defensive setup proved difficult to breach in open play. However, Arsenal's set-piece proficiency created opportunities, though they failed to convert them. Meanwhile, the visitors made the most of their limited chances. The Geordies will carry a two-goal lead into the decisive second leg.
Bayern Munich - Augsburg: The Harry Kane Show (3-0)
The clash between Bayern Munich and Augsburg initially appeared destined to be a cagey, low-scoring affair, but it transformed into a finishing masterclass from Harry Kane. Although referee decisions influenced the opening two goals, the Englishman's sharpness and composure in front of goal turned the tide decisively. Kane's brilliance not only secured a commanding victory for Bayern but also etched his name into Bundesliga history, marking a memorable night in Munich.
Chelsea - Arsenal: Guardiola’s Former Apprentices Cancel Each Other Out In The London Derby (1-1)
Enzo Maresca & Mikel Arteta went up against each other for the first time in the Premier League as managers of Chelsea & Arsenal. Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead in the second half with a near post finish. But Pedro Neto’s first Premier League goal for Chelsea was enough to seal a draw for the Blues at Stamford Bridge. Tactical analysis and match report by Gaurav Krishnan. The apprentices have succeeded their master, or at least, they have emerged from the years under his tutelage.
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Sevilla: Ocampos Heroics Send Sevilla Through (0-1)
Wolves missed a penalty in the twelfth minute and never recovered, as they slowly drowned in the waves of Sevilla counterpressing. Chance creation was at a premium for the Spanish side against a staunch Wolves defense. But one goal was all they were ever going to need, as Lopetegui’s side laid down another marker on their way to a semi-final meeting with Manchester United. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell.
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Manchester City: Explosive Adama Traoré Leads Wolves Comeback In Red Card Induced Role Reversal (3-2)
After Ederson’s sending off left City with no way to go, two casual attacks gave Guardiola’s team a double lead. However, their inability to control possession with ten men exposed their defensive frailties, ultimately inviting Wolverhampton back into the game for the final win. Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem Bianchi.
Liverpool - Bayern Munich: Both Teams’ Unique Defensive Styles Lead To Stalemate (0-0)
Liverpool and Bayern Munich approached the game in aggressive defensive stances that made the first half a high-octane affair. Things settled down in the second period of play as Bayern Munich became much more passive, which proved to be an even more effective method at stymieing Liverpool’s offense. Tactical analysis and match report by Om Arvind. Liverpool’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation this season is no longer news.
Internazionale - Juventus: Catenacci-No! (4-4)
It was the former Interista, Annibale Frossi, who coined the phrase “The perfect result to a football game is 0-0.” In which case, he would have been traumatized by the Derby d’Italia’s most recent events. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription. Frossi represented many Italian clubs as a player and a coach, but out of the giants, he would only play for Internazionale.
Hellas Verona - Napoli: Conte Already Under The Cosh (3-0)
Delays in the transfer market and unhappiness from the coach, the last thing that Napoli needed was a bad start to the season. Hellas Verona grew into the game and Antonio Conte’s team “melted like snow in the sun” on his Serie A return. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. It was away to Hellas Verona where Kvaradona landed into the psyche and Napoli started to launch itself to the summit. Two years on, the picture is much more gloomy going into the new season.
Spain - England: La Roja Reign Supreme (2-1)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the worthy winners of EURO 2024 packed the punch in this final clash to crown their entertainment of the masses in the last four weeks with the most prized asset of all. While the English expended the energy they need only to carry out the task at hand, Spain showed how they could turn the screw at the push of a button to take the trophy. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
Spain - Georgia: Spanish Armada Gun Down Gallivanting Georgians (4-1)
Georgia have crushed all expectations, beating one of Europe’s most talented squads on the way to the Round of 16. However, their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula ran aground against the most convincing camp of the EUROs. By the end of the ninety minutes, Spain had sailed their way past their latest test with eyes on the prize— and an almighty clash in the quarter-final. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. We decided to make all of our EURO 2024 articles free to read.
Theory of Soccer: A world without tactics
So yea, imagine then that there is football but no “football tactics.” What does this soccer world look like? This is problematic from the get-go because defining terms is not my strong suit. But maybe we can just start with.. imagine that there are no coaches, that all the teams just roll the ball out there and play. We should imagine also that the players don’t huddle up with a leader emerging from the chaos, himself setting the formation and assigning players to different roles.
Paris Saint-Germain - Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund’s Dream Run Reaches Final Hurdle (0-1)
For the first time since 1995, a fan-filled Parc des Princes hosted a men's Champions League semifinal. Paris Saint-Germain had a first leg deficit to overturn if they were to reach the final of the competition for just the second time ever, still seeking a first title. However, they failed to find a way through Borussia Dortmund's defense yet again. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat.
Chelsea - Manchester United: Disarray Drives A Premier League Classic (4-3)
What happens when two disjointed teams go head to head? It leads to an all-time Premier League classic. Chelsea seemed comfortable after establishing a two-goal lead, but as United typically do, they pulled back and even managed to score a third goal. However, Cole Palmer had different ideas, as Chelsea scored two more goals in stoppage time to secure an unlikely win. While the game had the entertainment factor, it also underlined the issues both sides have faced this season.
West Ham United - Arsenal: Gunners Blast Irons To Smithereens (0-6)
Arsenal last left the London Stadium with title ambitions tainted, they left this time with those ambitions invigorated. Off-ball movements and set-piece routines carved through an uncharacteristic West Ham United, that seems torn on its future. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. A 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium gave David Moyes a clear view of the glass ceiling above him.
Manchester City - Chelsea: City Frustrated Against Compact Chelsea (1-1)
Manchester City dominated possession and territory throughout the game, but it was Chelsea who struck first as they were rewarded for good counter-attacking play by going in front. They faced an attacking onslaught from City who threw everything at them with a wing-focused attack, and eventually equalized courtesy of Rodri. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Manchester City came into this game following their Champions League Round of Sixteen win over FC København in midweek.
Brentford - Liverpool: Birds Pick Apart Vulnerable Bees (1-4)
As Brentford were encouraged out of their shell, Liverpool slalomed in to punish their opponent. Room to rotate and costly defensive errors left Thomas Frank’s team in a vulnerable position, but more injuries to Liverpool options could alter the wind that is blowing in their sails. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. The league leaders traveling to a bottom-half opponent is usually a foregone conclusion: but Liverpool at Brentford has thrown spanners in the works before.
Olympique Marseille - AS Monaco: Inconsistent, lacking composure, and absolutely thrilling (2-2)
In what was the best game of the weekend in France, Olympique de Marseille and AS Monaco demonstrated perfectly why neither team looks certain of claiming a Champions League berth this season. Marseille were gifted a golden opportunity to heap pressure on an inconsistent Monaco side when their visitors received an early red card but instead, a telling lack of composure left the hosts frustrated. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.
Napoli - Fiorentina: Fiorentina Win In Free-Flowing Game (1-3)
Fiorentina arrived at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with a proactive gameplan, and were rewarded with an early goal. Their high pressing could not be sustained for the full game through, and Napoli showed some nice combination play at times. The away side prevailed though after playing a more counter-attacking game in the second half. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
OGC Nice - Stade Brestois: Pretenders To The Throne Or Contenders For The Throne? (0-0)
An early top-of-the-table clash between some unusual suspects saw the two teams that started the weekend in first and second collide in a hard-fought affair. Neither Nice nor Stade Brestois excelled, but they showed exactly why so many teams have struggled to break down their defenses. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland. Before talking about the game it’s important to mention what happened on Friday.
Paris Saint-Germain - OGC Nice: A Tale Of Two Presses (2-3)
After two comfortable victories before the international break, you could be forgiven for thinking everything was back to normal for Paris Saint-Germain, but OGC Nice were there to remind them of their problems. A game defined by two managers obsessed with pressing… and only one team that seemed to know how to implement that vision. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.
Bayern Munich - Manchester United: Goals Without The Glamor (4-3)
One could pardon passive followers of this clash for thinking it was a classic. While seven goals featured at the Allianz Arena, drama in the box made up for most of what happened out of it. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription. Bayern Munich are still the standard bearer in the Bundesliga, but their kingdom has been crumbling. The board has not taken the hint.
Ireland - Netherlands: Hope Follows Despair In Dublin (1-2)
Ireland needed to win against the Netherlands to be in with a hope of qualifying for the Euros next summer. They came out with an aggressive press that unsettled the Dutch side, but were too slow to adapt to Ronald Koeman’s changes in the second half. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland. In 2020 Stephen Kenny was brought in as Ireland's manager to act as a breath of fresh air to an establishment that had become all too stale. The football had been turgid and the team was ageing.
Meet Japan - The Most Tactically Advanced Side in the World Cup
I highly recommend reading this article on web instead of email so that the videos I’ve included show up properly. NOTE: Tactical Rant is NOT returning. I previously mentioned that I might write an occasional article in my free time and post it on this substack. That’s what this is. I would NOT advise subscribing with the expectation of receiving regular content — or any further content, period — in the future.
Roma In Need Of Tactical Renovation
Injuries, finances and deflation. AS Roma needs to reevaluate its tactical framework to return the money it has put in, but can José Mourinho modify one of the oldest squads and highest wage bills in Serie A? Written by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription. Presented like a new emperor, the signing of Paulo Dybala wasn’t just a form of celebration, but a statement of intent.
By buying Lyon and Washington Spirit, Kang is building soccer's new powerhouse
Scan the field after a Washington Spirit match, when players, staff and family gather to debrief and swap stories, and team owner Michele Kang is almost certain to be holding court. Kang is at most games, home and away. It is hardly the life once imagined by the investor and philanthropist who made her name (and fortune) in the field of health information technology.
Why losing captain Becky Sauerbrunn is a big blow for the USWNT's World Cup
There are captains, and then there is Becky Sauerbrunn. The U.S. women's national team defender is, as several teammates have described her over the past couple of years, the team's "moral compass." She is the liaison between head coach Vlatko Andonovski and a team of young players who mostly were not around for the past two World Cup triumphs, each of which featured Sauerbrunn anchoring the back line. Becky Sauerbrunn is irreplaceable for the USWNT as a leader on and off the field.
Your guide to every NWSL team's tactical style (in 100 words or less)
We all know the teams. We all know the stars, too. But how well do we know what actually happens on the field in the National Women's Soccer League? How do each of the 12 teams in the league play? And how do teams try to get the best out of their star players? We're here to answer those questions by looking at each NWSL team's on-field strategy and tactical identity. There's a catch, though: we're analyzing each team in rapid-fire fashion using 100 words or less. Let's get to the analysis.
Wolfsburg still have a bright future despite UEFA Women's Champions League defeat
EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands -- After the triumphant waves of "El Cant del Barça" had faded into the warm afternoon air around the Philips Stadion, the unmistakable opening bars of "Immer nur Du" ("Always the now") began to sound through the speakers. From the playful claps along with "BARÇA, BARÇA, BAAAAARÇA!" a muted sea of green scarves lofted as the moody 1980s power ballad started up and the underdogs of the day began to sing along to their own song about brotherhood and football.
MLS Power Rankings: LAFC and FC Cincinnati lead the way, Miami stuck at rock bottom
Summer is here and it is time for midseason surges in Major League Soccer. The teams who struggled early on, whether down to offseason changes, injury or simply needing time to gel, have now had plenty of time to get things sorted out. They have to make a run now and have their play match the rapidly improving weather. The Philadelphia Union are already doing that and are very much looking the part of MLS Cup contender again. Orlando City are showing flashes of that too.
Teens are suddenly big NWSL stars: How a lawsuit and on-field dazzle changed everything Original
Over the first eight years of the NWSL, only five teenagers received minutes in official games. In 2023 alone, we've already seen that number exceeded, with a total of seven players aged 15 to 19 featuring in the regular season or Challenge Cup. Among that group, three have already become major contributors for their teams.
Newcastle United - Brighton & Hove Albion: Newcastle Press On Towards The Champions League
On a Europa League night, two teams with dreams of qualifying for next season's Champions League faced off in the Premier League. Brighton's hopes were already very low at this point, and they were certainly killed for good as Newcastle United got to within touching distance of sealing a top four spot. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat. Newcastle United’s season has been better than they could have hoped for, yet the last few weeks feel decisive.
Why OL Reign has the NWSL's best defense: A tactical explainer Original
OL Reign coach Laura Harvey painted a picture of frustration following her side's 1-0 defeat to the Washington Spirit in their 2023 NWSL season opener. "Everyone who knows me knows my pet peeve is when you don't do defending throw-ins right," she said, referring to the 54th minute sequence in which Spirit winger Trinity Rodman was allowed to burst away freely into space and score.
Manchester City – Liverpool: Interiors Give City Stable Ground To Attack (4-1)
Mohamed Salah’s curled effort tried to change the narrative, but Liverpool had no solution to stop Kevin de Bruyne from being engaged. He and İlkay Gündoğan stretched their double pivot, built the pathways to the wingers and arrived in the box as Manchester City cruised to victory. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Sweden - Belgium: Tedesco’s Reign Starts With A Convincing Victory (0-3)
After a disappointing World Cup, Belgium began the new era with a triumphant performance against Sweden. It was a game of two halves, but Belgium were clinical, with Romelu Lukaku scoring a hattrick to seal an impressive victory on their travels. Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan. Belgium were dumped out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a horrendous fashion, which resulted in huge ramifications.
Las Blancas Podcast: How To Close The Gap Between Barcelona & Real Madrid
Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images On this episode of Las Blancas podcast, hosts Om Arvind, Yash Thakur, and Kani Froh discuss Real Madrid’s 4-0 loss to Barcelona. Talking points: 0:40: Big podcast announcement 5:05: Who should’ve started and who shouldn’t have 14:50: Why Ivana isn’t being selected 17:40: How Barcelona won the game in the opening minutes 22:15: Why our possession work matters for our defense vs.
Starting Lineups: Villarreal vs. Real Madrid Femenino; Liga F
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images Real Madrid are all set to take on Villarreal away from home. This Thursday game precedes Barcelona’s contest vs. Levante Las Planas, which marks the final fixture of matchday 1, which needed to be rescheduled due to a referee work stoppage. Alberto Toril’s lineup matters beyond the ramifications of this result, as El Clásico looms on the horizon and will demand the best of Las Blancas.
Villarreal vs. Real Madrid Femenino 2022 Live Stream: Time, TV Channels, & How To Watch Liga F online
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images Real Madrid travel away to Villarreal to play matchday 1 in Liga F. Las Blancas have a full-strength squad and may be prepared to rotate in order to stay fresh for El Clásico on Sunday. Meanwhile, Villarreal have only won a single game this season and will surely fight tooth and nail to obtain a result at home.
Preview, Squad List, Team News: Villarreal vs. Real Madrid; Liga F
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images Preview Real Madrid travel away to Villarreal on November 3rd to contest matchday 1 of Liga F. This part of the season had to be rescheduled due to a referee work stoppage that delayed the beginning of the brand new competition. As a result, the two sides have a congested schedule this week, with Las Blancas needing to keep an eye on the Clásico on Sunday. Villarreal have been in generally poor form in 22/23. They recently picked up a 1-1 draw vs.
Conservatism and question marks
As Fernando Santos leads Portugal to their second World Cup under his tenure, there are many questions surrounding the squad going to Qatar. Though Portugal seem to be one of the oddsmakers’ better rated teams going into the tournament, a combination of underlying issues in the squad and antiquated tactics may hinder them from making a deep run into the knockout stages. This tactical preview has been written by Charlie Tuley.
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