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Articles by Tom Quartly
Liverpool - FC Barcelona: Klopp’s Tactics Crowned By Clever Corner Decide A Night To Remember (4-0)
The seemingly impossible became reality. Jürgen Klopp’s immaculate tactical tweaks got Liverpool off to a great start and Liverpool managed to survive a handful of Barcelona chances. In the end, Liverpool completed one of the great Champions League comebacks, the final goal coming from an unforgettable moment of guile. Tactical analysis and match report by Tom Quartly. Liverpool have had their share of historic comebacks.
Paris Saint-Germain - Liverpool: Late Looting In Lucho’s Lair (0-1)
This was not the game we had expected. Paris Saint-Germain had dictated proceedings throughout their first-leg clash with Liverpool, yet Alisson Becker inflicted his own dominance between the posts. With minutes left, Liverpool found the winner for the definitive “smash-and-grab” 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.
Nottingham Forest - Arsenal: Forest Fell The Gunners (0-0)
Six points separate the two teams behind the league leaders. No one would have foreseen such a state of affairs at the start of a season that is replete with regret for the latest visitors to the City Ground. This disappointing draw only confirmed fears that fans have accepted at Arsenal. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Arsenal are odds on for a fifth year in a row without a trophy.
Real Madrid - Barcelona: Hansi Flick First Accolade With The Catalans (2-5)
Real Madrid bit the dust when they got swept aside by rivals, Barcelona in Supercopa de España final. Hansi Flick’s men translated an utter dominance to four goals in the first half. The referee sent Wojciech Szczęsny off. Nevertheless, it didn’t change anything as Barcelona fought equanimously until the whistle. Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Borussia Dortmund - Bayern Munich: Close Rivals Share the Spoils (1-1)
As a football writer, Fahd objectively explores various talking points while leaning on data analytics to provide better context. He is also currently pursuing a professional diploma in football tactical analysis with Barça Innovation Hub (Universitas). [ View all posts ]
Fulham - Brighton & Hove Albion: Brighton Buckle To Self-Inflicted Strains (3-1)
True to their nature, Brighton bring creative ideas to the table, and their latest outing saw a switch to a new structure. But it cannot excuse the errors that thwarted their clever solutions in possession as their hosts adapted to the task and took all three points in a decisive display. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. The Premier League prides its product on stiff competition throughout the top tier of English football.
AC Milan - Juventus: Goalless Draw Highlights The Importance Of Not Losing (0-0)
In Italy, the 0-0 draw has long been heralded as a symbol of defensive prowess, reminiscent of the valiant resistances demonstrated by Italian soldiers in the past. Yet, this match offers a different narrative. Rather than a testament to the defensive mettle traditionally celebrated, the goalless draw reflects a struggle in offensive creativity.
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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Eintracht Frankfurt: Champions Edge a Hard-Fought Victory (2-1)
Eintracht Frankfurt hoped to keep their momentum after a strong result against Bayern München. However, reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen put a stop to their seven-game undefeated run with a narrow 2-1 victory. A match underscored by blunt finishing came down to the wire, with Victor Boniface pushing Xabi Alonso’s side over the finish line. Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed. Bayer Leverkusen has endured a mixed start to the season.
Ukraine - Belgium: Agony And Relief (0-0)
Heartbreak for Ukraine, sheer relief for Belgium, despite both teams finishing with four points. Ukraine’s approach without the ball effectively restricted Belgium’s attacking solutions, but their failure to capitalize on chances was their undoing. On the other side, Domenico Tedesco’s men certainly delivered a lackluster performance on the night, but their progression to the knockout rounds will ultimately overshadow their performance. Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan.
Olympiakos - Fiorentina: El Kaabi Helps Make History (1-0 A.E.T.)
Olympiakos made history as the first Greek club to win a major European trophy after a pragmatic tactical performance in which they were happy to sit deep and play direct in their 4-2-3-1 system. They kept the game tight, and eventually Ayoub El Kaabi provided the decisive moment in extra-time. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Olympique de Marseille - Paris Saint-Germain: Ten-man PSG punish injury-ridden Marseille (0-2)
Olympique de Marseille hosted Paris Saint-Germain in the biggest fixture in French football that has become far more about pride over the title race. Marseille were searching for their first win at home against their eternal rivals in thirteen years, while the league leaders were looking to consolidate their grip at the top of the table. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.
RB Leipzig - Real Madrid: Brahim’s Brilliance Fills Big Boots (0-1)
Leipzig looked like an outfit that were not fearful of the favorites. Their energy was infectious among the players on the field and threatened to rattle Real's cages. However, their opponents have not earned their tag for no reason. Thanks to the competent contribution of deputies in both boxes, many missing individuals from the squad could not curtail their control over the tie. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
OGC Nice - AS Monaco: Monaco edge bad-tempered derby (2-3)
Paris Saint-Germain’s grip on the title grew a little tighter as they extended their lead over OGC Nice by 11 points before the derby against AS Monaco was even to be played. It looks like a long time ago now that there were dreams of a title race involving the two Côte d'Azur high flyers. Still, the two teams remain locked in the race for the Champions League places, to which Monaco struck a big blow to their rivals. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - Bayern Munich: Ruthless Bayern Demolish Sorry Hoffenheim (0-6)
Bayern Munich’s fans have achieved some feat overshadowing their side’s performances this week through their vitriol towards Hoffenheim investor Dietmar Hopp. Although this controversy marred the day, the display of Hansi Flick’s team was a ruthless performance that both put a weak opponent to the sword and emphasized their title credentials once more. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
RCD Espanyol - FC Barcelona: Stellar Messi leads Barcelona to crush Espanyol in tactical battle of pressing systems and counterattacks (0-4)
An initially conservative Espanyol changed their approach after Messi’s first brilliant free kick goal. However, Barcelona’s fire power of Suárez, Dembélé and a stellar Messi still came out on the top in the ensuing battle of pressing systems and defense-to-attack transitions. The second half saw Espanyol unable to change this dynamic from the bench. Tactical analysis and match report by José Perez.
Manchester United - Manchester City: Working On The Outside Blitzs Through United (0-3)
Not since the first weeks of last season has Erik ten Hag felt such pressure. Manchester United desperately tried to keep things familiar, in a familiar formation, but Pep Guardiola slightly tweaked his wingers’ roles to brutally punish their dysfunctional rivals. 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.
Borussia Mönchengladbach - RasenBallsport Leipzig: Substitute Werner Scores Decisive Goal To ‘Defend’ Leipzig’s Winning Run (0-1)
In midweek, Leipzig manager Marco Rose called for Timo Werner “…to get down to business…and I'll say it again: he has to defend himself.” And that’s exactly what the club's record goalscorer did, by coming off the bench to score the winning goal against an organized Mönchengladbach. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Smoothy. Borussia Mönchengladbach hosted RB Leipzig at Borussia Park in gameweek five of the Bundesliga campaign.
Torino – Internazionale: Final Battle Plans Are Tried and Tested (0-1)
One week before the Champions League final, Internazionale had a final opportunity to rehearse their methods. Torino laid the perfect ground for them to execute, but when the hosts adapted in the second half, where Inter able to cope that well? Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Battles aren’t won on the battlefield but in their preparation and momentum.
Internazionale – Atalanta Bergamo: Inter’s Head Start Holds Off Atalanta’s Comeback (3-2)
Enjoying a brilliant final part of the season, Inter sprinted off the blocks with thunderous power, scoring twice in the opening three minutes and setting the tone in a decisive match to secure a top-four spot. Atalanta rallied back in their usual attacking fashion but ultimately left too much space behind their defensive line which Inter capitalized through a mix of determination and perfectly synced attacking movements. Will this be Inter’s tactical canvas in Istanbul?
Everton - Manchester City: Glorious Gündoğan Puts The Crown Within Reach (0-3)
Control. It’s something that Pep Guardiola craves most, so this performance should go high in his books. Manchester City pierced through a compact low block down the left side and magical touches from İlkay Gündoğan stole the story: even if expected goals tried to tell something different. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. A foregone conclusion is impossible to make within football’s great fluidity.
Germany – Japan: Germany Made To Rue Missed Chances In 2018 Déjà Vu (1-2)
Germany famously fell victim to the curse of the champions in 2018 when they crashed out of Group F after losing their opening game against Mexico and failing to beat one of the 2002 hosts in South Korea. Both of those things have happened in 2022 as well now, as Japan started off their campaign with a famous win over the 2014 champions. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat. Since that triumph in 2014, Germany’s record in major tournaments has not been great.
France - Denmark: Mbappé Magic Propels France To The Knockouts (2-1)
The big Group D fixture in the second round of fixtures saw the two European sides square off. After Tunisia’s loss to Australia, France knew that a win here would see them through to the knockouts and almost guarantee first place in their group. It took them a while, but with the contribution of one of the world’s best attackers, they got the job done in the end. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat.
Borussia Mönchengladbach - Bayern Munich: Sommer, The Stopper (1-1)
The opening night of the Bundesliga saw Julian Nagelsmann make his debut as the Bayern Munich manager, but the coach would have left Borussia Park wishing that he had come up against a different goalkeeper, as Yann Sommer decided to put on a show for the home crowd, making a string of ridiculous saves that maintained parity between the sides. Tactical analysis and match report by Manasvin Andra.
Tactical Analysis: Italy vs. Wales
June 21, 2021 Summer had well and truly arrived in Rome as Italy took on Wales under the sunny skies of the Stadio Olimpico. It was Italy that led Group A with a spot in the knockout stages already guaranteed. Meanwhile, a Welsh draw would secure them a top two spot, however, if Gareth Bale and co could manage to overcome the very impressive Italians, they’d leave Group A winners.
Scouting Report: Max Aarons
March 8, 2021 “In my eyes he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future. Max is outstanding in many topics. I can’t praise him enough for what he has done since his first appearance. I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players,” Norwich City manager Daniel Farke. It’s a glowing confession.
Scouting Report: Cheick Doucouré
A first-round European Cup tie on a chilly October evening hung in the balance. It was 1969 and the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard was packed to the rafters. There was no doubt that Saint-Étienne had fought hard and, despite levelling up the 2-0 advantage Bayern Munich held from the first leg, the imperious German outfit still remained favourites. They had Franz Beckenbauer marshalling their backline and could always count on a goal from Gerd Müller. It seemed inevitable.
Ibrahima Konaté: RB Leipzig’s Latest French Talent
February 13, 2021 Ibrahima Konaté speaks well. As a 19-year-old he discussed his blind trust in Dayot Upamecano and the fatherly position former head-coach Ralf Rangnick developed during his first year at RB Leipzig. Now 21, the landscape has shifted. Julian Naglesmann is in charge and rates Konaté highly, but an injury-riddled past couple of seasons has given the central-defender little chance to make an impact. Konaté grew up idolising Sergio Ramos, describing him as a ‘warrior’ and ‘leader’.
49 Goals in 19 Games: How Schalke’s Ozan Kabak Can Plug Liverpool’s Defence
February 2, 2021 As the clock crawls towards the end of the January transfer window, Liverpool have an issue. Virgil van Dijk, Joël Matip and Joe Gomez are all injured. Whilst Matip may be close to a return, Van Dijk will be lucky to play in April and Gomez will be lucky to play at all this season. With form now dwindling, Jürgen Klopp has been forced to dive into the transfer market, and he’s come out with a player he feels fits the task: Ozan Kabak.
Brian Brobbey’s Breakthrough in Amsterdam
January 29, 2021 He’s unstoppable, has an insatiable appetite for goals, and wants a move away from Amsterdam. In the 2018/19 season, Brian Brobbey scored 49 goals for the Ajax youth teams. He was playing against players up to four years older than him. It’s fair to say he turned a few heads, even back then. Now 18, and in his debut season with the senior squad, he averages a goal every 54.5 minutes in the Eredivisie. But there’s two things you need to know out Brobbey.
Mohamed Ihattaren: PSV’s Diamond in the Rough
December 21, 2020 It was 2007. The coats were piled up on the touchline in the south-eastern outskirts of Utrecht as Mohamed Amine Ihattaren’s mother watched on, wearing a proud smile. Her son had started his footballing journey at SV Houten and would soon move to Eindhoven, 85 kilometres south. Just over 12 years later, he would make his debut for PSV. Photo: SV Houten At only 16 years old, it was hard to know what to expect.
How a Youth Team Coach and Joey Veerman Could Take SC Heerenveen to the Top
September 29, 2020 An open training session at FC Volendam sparked an intriguing combination of two varying footballers by an idle spectator: “Joey De Bruyne”, he giggled to himself. This seemingly impalpable comparison between a Premier League-winning Belgian and young Joey Veerman did in fact draw similarities.
Cristiano Lucarelli: How a Political Enemy Became Italy’s Best Goalscorer
September 21, 2020 Shirt tucked in. Captains armband. Livorno was Cristiano Lucarelli’s ninth club, but the one closest to his heart. A divisive figure, known for having La Bandiera Rossa as his ringtone, he scored one-hundred and one goals in four seasons to fire Livorno from tenth in Serie B to ninth place in the Italian top flight. “Some players pay a billion (Lira) for a Ferrari or a yacht; with that money I bought myself Livorno’s shirt.
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