Chelsea 1:1 Man United- Tactical Analysis

It ends honours even. ⏱ 🔵 1-1 🔴 | #CheMun pic.twitter.com/EomBq4JX1c — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 28, 2021 A penalty from Jorginho spared his and Chelsea’s blushes as the Blues drew 1-1 with a reinvigorated and conservative Manchester United side. All eyes were on caretaker manager Michael Carrick who took charge of United in their […]

The Original Invincibles- Preston North End 1888/89

PRESTON NORTH END’S ‘OLD INVINCIBLES’ OF 1888/1889

In the wake of Manchester City’s record-breaking claim to the Premier League, The False 9 will look back at some of the greatest club sides to ever win the top tier of English football. Studying tactical nuances and squad strengths, the articles in this series will consider some the famous campaigns which led great teams […]

An in-depth look at Lucien Favre’s tactics at Borussia Dortmund

IT has become an impossible task to examine the Borussia Dortmund of this decade outside the shadow of Jürgen Klopp. In 2015, when the bespectacled German left Dortmund, European media pored over his departure, suggesting that he had become bigger than the club. His successor, a young Thomas Tuchel, was subjected to comparisons, until he […]

Manchester United 0-0 Valencia: Tactical Analysis

IN the 67th minute of Manchester United’s 0-0 Champions League draw with Valencia, David de Gea blasted a goal kick straight into touch, the ball ricocheting near the dug outs. Martin Keown, commentating for BT Sport and ever the one for melodrama, remarked: ‘A cry for help?’ Although a rubbish goal kick doesn’t represent a […]

FIFA World Cup 2018 Preview: Belgium- Tactics, Formation and Expected Lineup

belgium world cup tactics

England fans who can remember the 2006 and 2010 World Cups will know all about the pressures a national side faces when the media dubs it a ‘Golden Generation’. In this year’s World Cup, England’s group rivals Belgium will now come under this weight of expectation; Eden Hazard, who will captain the affectionately-named Red Devils, […]

A look back at Liverpool’s treble winning 1983/84 season

In the wake of Manchester City’s record-breaking claim to the Premier League, The False 9 will look back at some of the greatest club sides to ever win the top tier of English football. Studying tactical nuances and squad strengths, the articles in this series will consider some the famous campaigns which led teams to […]

Pushed Wide: How Can Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan Fit in a Top-Heavy Arsenal?

So, it’s finally happened. As the Premier League January transfer window slams shut, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang steps into the Arsenal squad. By now, the Gooners will have noted his shirt number with intrigue. The iconic #14, which Thierry Henry wore during his illustrious career with Arsenal, will now be donned by the Gabonese forward. Was it […]

Liverpool 4-3 Man City: Klopp and the Press Check City’s Title March

Seven-goal thriller between Liverpool and Manchester City highlighted the wonders- and the potential flaws- of the high press. FOR 284 days, or 30 matches, Manchester City have remained undefeated. Yet in the dying seconds, as Sergio Aguero’s diving header flashed across the goal side-netting, it was realised: Guardiola’s team could be beaten. And they had, […]

The Henderson Conundrum: Why has Liverpool’s Skipper become the Scapegoat?

SINCE his arrival from Sunderland in 2011, Jordan Henderson has found himself figured and refigured in several different roles for Liverpool. With the Black Cats, Henderson was another promising English midfielder, making himself noticeable for his energy, charging down the right flank or through the middle. Over the course of four years at Liverpool, he […]

Chelsea 0:1 Manchester City-Tactical Analysis

Those who tuned in to Saturday’s match at Stamford Bridge between the reigning league champions and a slick, flourishing City team were always expecting an intensely tactical battle. Ultimately, De Bruyne’s decisive goal was emblematic of how Guardiola’s team played all evening: intelligent, fluid movement, one touch passing and a perpetual creation of space provided […]

The Diminishing role of the Stopper Center Back in the Premier League

Defending and its place in the modern game has spawned a quagmire of critical debate. Back in 2014, when Gary Neville’s article in the Telegraph declared the death of the ‘proper defending’, his words represented an ever-growing grumble about the League. The emphasis on blindingly fast attacks seemingly leave no place for the old-fashioned ‘stopper’: […]

Liverpool’s attacking options for 2017/18: How will Klopp fit in Mohamed Salah?

liverpool vs burnley prediction

THE £39 million signing of Mohamed Salah this summer has added another dynamic to the attacking presence of Liverpool. The skillful Egyptian had a significant role in AS Roma’s front line last season, bagging 15 goals and 11 assists in the Serie A to help the capital club reach second place. Salah’s role at Roma […]