RB Leipzig get a lot of praise for their innovative approach, both on and off the field. Manager Julian Nagelsmann is often lauded for his forward-thinking systems and it’s why he’s regularly tipped as a potential successor to arguably the two best tactical thinkers in the game today: Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. They’re often…
Hitting the target and making the goalkeeper work is no longer good enough at the very top level. More often than not, chances are at a premium in the must-win clashes and failing to make the most of an opportunity is viewed as a waste. What’s more, these must-win matches are becoming increasingly more common.…
Chelsea found themselves in an odd place as the new season kicked off. Their spending spree heaped the pressure on Frank Lampard and his side, with the view that they should be challenging for the Premier League title. However, the large number of arrivals also appeared to lessen the expectations being placed on the team,…
Bayer Leverkusen are one of only two unbeaten teams in the Bundesliga this season. They’re currently one point off leaders Bayern Munich and after a slow start – scoring three goals in their opening four matches – the floodgates have opened. Peter Bosz’s side have notched 13 in their last four outings in the German…
Since day one of the season for Liverpool, a narrative has been pushed that defensively they’re not as secure this time around. Virgil van Dijk had a lapse in judgement against Leeds United to gift Patrick Bamford a goal and Marcelo Bielsa’s team carved out multiple openings against the champions. In reality, a number of…
Bruno Fernandes has transformed Manchester United. The Portuguese maestro has been a creative menace for the Red Devils ever since his £50million move from Sporting in January. The 26-year-old quickly put his stamp on the team and he’s now viewed as the club’s franchise player, with Paul Pogba having to settle for a place on…
Milan didn’t pick up their 16th point of the season until their 14th match of the 2019/20 campaign when Theo Hernandez scored the winner in the 88th minute against Parma. With just six games on the board this time around, the Rossoneri have already equalled that tally. Stefano Pioli’s men are the early pace-setters in…
Southampton toppled Premier League leaders Everton on Sunday in what was one of their most controlled and ruthless performances of the season. The visitors had less of the ball (45 per cent), attempted fewer passes (509 to 610) and were limited to just two shots on target. The in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin completed just six passes…
Celtic didn’t manage a single shot on target against Rangers on Saturday. With no supporters allowed in stadiums right now, there’s not much in terms of home advantage. That said, it’s very rare to see a visiting team to Parkhead control the Bhoys in the way Steven Gerrard’s men did. The hosts had the majority…
Sometimes, attack really can be the best form of defence. Aston Villa have epitomised this since football returned from lockdown. In the 13 matches played, Dean Smith’s men have conceded, on average, one goal per game. Before lockdown, the Villans were conceding two goals per 90. It’s been a remarkable turnaround and one that very…