Liverpool’s key advantage over Manchester City was their ability to better organise attacks and manage the transition to defenceIt has become increasingly clear this season that, at elite level, two attributes separate the very best managers from the rest: their capacity to manage the transition from attack to defence; and their ability to organise an attack, particularly against deep-lying opponents. Jürgen Klopp has excelled at both and the Swabian school of pressing, of which he is the leading practitioner, becomes ever more widespread.The figures have been muddied by Liverpool’s recent relaxation but, after 31 games of the season, the week the title was confirmed, Manchester City had scored seven more goals than Liverpool; Liverpool had conceded 12 fewer. Essentially, what...
Chelsea under their former player are regularly being undone on the counter, leaking goals in a manner that suggests Manchester United could take advantage in FA Cup semi-finalO n the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Chelsea went to Old Trafford, controlled possession for long periods, hit the woodwork twice and were beaten 4-0, shredded on the break again and again. The pattern for Frank Lampard’s first season in the Premier League was immediately set: Chelsea, good with the ball; not so good when they lose it. They have lost twice more to Manchester United since and, on Sunday afternoon, face them again in an FA Cup semi-final.Lampard is widely considered to have had a decent campaign. Even with...
Key questions about both sides’ forwards went unanswered in a game where Spurs and Arsenal showed their flawsAfter all the optimistic talk, the north London derby was a sobering reminder for Arsenal of just how much still needs to be done, just how pervasive the issues Mikel Arteta has inherited are. And while the victory lifted Tottenham above Arsenal in the table, and for all this in some respects resembled a classic José Mourinho mugging, it was a result that did little to clear the doubts about the manager and his approach. Spurs won because their defence was less chaotic than Arsenal’s but the picture, really, was of two attacks seeking an identity. Related: Toby Alderweireld punishes Arsenal errors to...
Since the Bundesliga began again behind closed doors, the home side is half as likely to win as it was beforeAnd so, we’re back. The Prince (an awkward embodiment of financial necessity and the perceived need for a circus to entertain the frustrated masses) has woken Sleeping Beauty (the Premier League) from her slumbers with a kiss and their fairytale romance will be consecrated at a lavish ceremony on Wednesday (Aston Villa v Sheffield United).Cynicism is easy and to an extent justified, but this is probably a good thing. People like football and jobs depend on it, and national re-engagement in the grand distraction feels a significant moment in the return to something a little nearer normality. It is not,...
New reality caused by pandemic means a move away is unlikely and with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes the future looks much brighter for UnitedLast summer, as Manchester United toured Japan, Paul Pogba was openly talking about seeking “a new challenge somewhere else”. Frustrated at United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League and with the general sense of drift at the club, and in the expectation of a lucrative move, it made sense for him to be considering his future. A year on, it seems increasingly probable he will stay at Old Trafford. If Pogba does stay United will, for the first time since Alex Ferguson left, have a squad that looks vaguely coherent.Nothing in football is certain –...