Karlsruher SC kept a structured and narrow defensive shape in their 1-1 draw with Hamburger SV. This article breaks down both team’s tactics and how both HSV and KSC couldn’t create many chances from open play. HSV’s promotion hopes are now under even more pressure.… Read More Hamburg 1-1 Karlsruher SC: HSV Promotion Hopes Narrowed by KSC’s Compact Defensive Tactics
This article looks at how Mainz’s successful use of defensive tactics smothered Bayern Munich and led them to a 2-1 victory to continue their Great Escape from relegation.… Read More Mainz 2-1 Bayern: Mainz’s Catenaccio-like Defensive Tactics Stifle Bayern’s Attack
Sønderjyske’s direct attacking tactics and structured defensive shape helped them unexpectedly beat Midtjylland 3-1. This article looks at how both teams set up and how Sønderjyske’s directness carved open one of the best Danish teams of the past decade.… Read More Sønderjyske 3-1 Midtjylland: Direct Tactics Propel Sønderjyske to a Second Straight Cup Final
This article analyzes Genk’s tactics in their 2021 Belgian Cup final 2-1 victory over Standard de Liège. Genk’s tactical changes at half time propelled them to their first Cup victory since 2013.… Read More How Genk’s Tactics Beat Standard Liège 2-1 in the 2021 Belgian Cup
The primary tactic Marcelo Bielsa uses is a 3-3-1-3. His system is incredibly demanding in all phases of play. This quick analysis shows how Bielsa has had a significant effect on Leeds United’s ability to outshoot opponents and take away their opponent’s home field advantage in the English Championship.… Read More Marcelo Bielsa’s Tactical Impact: English Championship Shooting Statistics 2015/16 – 2019/20
This article examines Christophe Galtier’s tactics with Lille in the 2020/21 season. After 33 games, Lille lead Ligue 1 and have been in first place longer then not.… Read More Top Dogues: Christophe Galtier’s 2020/21 Lille Tactics
Article by Ben Griffis This article is an expansion of the Ligue 1 Contribution Performance article. It analyzes goal and assist performance, compared to expected goals and assists, of the “Top 5” European leagues: England’s Premier League; Spain’s La Liga; Germany’s Bundesliga; Italy’s Serie A; and France’s Ligue 1, albeit shorter since I’ve already looked… Read More Goal Contribution Performance – Top 5 Leagues
Article by Ben Griffis Ryan Mason, whose career ended after a life-threatening head injury in January 2017, took over at Spurs on April 19th after José Mourinho was sacked. The Tottenham academy graduate and Enfield native took charge of his first senior match 2 days later against Southampton. While he coached in the Spurs youth… Read More A Tactical Look at Ryan Mason’s Managerial Debut
Article by Ben Griffis This article takes an analytical look at player attacking performance in France’s Ligue 1 so far this season. I collected data (from understat.com using Python code) on April 19th, after every team played 33 games. Lille currently sit atop the league with 70 points, one point above Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Monaco… Read More 2020-21 Ligue 1 Actual vs Expected Goal Contribution Performance
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