Ian O'Neill

Analysis

Premier League 2020/21: Arsenal v Burnley – tactical analysis

Arsenal were looking to end their poor run of form in the Premier League as they hosted a similarly out of form…

July 16, 2021

Coaching: Improving the movement of your strikers

The role of the modern striker has changed drastically, depending on the formation, the playing style of the team and the profile…

December 2, 2020

Match Analysis

Premier League 2020/21: Liverpool vs Leicester City – tactical analysis

Liverpool has now set a new club record, 64 consecutive home wins in the Premier League after they saw off Leicester City…

November 24, 2020

Match Analysis

UEFA Nations League 2020: Ireland v Bulgaria – tactical analysis

Ireland welcomed Bulgaria to the Aviva Stadium this past week for what was the final game of their UEFA Nations League campaign…

November 20, 2020

LA Galaxy: Why are they at the bottom of the West?

LA Galaxy is a staple name of Major League Soccer, a team with a history of success, and a raft of world-class…

November 11, 2020

Arsenal

Premier League 2020/21: Arsenal vs Aston Villa – tactical analysis

Arsenal hosted Aston Villa in what would be for both sides a competition for sixth place in the Premier League this weekend.…

July 16, 2021

Match Analysis

MLS 2020: LA Galaxy v Seattle Sounders – tactical analysis

LA Galaxy welcomed current MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders for what would be the Galaxy’s last home game of the season. The…

November 6, 2020

Arsenal

Premier League 2020/21: Manchester United vs Arsenal – tactical analysis

Manchester United welcomed what was an out of form Arsenal to Old Trafford for Ole Gunnar Solskjær‘s 100th game as Manchester United…

July 16, 2021

Coaching: Playing through a 4-4-2 mid-block

Last month we produced a tactical analysis on how teams play through a 4-4-2 mid-block in theory. Delving into one of the…

October 28, 2020

Champions League

UEFA Champions League 2020/21: FC Midtjylland v Atalanta – tactical analysis

UEFA Champions League debutants FC Midtjylland have now played their very first game in this illustrious competition since the club’s inception 21-years…

October 23, 2020

Finland

UEFA Nations League 2020/21: Finland v Ireland – tactical analysis

Although Stephen Kenny’s Ireland has now gone four games (6.5 hours) without finding the back of the net, it is a testament…

July 27, 2024

Analysis

UEFA Nations League 2020/21: Ireland v Wales – tactical analysis

Ireland hosted Wales this past weekend in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League Group H clash. Wales were on a good run…

October 13, 2020

La Liga

La Liga 2020/21: Levante vs Real Madrid – tactical analysis

Levante played host to current La Liga champions Real Madrid for what was both sides fourth league game fo the season. Although,…

October 20, 2020

Arsenal

Premier League 2020/21: Liverpool v Arsenal – tactical analysis

The highest-scoring fixture in Premier League history lived up to its reputation, Liverpool came away as worthy winners at 3-1 against an…

July 16, 2021

Arsenal

Premier League 2020/21: Liverpool vs Arsenal – tactical preview

If Arsenal comes away with three points this Monday, Mikel Arteta will become the first Arsenal manager to win his first match…

July 16, 2021

3-5-1-1 Formation

How To Play Through 4-4-2 Mid-Block Like FC Barcelona – Tactical Theory

The 4-4-2 appears to be the most common defensive shape for teams that form a mid-block, as it offers a more balanced…

April 18, 2025

Match Analysis

Premier League 2020/21 – Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur – tactical analysis

It was the ‘Kane-Son’ duet that done the damage at St. Mary’s this past weekend. The English Captain laid on the South…

July 26, 2022

Match Analysis

UEFA Nations League 2020/21: Ireland vs Finland – tactical analysis

The Republic of Ireland hosted Finland in the UEFA Nations League in what was newly appointed Ireland manager Stephen Kenny’s first home…

September 8, 2020

Analysis

MLS 2020: Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact – tactical analysis

The second Canadian Classique in one week and for the second game in a row it is the visitors that walk away…

July 27, 2024

Analysis

FA Cup 2019/20: Arsenal v Chelsea – tactical analysis

Frank Lampard had it all to figure out, although being a goal up after five minutes, the former Chelsea skipper turned manager…

July 16, 2021