Many Arsenal fans will want to retain a sense of optimism as the 2024/25 Premier League season draws to a close. However, even the most ardent of them will know that the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United has severely dented and likely ended their hopes of lifting the top-flight...
What Is A 4-4-2 Mid-Block? The 4-4-2 mid-block is an out-of-possession strategy that features a flat back four, a midfield four, and two central forwards. The set-up has three clear defensive lines occupying the middle third of the pitch. The primary aim is to condense central areas and prevent teams...
Coaching attacking play, and specifically, creativity in wide players, can be one of the most challenging concepts for coaches to improve in their players. However, it is often a piece of trickery or moment of magic in the wide areas that lead to the game’s defining moments. Every football fan...
In modern-day football, teams expect to come up against compact defensive blocks designed to crowd the central areas of the pitch. When the opposition prioritises preventing teams from building the play through the middle, attacking from the wide areas is often the most efficient way to goal. Based on teams playing...
Since last season, Arsenal have been consistent in creating goals from crosses. This season (not including the game vs Leicester last weekend), Arsenal have already scored 11 goals from crosses, which means they're just seven goals away from matching last season's total. Their 0.5 assists per game this season are...
One of the biggest emerging stories of the January transfer window is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's status as a Napoli player. It’s been reported that Kvaradona and his club have reached a stalemate in contract extension talks. The Georgia international’s current deal expires in the summer of 2027. This news has put...
The Hale End has produced a fair few exciting talents over the past few years. Some have already made their way to the Premier League, while others are just starting to prove they deserve a place in the top tier. The most prominent example of Arsenal’s successful work at the...
Below, we look at 6 patterns of play you can use in the 4-2-3-1 formation. We will use tactical analysis and coaching to identify 4 patterns of play. These include wide penetration, while the other two are for central penetration. If you are coaching the 4-2-3-1 system or participating in...
There's nothing new to report; Arsenal are the best team in set-pieces in the Premier League, scoring eight goals from set-pieces from 9.01 xG, with the Gunners being the league's best-ranked side in both categories. Seven of 34 goals for the Nicolas Jover-coached team come from corner kicks, representing nearly 21%...
Edu Gaspar, Arsenal's former sporting director, oversaw a significant transformation in the club's transfer department. He made some big moves, bringing in new players and letting others go. From the 2019/20 season to 2024/25, the club focused on developing young talent, acquiring proven experience, and enhancing squad depth. They also...
The 2024/25 Premier League season is approaching its most important period. The table's appearance at the end of the season is mostly based on what happens between the beginning of December and the end of January/mid-February. A lot of movement is possible during this period, so the upcoming couple of...
The 2024/25 Premier League season is approaching its most important period. The table's appearance at the end of the season is mostly based on what happens between the beginning of December and the end of January/mid-February. A lot of movement is possible during this period, so the upcoming couple of...
Edu Gaspar, Arsenal's former sporting director, led the club through a big change in the transfer department. He made some big moves, bringing in new players and letting others go. From the 2019/20 season to 2024/25, the club focused on young talent, proven experience, and squad depth. They also aimed...
Many discovered Riccardo Calafiori's talent during UEFA Euro 2024. He shone with the Azzurri thanks to his excellent defensive and playmaking performances despite Italy’s overall bad tournament and unconvincing collective performances. Despite Italy’s poor run of form, Calafiori successfully attracted the attention of most of those who watched Italy’s group-stage...
Recruitment strategies vary a lot from club to club and league to league. Aspects like financial resources, league competition, club philosophy, and ambitions all affect football clubs' youth recruitment strategies. This data analysis looks closely at why each club is doing what it is doing, how these strategies fit in...
Set pieces are becoming increasingly important, attracting the attention of coaches, analysts, and even fans worldwide. Now, fans are familiar with the names and faces of set-piece coaches, as they frequently direct players during set pieces on the line. Coaches have also become more confident in acknowledging the role of set-piece...
Many discovered Riccardo Calafiori's talent during UEFA Euro 2024 when he shone with the Azzurri thanks to his excellent defensive and playmaking performances despite Italy’s overall bad tournament and unconvincing collective performances. Despite Italy’s poor run of form, Calafiori succeeded in attracting the attention of most of those who watched...
Set pieces have become an integral part of football, leading coaches, analysts, and even fans to become deeply passionate about all aspects related to them. Fans might come across a clip showcasing a brilliant set piece execution that leaves them impressed, prompting them to share it with their friends and...
Differences Between Throw-In Tactics & Set Piece Tactics Throw-ins are a crucial set piece, often overlooked despite their frequent occurrence during matches. For example, the average number of throw-ins in the Premier League last season was about 35 per game. Throw-in tactics are somewhat different from other set pieces affected...
The competition in the Premier League is intensifying. After seven rounds, Arsenal are in third place with 17 points, tied with the defending champions Manchester City and trailing the current league leaders, Liverpool, by a single point. The indicators are pretty promising for the Gunners, as they possess the third-strongest attack...
