imagine telling someone 25 years ago that 8 of the 10 Premier League games would be televised - but that the exceptions would be the Man Utd game and the Arsenal game

The end to Bournemouth v Fulham was great. All four goals were great in their own right, even if Leno could have done better with Semenyo's first. Regarding Semenyo, he's only getting better, I think. Such a good, two-way winger, who's great with both feet, and can play on both flanks.

I’ve written my fair share on Palace in recent times. But I wanted to offer my two cents on Adam Wharton this time round. He reads the game very well, and seems to always make the right choice of pass. #CPFC I think he definitely warranted a call-up to the NT.

#CPFC enjoyed a bright start to the Conference League phase last night, with Wharton keeping the ball moving forward from midfield. Words on Wharton’s involvement, and the connection between players, and system. wp.me/p6lWW3-2f5

I looked at a few examples, including Liverpool, who utilise clearances to get at the opposition on the break. As much as they attack, the 161 clearances they have already made is an indication of how much defending they have had to do too.

Clearances offer benefits defensively (they can help a team regain shape), and offensively (they can kick-start counter-attacks). I looked at past and present examples, tried to review their effect, and how analysis can lead to extended topics. theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/w...

I think it's really impressive how the likes of Rashford, and Luis Diaz generate such zip, and power on shots without a huge amount of back lift. Brilliant stuff.

I've been revisiting Gerald Vanenburg tape. A really good dribbler, with a nice change of direction, and had a penchant for a stepover. So always makes for a good watch.

An appreciation for the lesser-heralded near-post cross. Who targets that zone the most? Which players get across their man most often? How does it compare to far-post deliveries? Full piece below for @theathleticfc.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...

I'm going to make a conscious effort to use this app more often again.

I forgot to post this yesterday. Whilst I try to post here, I've not yet brought myself to use X less. Anywho, though I'm not a fan of the sportswashing, PSG have been the best team in Europe this season, and were brilliant on Saturday. They could rely on dribbler types. Inter had none.

Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title win shows there will always be a place in football for dribbling. wp.me/p6lWW3-2cA

Wide duels, short-distance combinations, running, pressing, and long balls, Tactical features which could determine the end result of the PSG v Inter Champions League final. wp.me/p6lWW3-2cl

A work in progress. It'll be on the website later this week! 👍

This made for a really good read. Interesting, subtle contrast between the approach to beating the Barcelona defensive line across both legs. Ultimately part of what made both matches the blockbusters they were too.

Originally published on Monday, I forgot to share it here - my bad! Anywho, I wanted to cover McTominay's impact in the final-third for Napoli.

Scott McTominay’s brace against Torino has handed Napoli the upper hand over Inter in a tense title race. Thoughts on Conte maximising McTominay’s output via his role, the 4-3-3 set up, and a look at the data which helps back it up. wp.me/p6lWW3-2cg

Thinking back to what I saw of him last season, and what I've seen this season, I'd like to see Hamer in the Premier League again next season, regardless of where Sheffield United end up.

Hello! I have announced this before, but I'm looking for freelance work. 😀 If you are an editor, and are looking for someone to write about football tactics, I have a decades worth of articles online analysing matches, players, and all sorts.

20/21, 22/23 were better seasons overall, of course, with Fernandes playing well in them. But I just find something in him playing to a similar level for a side still a work in progress, in the bottom half of the table, that really deserves merit. #MUFC

In a strange way, I feel 2024/25 could been thought of as Fernandes' best season for United, and I tried to explain why. His performances have often stood out amongst other players on the pitch, and he's still putting up admirable numbers. #MUFC wp.me/p6lWW3-2c7

From earlier today: Covering Leverkusen's and Getafe's contrasting 4-4-2s, to Inter's 3-5-2, to B'mouth's 4-2-3-1. It's principles, and players that determine whether a formation and what it inhabits is attacking, or defensive.

I wouldn’t say I’m the first to broach this topic, but I’ve always wanted to offer my take on it. I feel that whilst there are logical preconceptions of formations, formations aren’t linear, and this is shown by teams playing differently whilst adopting the same shape on paper.

Analysis of past and present examples of formations being used in different ways, and how it suggests they aren’t defensive, nor offensive by default, with different teams principles, and usage of shapes impacting what they are stylistically. wp.me/p6lWW3-2bJ

Although it was only Tuchel’s first match as England head coach, I wanted to note some tactical observations. Lewis-Skelly’s goal was excellent, and I liked Bellingham having the licence to do what he does best. #ThreeLions theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/03/22/b...

Although it was only Tuchel’s first match as England head coach, I wanted to note some tactical observations. Lewis-Skelly’s goal was excellent, and I liked Bellingham having the licence to do what he does best. #ThreeLions theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/03/22/b...

Daniel Munoz is the most interesting of all of the wing-backs in the Premier League. He’s made more tackles than any wide player, and he takes a lot of shots in the box. And there’s a lot of tactical context for both! #CPFC wp.me/p6lWW3-2bx

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I wrote about Daniel Munoz, the Premier League's most interesting wing-back. #CPFC 🔴 Runs into the box result in shots 🔴 Trends amongst WBs/FBs attacking output 🔵 Completed second most tackles in the league. But why? 🔵 Balance in 3-4-2-1

Daniel Munoz is the most interesting of all of the wing-backs in the Premier League. He’s made more tackles than any wide player, and he takes a lot of shots in the box. And there’s a lot of tactical context for both! #CPFC wp.me/p6lWW3-2bx

Mikkel Damsgaard has been one of my favourite players to watch this season. He's one of those players that seems to be omnipresent. A piece on his movement across the pitch, combined with passing that makes him a main creator for Brentford. theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/03/06/m...

Mikkel Damsgaard has been one of my favourite players to watch this season. He's one of those players that seems to be omnipresent. A piece on his movement across the pitch, combined with passing that makes him a main creator for Brentford. theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/2025/03/06/m...

If you've ever enjoyed reading my work, I'm set to write a few more articles next week! But if you've found yourself missing a piece here and there, perhaps you'd like to subscribe (for free!), to never miss a future article. You can do so here! theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/subscribe/

Florian Wirtz missed a huge late chance at Bayern on Saturday; the Bundesliga title race is probably over. But he's the best around at finding space between the lines, and given the speed/compactness of the modern game, one of the best I've ever seen in that respect. www.nytimes.com/athletic/613...

If you've ever enjoyed reading my work, I'm set to write a few more articles next week! But if you've found yourself missing a piece here and there, perhaps you'd like to subscribe (for free!), to never miss a future article. You can do so here! theconventionalplaymaker.wordpress.com/subscribe/

Dembele has scored 23 goals in all competitions before the end of February. As good a player he is, few would have expected this. So what’s brought it about? Playing more centrally is one thing that has helped. More analysis of that, and more, here! wp.me/p6lWW3-2ab

Good article Ryan. ... And that is the key. Brighton may have had 64% of the possession, but they only had half the amount of shots on target, and rarely threatened us. #NFFC

Icymi, I analysed Elanga's use of space and overall threat in transitions during Forest's remarkable 7-0 thrashing of Brighton. Whilst Brighton dominated possession, their game plan without the ball played right into the home side's hands. #NFFC

Wrote something on Eurosport, as it disappears behind a paywall. www.gobb.ie/p/farewell-e...

I like watching Elanga. He’s a great off-ball runner, and in this Forest side, carries the ball from deeper positions, and significantly, creates goals for teammates. Nice that he can play out wide or in a front two, as well. Analysis of his display here, and any feedback is much appreciated!

Elanga was excellent again during the 7-0 thrashing of Brighton. Forest adopted a 3-4-1-2, and whilst Brighton dominated possession, they did not dominate space, or transitions, or the score line. #NFFC wp.me/p6lWW3-1Pm

I really liked Mainoo playing as an inside forward, and I outlined what Garnacho's directness brings to attack. I also tried to cover the broader conversation RE: United, + the transfer rumours surrounding Garnacho, but feel those are better suited to their own pieces.

Mainoo was given a more advanced role last night. It worked very well. Garnacho showed what he can offer whilst linked with a move away. There’s financial benefits to a sale, but he has so much potential. wp.me/p6lWW3-1V7

Lukic has impressed in Fulham's midfield. I like the partnership of Lukic, and Berge (or Pereira) too. A look at why that's the case. #FFC

I've rather enjoyed watching Sasa Lukic this season. He's now a mainstay in Fulham's starting XI, and he offers a good amount with, and without possession. Tactical and data analysis here! wp.me/p6lWW3-29I

I wrote one mailbag piece a few years back, where I answered questions a number of people sent in, and it was really fun. I'd like to do another mailbag, so if you have any questions on the current PL season, feel free to ask them.

Amidst David Moyes' return to Everton, I wanted to take a look back at last season, and what I saw as a topsy turvy nature to an otherwise solid few years at West Ham. wp.me/p6lWW3-29n

ICYMI...

From earlier today. Tactical notes on: 🔴 Gakpo's physical and technical threat on the left wing 🔴 Gakpo's data from last season, and now ⚪ Amad's movement up front ⚪ The benefits when playing Amad at wing-back wp.me/p6lWW3-29a

I analysed something that I kept thinking about during the NWD. Gakpo's better off on the left wing, and it's good he's played there consistently under Slot, and not alternating with a central role. And as good as Amad has been as an inside forward, should he return to wing-back? wp.me/p6lWW3-29a