Ahmed Walid
@ahmed-walid.bsky.social
📤 3676
📥 387
📝 139
Football Writer for The Athletic. Views are my own
reposted by
Ahmed Walid
The Athletic | Football
3 days ago
This is the inside story of Enzo Maresca’s exit from Stamford Bridge: 🔹 Recommendations around player minutes were big part of why he wanted to leave 🔹 Wanted new defender in summer 🔹 Concerns over talks with Manchester City ✍️
@sjohnsonsport.bsky.social
and more 🔗
bit.ly/4aHVi51
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Michael Cox
4 days ago
Tough to prove this with numbers, but I'm convinced this season's Premier League ball moves more dramatically than the old Nike ball. In particular it seems to dip more than I (and more significantly, goalkeepers) anticipate.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
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Is this season’s Premier League ball enabling more spectacular goals?
The new Puma ball seems to be encouraging precise, well-judged finishes that reward technique and invention
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6925491/2026/01/01/is-this-seasons-premier-league-ball-enabling-more-spectacular-goals
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
The Athletic | Football
4 days ago
Manchester United look like a squad in need of reinforcements - and many fans are demanding a busy transfer window. But they may be disappointed.
@andymitten.bsky.social
explains why ⤵️ 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Manchester United's defensive organisation guided them to the victory against Newcastle, but they suffered in the second half to clinch the three points. Analysis of Manchester United's defensive organisation in the first half, and why they conceded chances later on.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
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Ruben Amorim is building a platform for victory – but his team still need more control
Whether a back three or a back four — what's important is how Manchester United operate inside those frameworks
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6921040/2025/12/28/ruben-amorim-is-building-a-platform-for-victory-but-his-team-still-need-more-control
8 days ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
The Athletic | Football
8 days ago
There was a focus on Manchester United's formation in their game against Newcastle United — but keeping control of games when leading remains the most important factor.
@ahmed-walid.bsky.social
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
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Manchester United's defensive organisation guided them to the victory against Newcastle, but they suffered in the second half to clinch the three points. Analysis of Manchester United's defensive organisation in the first half, and why they conceded chances later on.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
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Ruben Amorim is building a platform for victory – but his team still need more control
Whether a back three or a back four — what's important is how Manchester United operate inside those frameworks
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6921040/2025/12/28/ruben-amorim-is-building-a-platform-for-victory-but-his-team-still-need-more-control
8 days ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
How Erling Haaland is taking advantage of a key Man City move.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
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Why Erling Haaland is the Premier League’s cutback king
The Manchester City striker continues to demonstrate why he is the perfect person to take advantage of this specific attacking move
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6913232/2025/12/24/erling-haaland-manchester-city-cutbacks
12 days ago
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How Erling Haaland is taking advantage of a key Man City move.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
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Why Erling Haaland is the Premier League’s cutback king
The Manchester City striker continues to demonstrate why he is the perfect person to take advantage of this specific attacking move
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6913232/2025/12/24/erling-haaland-manchester-city-cutbacks
12 days ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
How Chelsea's improved movements between the lines and Enzo Maresca's tweak were key to the comeback against Newcastle United.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
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Chelsea were facing defeat at Newcastle. This is how Enzo Maresca turned it around
The head coach's tactical tweak and personnel change altered the course of the match at St James' Park
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6908261/2025/12/22/chelsea-maresca-newcastle-tactics
14 days ago
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How Chelsea's improved movements between the lines and Enzo Maresca's tweak were key to the comeback against Newcastle United.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
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Chelsea were facing defeat at Newcastle. This is how Enzo Maresca turned it around
The head coach's tactical tweak and personnel change altered the course of the match at St James' Park
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6908261/2025/12/22/chelsea-maresca-newcastle-tactics
14 days ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
How Bukayo Saka creates crossing angles for himself.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
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How Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka creates crossing angles for himself
In one-versus-one situations — or even one-v-two — Bukayo Saka's ability is unquestionable. This is how he finds space
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6895992/2025/12/18/bukayo-saka-arsenal-crossing-space
18 days ago
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How Bukayo Saka creates crossing angles for himself.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
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How Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka creates crossing angles for himself
In one-versus-one situations — or even one-v-two — Bukayo Saka's ability is unquestionable. This is how he finds space
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6895992/2025/12/18/bukayo-saka-arsenal-crossing-space
18 days ago
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Ahmed Walid
Manchester United need to learn how to control matches when ahead. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
20 days ago
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Manchester United need to learn how to control matches when ahead. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
20 days ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Conor O'Neill
23 days ago
Used Liverpool’s tendency to “win” games on xG as a topical Trojan horse to debunk the concept of winning on xG, and why xPoints tables often produce league standings that are clearly nonsense
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Manchester City won at the Bernabeu, but this wasn't their best performance. Analysis of City's 2-1 victory against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
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Man City beat Madrid by attacking the correct space, but this wasn’t a vintage performance
Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday night but they will not take positives from it into the competition's latter stages
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6881345/2025/12/11/manchester-city-real-madrid-analysis
25 days ago
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Manchester City won at the Bernabeu, but this wasn't their best performance. Analysis of City's 2-1 victory against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
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Man City beat Madrid by attacking the correct space, but this wasn’t a vintage performance
Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday night but they will not take positives from it into the competition's latter stages
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6881345/2025/12/11/manchester-city-real-madrid-analysis
25 days ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Andy Mitten
about 1 month ago
The rebuilding of Luke Shaw – and why he is still important to Manchester United. With plenty of detail of what has gone on and how he is now. For
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
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The rebuilding of Luke Shaw – and why he is still so important to Man Utd
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6854751/2025/12/03/luke-shaw-manchester-united-injury-record/?source=emp_shared_article
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Which set-piece ideas Ruben Amorim might have 'stolen' to score against Crystal Palace?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
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How Ruben Amorim is ‘stealing’ set-piece ideas from opponents and implementing them at Man Utd
The manager is carefully evaluating how other teams approach dead-ball situations before taking and adapting the best bits for his own side
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6854607/2025/12/02/manchester-united-amorim-set-pieces-premier-league
about 1 month ago
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Which set-piece ideas Ruben Amorim might have 'stolen' to score against Crystal Palace?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
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How Ruben Amorim is ‘stealing’ set-piece ideas from opponents and implementing them at Man Utd
The manager is carefully evaluating how other teams approach dead-ball situations before taking and adapting the best bits for his own side
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6854607/2025/12/02/manchester-united-amorim-set-pieces-premier-league
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
How Manchester United failed and succeeded in manipulating Crystal Palace's defence
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
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How imperfect Manchester United turned their fortunes around at Selhurst Park
Ruben Amorim's side initially failed but then succeeded at manipulating Crystal Palace's defence in Sunday's game
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6851604/2025/12/01/manchester-united-tactics-crystal-palace
about 1 month ago
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How Manchester United failed and succeeded in manipulating Crystal Palace's defence
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
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How imperfect Manchester United turned their fortunes around at Selhurst Park
Ruben Amorim's side initially failed but then succeeded at manipulating Crystal Palace's defence in Sunday's game
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6851604/2025/12/01/manchester-united-tactics-crystal-palace
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Direct attacks: possessions that start in a team’s own half and result in either a shot or a touch inside the opposition penalty area within 15 seconds.
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
How Arsenal have added attacking transitions to their arsenal.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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Why counter-attacks are the next stage of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal masterplan
To stay at the top of the football tree, Arsenal have empowered their attack with direct balls into the channels, catching opponents out
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6833000/2025/11/28/arsenal-transitions-eze-gyokeres-arteta
about 1 month ago
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How Arsenal have added attacking transitions to their arsenal.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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Why counter-attacks are the next stage of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal masterplan
To stay at the top of the football tree, Arsenal have empowered their attack with direct balls into the channels, catching opponents out
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6833000/2025/11/28/arsenal-transitions-eze-gyokeres-arteta
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Seb Stafford-Bloor
about 1 month ago
How Vincent Kompany defied expectation and quietly revived Bayern Munich. With stories from Anderlecht and Burnley, and the past 18 months at Säbener Strasse.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Gunnerblog
about 1 month ago
“There is a huge collection of fans who made this happen. It’s almost indescribable, the feeling of being part of something like that.” The making of Arsenal's
#NLD
tifo 🔥 - via Germany, Hale End & Saturday's secret dress rehearsal.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
🔴⚪️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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The story behind the making of Arsenal’s iconic north London derby tifo
It is already an iconic Arsenal image. Shortly before the north London derby kicked off, the home fans unveiled an enormous tifo, displaying players past and present over the rallying cry, “These stre...
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6836436
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Michael Cox
about 1 month ago
Arsenal played yesterday very well before even before Eze took charge. Merino deep - rather than as a fixed No 9 - left Spurs three centre-backs redundant. The runs came from everywhere else. A good gameplan.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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How Arsenal unlocked Tottenham: Merino as a false nine left Spurs defence with no one to mark
Arsenal didn’t have a permanent penalty-box threat, but this helped them put constant pressure on Spurs, who barely got out of their half
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6833064/2025/11/24/arsenal-tottenham-merino-false-nine
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Why Eddie Howe switched Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in the 2-1 victory against Manchester City, and how it empowered Newcastle's attacking transitions.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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The crucial Tonali/Guimaraes switch that helped Newcastle beat Manchester City
After a difficult period, Eddie Howe enjoyed a tactically-successful evening on Saturday
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6830376/2025/11/24/the-crucial-tonali-guimaraes-switch-that-helped-newcastle-beat-manchester-city
about 1 month ago
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Why Eddie Howe switched Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in the 2-1 victory against Manchester City, and how it empowered Newcastle's attacking transitions.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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The crucial Tonali/Guimaraes switch that helped Newcastle beat Manchester City
After a difficult period, Eddie Howe enjoyed a tactically-successful evening on Saturday
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6830376/2025/11/24/the-crucial-tonali-guimaraes-switch-that-helped-newcastle-beat-manchester-city
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Chris Weatherspoon
about 1 month ago
Lines are closed, votes are counted and verified...and anchoring in the Premier League is, well, sunk. Soon, PSR will join it. Instead, clubs approved introducing a domestic Squad Cost Ratio, alongside SSR(?) All you need to know is here
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
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Premier League clubs vote to change financial rules, PSR to be replaced by SCR from next season
The clubs voted to introduce the squad cost ratio but not top to bottom anchoring at a meeting in London on Friday.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6822838/2025/11/21/premier-league-scr-anchoring-financial-rules
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Piece on the attacking roles of Manchester City’s full-backs this season, and the team’s switches of play.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
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The tactical lesson from 2024-25 that is paying dividends for Manchester City this season
How the width of their full-backs is helping Pep Guardiola's midfield overload in midfield
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6797344/2025/11/21/manchester-city-full-back-switches-tactics-guardiola
about 2 months ago
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Piece on the attacking roles of Manchester City’s full-backs this season, and the team’s switches of play.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
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The tactical lesson from 2024-25 that is paying dividends for Manchester City this season
How the width of their full-backs is helping Pep Guardiola's midfield overload in midfield
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6797344/2025/11/21/manchester-city-full-back-switches-tactics-guardiola
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
The Athletic | Football
2 months ago
🔺 The positivity being stoked at Sunderland 🔺 The afternoon he was booed from the field at the Emirates 🔺 The chaos Mikel Arteta confronted at Arsenal Ahead of the visit of his former club Arsenal, Granit Xhaka talks exclusively to
@mwalkerfoot.bsky.social
. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Conor O'Neill
about 2 months ago
Managed to tear myself away from the Parrott goal on infinite loop long enough to write about Ireland’s madcap week. A remarkable resurrection.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
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How one of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping weeks in Irish football history unfolded
Five goals from Troy Parrott stole the show – but it was a group effort from Heimir Hallgrimsson's side that has kept World Cup hopes alive
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6813260/2025/11/17/ireland-world-cup-troy-parrott-portugal-hungary/?source=emp_shared_article
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Mark Critchley
about 2 months ago
🎙️🇫🇷 Leny Yoro interview • 'really emotional' last season + what's changed • United's 'no bad energy' policy • no regrets over €62m move • that Homer Simpson celebration
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
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Leny Yoro: Man Utd’s ‘no bad energy’ policy, ‘tough’ last season – and that Homer Simpson dance
Yoro is finally settling in at United after a difficult first campaign. 'This year is different,' he says
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6783683/2025/11/07/leny-yoro-manchester-united-amorim-interview
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
George Caulkin
about 2 months ago
Nolberto Solano interview: From Lima to Lahore via ‘home’ in Newcastle.
#NUFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
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Nolberto Solano interview: From Lima to Lahore via ‘home’ in Newcastle
Solano speaks to The Athletic about playing with Alan Shearer, managing Pakistan and why football needs to embrace proper wingers again
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6803906/2025/11/14/nolberto-solano-interview-newcastle-pakistan
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
The Athletic | Football
about 2 months ago
🔺 What players think of coaching, feedback and system 🔺 Amorim's football board meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson 🔺 Wider staff impressed by Amorim's candour and passion
@lauriewhitwell.bsky.social
goes inside Ruben Amorim's first year as Manchester United head coach one year on from his arrival ⤵️
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Inside Ruben Amorim’s first year at Manchester United: Sharp words, hands-on coaching, and how players feel
Ruben Amorim has completed a tumultuous first year as Manchester United coach - this is the story of what happened and how he tackled it
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6792855/?source=bsky_uk
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Manchester United haven't eradicated their problems on defensive corners yet, despite the arrival of Senne Lammens improving the situation. However, Ruben Amorim's side has transformed their attacking corners to a point of strength. Piece on United's corners. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
about 2 months ago
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Manchester United haven't eradicated their problems on defensive corners yet, despite the arrival of Senne Lammens improving the situation. However, Ruben Amorim's side has transformed their attacking corners to a point of strength. Piece on United's corners. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
How Manchester City's midfield passing combinations have been cutting through opponents this season. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
about 2 months ago
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How Manchester City's midfield passing combinations have been cutting through opponents this season. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Piece on Bayern Munich's incredible man-to-man press in the first half against PSG. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
2 months ago
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Piece on Bayern Munich's incredible man-to-man press in the first half against PSG. 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
2 months ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Was very impressed by Chelsea's pressing against Tottenham on Saturday. Piece on how Enzo Maresca's side prevented Spurs from progressing the ball and limited their solutions.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
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How Chelsea’s press smothered Spurs – the perfect illustration of exploiting weakness
The most impressive thing about Chelsea's press against Tottenham was that they covered the majority of Tottenham's solutions
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6770380/2025/11/02/chelsea-press-tottenham-frank-maresca
2 months ago
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Was very impressed by Chelsea's pressing against Tottenham on Saturday. Piece on how Enzo Maresca's side prevented Spurs from progressing the ball and limited their solutions.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
loading . . .
How Chelsea’s press smothered Spurs – the perfect illustration of exploiting weakness
The most impressive thing about Chelsea's press against Tottenham was that they covered the majority of Tottenham's solutions
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6770380/2025/11/02/chelsea-press-tottenham-frank-maresca
2 months ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
Andy Mitten
2 months ago
EXCL: A year since MUFC announced Ruben Amorim. Here's a detailed article about secret meetings in Seville & Lisbon beforehand. Also explains De Zerbi & Tuchel, plus Amorim not featuring in first search. And the other rated coach. For
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
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The secret meetings behind Ruben Amorim's Manchester United appointment, one year on
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6764537/2025/11/01/ruben-amorim-manchester-united-secret-meetings/
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Ahmed Walid
Arsenal's corner deliveries have been a big part of their set-piece success in recent seasons. To the naked eye, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka's deliveries are incredible, but how do they shape up in terms of the numbers? 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
2 months ago
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Arsenal's corner deliveries have been a big part of their set-piece success in recent seasons. To the naked eye, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka's deliveries are incredible, but how do they shape up in terms of the numbers? 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
2 months ago
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reposted by
Ahmed Walid
The history of the 4-4-2, its modern embracers, and how it declined in possession and rose out of possession.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
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The Tactics Board: How the 4-4-2 works
Part two of The Athletic's series on football formations takes a close look at the classic 4-4-2
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6736358/2025/10/30/tactics-board-4-4-2-formation
2 months ago
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