Mark Carey
@markcarey93.bsky.social
📤 6315
📥 205
📝 42
Senior Data Analyst for The Athletic
reposted by
Mark Carey
Jon Mackenzie
7 days ago
This week on The Show, we're repredicting the Premier League with
@markcarey93.bsky.social
's permission. Within that, I've got sections on: * Bournemouth style shift? * What's gone wrong for Newcastle? * Are Spurs actually better defensively?
youtu.be/X1D20uOexEU?...
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Re-predicting the Premier League after 10 games
YouTube video by The Athletic FC
https://youtu.be/X1D20uOexEU?si=0W-R1iYhscOTdJn4
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
11 days ago
Mohamed Salah has now scored 250 goals for Liverpool, becoming just the third player to reach this landmark. Who are his favourite opponents? How does his trajectory compare to past greats?
@markcarey93.bsky.social
breaks it all down ⬇️ 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
21 days ago
The Win/Draw/Loss column of a Premier League table is the most obvious indicator of a team's form - but that does not tell us everything.
@markcarey93.bsky.social
looks beyond short-term results to understand when a side really is in poor form ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
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Another game, another back-post goal conceded for Liverpool. I wrote this piece earlier in the week on that very issue.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
26 days ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
29 days ago
NEW POD 🚨
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
@liamtharme.bsky.social
&
@markcarey93.bsky.social
join
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
to chat star players and their value. So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?
Thomas Tuchel’s England team selection for the wins over Wales and Latvia got us thinking about star players and their value.Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squ...
https://pod.fo/e/33e8b2
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Totally Football Show
about 1 month ago
🚨MONDAY POD!🚨 It's
@acjimbo.bsky.social
,
@tomwfootball.bsky.social
,
@markcarey93.bsky.social
&
@mattdaviesadams.bsky.social
on an international voyage: 🏴2 wins out of 2 but Scotland are blue 🇫🇴The phenomenal Faroes 🔁Wilshere and Dyche on the move? ⚽️WSL action with Megan Feringa
pod.fo/e/33c550
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The Totally Football Show with James Richardson: England on the brink, Scotland’s miserable wins + Dyche to Forest?
Jimbo has Tom Williams, Mark Carey and Matt Davies-Adams for company as the international break heats up.England will qualify for the World Cup with a win in Latvia on Tuesday. Was Thomas Tuchel ri...
https://pod.fo/e/33c550
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
about 1 month ago
NEW POD! Why are goalkeepers going long this season? What's happened to the long throw? Duncan (
@oilysailor.bsky.social
) is joined by Michael (
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
) and Mark (
@markcarey93.bsky.social
) to discuss!
pod.fo/e/33a5db
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why goalkeepers are going long
Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game?Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox and Mark Care...
https://pod.fo/e/33a5db
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
about 1 month ago
“I just watched a documentary on the New England Patriots and saw a quote — ‘We don’t collect the most talented players, we build a team’". Thomas Tuchel said that was his philosophy ahead of England facing Wales. It is clearly working.
@markcarey93.bsky.social
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England are building a team, not just picking their best players — and it seems to be working
England beat Wales 3-0 on Thursday night. The signs are looking good ahead of next summer's World Cup
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6705139/?source=bsky_uk
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
about 1 month ago
NEW POD! Why are the promoted sides better this season?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
@liamtharme.bsky.social
@markcarey93.bsky.social
&
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
have the answers!
pod.fo/e/335c3e
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why the promoted sides are so much better this season
Today we tackle the Premier League’s promoted clubs – who collectively, so far this season, are flying. How are they doing it and more importantly, can they sustain it?Host: Michael BaileyWith...
https://pod.fo/e/335c3e
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reposted by
Mark Carey
We often say that the most entertaining games of football are played at a “good tempo”. For
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
, I tried to quantify exactly what that is, and which Premier League teams play with a fast and slow tempo. Link below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
about 2 months ago
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We often say that the most entertaining games of football are played at a “good tempo”. For
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
, I tried to quantify exactly what that is, and which Premier League teams play with a fast and slow tempo. Link below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
about 2 months ago
NEW POD 🚨 Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
@markcarey93.bsky.social
@liamtharme.bsky.social
join
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Has Guardiola actually changed his philosophy?
Pep Guardiola’s defensive tactics in Manchester City’s Premier League draw at Arsenal last weekend caused quite the stir.Was it a one off? Or has Guardiola’s philosophy been slowly changing i...
https://pod.fo/e/3318c0
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reposted by
Mark Carey
Conor O'Neill
about 2 months ago
Maiden bluesky post! I analysed shot-blocking in the Premier League. Looked at: - Arsenal/Liverpool’s contrasting approach to defending long-range efforts - Why Man Utd struggle inside the box - The PL leading the way in old-school, bodies-on-the-line defending
www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
about 2 months ago
NEW POD 🚨 Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
,
@liamtharme.bsky.social
&
@markcarey93.bsky.social
join
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why has this season started so slowly?
There were a mere 19 goals across 20 games in the Premier League last weekend.Which got us thinking — why so few? And is it partly to do with the influx of new signings creating unfamiliarity and...
https://pod.fo/e/32cff1
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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...
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
about 2 months ago
Arsenal are the "gold standard" for pressing, according to
@markcarey93.bsky.social
Listen to our full pod on pressing 101. Video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio:
pod.fo/e/32ac79
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It has been a theme of the early weeks of the season, but Liverpool appear to have shifted their defensive shape from a 4-2-4 (in 2024-25) to a staggered 4-3-3 (in 2025-26). I break down why that might be for
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
, piece below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
2 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
2 months ago
NEW MONDAY POD DROP 🚨 We rotate the squad, with
@oilysailor.bsky.social
joined by
@markcarey93.bsky.social
&
@liamtharme.bsky.social
to talk pressing. The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst? Video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio:
pod.fo/e/32ac79
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Why Arsenal and PSG are so good at pressing
YouTube video by The Athletic FC Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJtE2G_MC4
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
2 months ago
NEW MAILBAG POD 🚨
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
@liamtharme.bsky.social
&
@markcarey93.bsky.social
answer your questions on... - Maverick players - Donnarumma to City - Are Arsenal too cautious? & much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Mavericks, Donnarumma & are Arsenal too cautious?
It’s the international break in men’s football and that means only one thing… mailbag time!We’re going to answer your questions on all sorts — iPads, subs, mavericks and more!Host: Michae...
https://pod.fo/e/328a93
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There is something about a one-two that is so aesthetically pleasing. For
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
, I dug into the data to quantify the action itself, before looking at who engages in them the most! Full piece here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...
2 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
brian mcdonnell
2 months ago
This is good from
@markcarey93.bsky.social
on the rise of individual player coaching in the Premier League (for
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/656...
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The rise of the individual striker coach: 'It's about maximising potential and marginal gains'
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6560032/2025/09/07/the-rise-of-the-individual-striker-coach/
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Send in your questions for
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
Tactics Podcast special mailbag episode! What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far? Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address? Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
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Mailbag: Send in your questions for The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Send in your questions now ahead of a special episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6601618/2025/09/05/mailbag-questions-for-the-athletic-fc-tactics-podcast/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
3 months ago
NEW POD ALERT! 🚨
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
@markcarey93.bsky.social
&
@liamtharme.bsky.social
talk the pathway from academy to first-team football. PLUS, the winners of our caption Amorim competition. Listen here:
pod.fo/e/31feaa
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Dowman and Ngumoha: The pathway for academy players
This week, we’re charting the journey from academy to first team football.What are the main tactical challenges in making the jump, and how has the transition changed over time?Host: Michael Bail...
https://pod.fo/e/31feaa
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Totally Football Show
3 months ago
🚨MONDAY POD!🚨 It's
@acjimbo.bsky.social
,
@danielstorey85.bsky.social
,
@adrianjclarke.bsky.social
&
@markcarey93.bsky.social
🎙️ 💪Two out of two for tenacious Tottenham 🧑🎓Dowmania at Arsenal 🏟️Everton's winning start with
@tomwfootball.bsky.social
🧩Fernandes not fitting in at
#MUFC
?
pod.fo/e/31c4ad
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The Totally Football Show with James Richardson: Spurs expose Man City again, and Dowmania at Arsenal
Jimbo has Daniel Storey, Adrian Clarke and Mark Carey for company after an absorbing second weekend of the Premier League season.Tenacious Tottenham make it two wins out of two with yet another vic...
https://pod.fo/e/31c4ad
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
3 months ago
Arsenal have mastered set-pieces in recent seasons, Leeds have spent the summer signing players who are at least 6ft. When they meet at the Emirates today it could be a battle of the giants. But how important is height in both boxes?
@markcarey93.bsky.social
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/656...
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reposted by
Mark Carey
Alex Brodie
3 months ago
Something a bit different here from
@markcarey93.bsky.social
- such a great read.
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The story behind the ‘Lavolpiana build-up’ loved by Guardiola and used by Arsenal and Liverpool
It is a tactical term that has been popularised by Guardiola, but fewer people might be aware of the man who inspired it
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6564263/2025/08/22/guardiola-arsenal-liverpool-lavolpiana/?source=emp_shared_article
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
3 months ago
New pod! The Premier League goes old school!
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
@markcarey93.bsky.social
&
@liamtharme.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/3198c0
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Long throws & tall No.9s: The Premier League goes old school
One week of the Premier League season down, 37 to go.And today we’re asking whether the English top flight has gone old school… with more long throw-ins than ever, “proper” No.9s and promot...
https://pod.fo/e/3198c0
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Ahead of tomorrow's first La Liga game, how Real Madrid play is out now for
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/654...
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How Real Madrid play: Xabi Alonso’s new ideas mean big change for Spanish giants
The 43-year-old Spaniard's approach represents a marked change from that of predecessor Carlo Ancelotti
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6546842/2025/08/18/real-madrid-xabi-alonso-new-ideas-tactics/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
Jacob Whitehead
4 months ago
And here’s the accompanying podcast with
@markcarey93.bsky.social
. Great to speak to Ian Graham and Sarah Rudd, amongst others.
open.spotify.com/episode/6MRs...
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The secrets behind football's data pioneers
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast · Episode
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MRsTX4WOMpM2Dd4I9ohoM?si=MHm_LkPnSv-x_p-SGCLSyA
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
4 months ago
"They are the safeguard of the culture of the club." What does a sporting director do? Where does their role fit in a hierarchy? How do you get the job? How can you judge if they are successful? 📝
@markcarey93.bsky.social
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
4 months ago
Yet again, Cole Palmer delivered when it mattered most for Chelsea, scoring twice and setting up the other goal in their Club World Cup final win against PSG. The Chelsea forward has looked back to his very best in the United States — and this was his superstar moment. ✍️
@markcarey93.bsky.social
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Cole Palmer really is ‘scary good’. This was his superstar moment
Yet again, Palmer delivered when it mattered most for Chelsea, scoring twice and setting up the other goal in their final thrashing of PSG
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6492309/?source=bsky_uk
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
4 months ago
🔹 PSG's desire to exploit wide areas 🔹 Switches of play crucial to creating space 🔹 Significance of Chelsea team selection 🔹 Why transitions could be key for
#CFC
Who will win the Club World Cup?
@markcarey93.bsky.social
on where the final could be won & lost.
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Club World Cup final guide: Will Chelsea or PSG be crowned the best on Earth?
Sunday's match between the English and French sides promises to be a fascinating tactical battle
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6488501/?source=bsky_uk
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
4 months ago
Real Madrid’s winning reputation is built on their clinical efficiency in both boxes. Never was that more true than against Borussia Dortmund, with Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois summoning two world-class actions in a matter of minutes...
@markcarey93.bsky.social
& Mario Cortegana
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Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois and the anatomy of a wonder goal and save
Real were clinically efficient in both boxes during a frantic period of added time to see off Borussia Dortmund and reach the semi-finals
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6475749/?source=bsky_uk
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
4 months ago
Chelsea booked their place in the Club World Cup with a goal (a scruffy one) from a short corner. No other team has used this tactic like them in the US. 23 of their 36 corners have been short. Weeks of practice is paying off, writes
@markcarey93.bsky.social
⬇️ 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
6 months ago
NEW POD! Our 24/25 Premier League season review is here! With
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
,
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
,
@markcarey93.bsky.social
&
@liamtharme.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2dc323
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Was the 2024/25 Premier League season boring?
On this week’s show, we’re reviewing the 2024-25 season - looking at statistical trends across the Premier League. We’ll also focus on the teams who impressed us, and those who disappointed ...
https://pod.fo/e/2dc323
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
6 months ago
Chelsea have now reached a transfer agreement with Ipswich for the signing of Liam Delap. But how does he play? How will he fit in at Chelsea? And what will he bring to Enzo Maresca’s side?
@markcarey93.bsky.social
explains ⬇️ 🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/639...
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
6 months ago
FINAL CALL FOR MAILBAG QUESTIONS 📬 Our final episode of the season is almost upon us, so please send in your last minute mailbag questions for us!
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
@liamtharme.bsky.social
@markcarey93.bsky.social
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The Premier League season is over, but there are still some medals to hand out. ➡️ Most improved ⚽️ Set-piece kings 🌬️ Most...double pressures? Here is
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
's alternative awards. Enjoy!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/637...
6 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
6 months ago
NEW POD 🚨 It's time for our Alternative Premier League Team of The Season episode. With
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
,
@zonal-marking.bsky.social
,
@liamtharme.bsky.social
&
@markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/2d9269
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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Alternative team of the Premier League season 24/25
In this episode, it’s alternative team of the season time!To remind you of the rules, instead of focusing on the top teams - we all pick an eleven with one player from each of the bottom 10 teams...
https://pod.fo/e/2d9269
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
6 months ago
Tomorrow the Tactics pod brings you a classic: Alternative Team of The Season! One player from every club in the bottom half of the table plus one wildcard - send us your suggestions below 👇
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We know that Brentford are not shy in engaging in a long throw, but it is worth highlighting just how much xG they have generated from that method! New viz included in today's piece with
@ahmed-walid.bsky.social
looking at the increased trend in the Premier League.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/633...
6 months ago
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reposted by
Mark Carey
Alex Brodie
7 months ago
A tactical breakdown of all four
#UCL
semi-finalists here from
@markcarey93.bsky.social
and Conor O’Neill.
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Champions League semi-finals: Breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of all four contenders
The race for European glory has reached its final four contenders, so how do Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona and Inter stack up?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6301529/2025/04/28/champions-league-semi-finals-arsenal-inter-barcelona-psg/?source=emp_shared_article
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
7 months ago
🇵🇹 Antonio Silva 🇵🇹 Goncalo Inacio 🇨🇮 Ousmane Diomande 🇮🇹 Giorgio Scalvini 🇧🇷 Murillo 🇳🇱 Jan Paul van Hecke Dean Huijsen is not short of suitors this summer — but there are plenty of other defenders to look at across Europe, says
@markcarey93.bsky.social
. 🎙️
pod.fo/e/2cc61b
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reposted by
Mark Carey
brian mcdonnell
7 months ago
“You might think that there cannot be any ties that bind physics with the world’s most popular sport, but strip things back and the similarities are remarkable” (analysis via
@markcarey93.bsky.social
for
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
)
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Why Liverpool – and their Premier League rivals – love hiring physicists
The Anfield club's data department is crammed with analysts boasting a scientific background, and they are not alone
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6266432/2025/04/15/liverpool-physicist-analyst-data/
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Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
8 months ago
The end of Diogo Jota's goal drought ensures it's a similar story for Everton at Anfield. Liverpool are inching closer to Premier League glory — the calmness they showed after they took the lead will please Arne Slot as much as the three points.
@greggevans40.bsky.social
,
@markcarey93.bsky.social
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Liverpool 1 Everton 0: Jota scores, Jones adapts and should Tarkowski have seen red?
Gregg Evans and Mark Carey analyse events from Wednesday night's Merseyside derby at Anfield
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6245050/?source=bsky_uk
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reposted by
Mark Carey
Oliver Kay
8 months ago
Is it really only 16 days since the last Premier League game? Feels like even longer. But the run-in starts here. Thoughts on what we've seen so far and what might be yet to come with
@jacobwhitehead.bsky.social
@caoimhesport.bsky.social
@markcarey93.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/624...
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The Premier League returns: Our writers’ verdicts on the end-of-season run-in
Which teams have the most so prove? How can we predict the race for Europe? And who is the unsung player of the season?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6243918
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Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
8 months ago
The Premier League returns on Tuesday and all eyes will be on the race for a place in next season's Champions League. With five points separating fourth-placed Chelsea and tenth-placed Bournemouth, it promises to be a battle royale. 📝
@markcarey93.bsky.social
🔗
www.nytimes.com/athletic/622...
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Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
8 months ago
Front-foot defending? Check. Stepping out from the back? Done. An eye for a piercing progressive pass? No problem. For the handful of people who are yet to do so, it’s time to sit up and take notice of Dean Huijsen. ✍️
@markcarey93.bsky.social
@thom-harris.bsky.social
bit.ly/4j93IDk
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reposted by
Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
8 months ago
Fulham, quietly, are three points off a Champions League place and are on course to smash their record points total. They are above Bournemouth, who have been heavily praised this season, yet Fulham have gone under the radar. Marco Silva's side deserve more credit. ✍️
@markcarey93.bsky.social
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Fulham, quietly, are in Champions League contention. They deserve more credit
Marco Silva's side are three points off fifth, yet they have not attracted the kind of praise reserved for Bournemouth, who are 10th
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6215147/?source=bsky_uk
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Mark Carey
The Athletic | Football
8 months ago
Today's Carabao Cup final pits one of Europe's best strikers against arguably its finest centre-back. Alexander Isak has shown he has a rare ability to trouble Virgil van Dijk, so what is it that makes him such a handful for the Liverpool defender? ✍️
@markcarey93.bsky.social
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Is Alexander Isak the striker who troubles Virgil van Dijk more than any other?
Liverpool's captain is usually imperious but history shows the Newcastle forward has the capacity to trouble him like few others
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6183109/?source=bsky_uk
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