#tactical analysis

[robdtsmith]

Ben White, master of football's dark arts

Undoing a goalkeeper's glove grabbed attention last weekend but being a s***house is nothing new for Ben White

[fishinthewater2611]

Total Football Analysis on Twitter

“Barcelona Femeni defeated PSG Feminine 2-1 on Sunday to progress to the final of the #UWCL with a 3-2 win on aggregate @DavidPAstill21 bre

Tactical analysis of Barça-PSG match for football analysis nerd like me

[robdtsmith]

Tactics Column: Swiss Army White

Tactics Column: Swiss Army White

Ben White cannot be pigeon-holed as a person, nor as a footballer. Before joining Arsenal, White was predominantly a centre-back, but played

[zanechalk]

Cracking the Code: The Defensive Blueprint to Neutralizing James Harden

This tactical analysis feature breaks down the highly specialized defensive schemes required to slow down the offensive genius of James Harden. The summary discusses how Harden's unparalleled isolation scoring, foul-drawing mastery, and elite passing vision have historically forced NBA coaches to invent entirely new coverages. It analyzes the "side-saddle" technique used to take away his lethal step-back three and force him into a crowded midrange.

The analysis evaluates the importance of disciplined, high-IQ defenders who can resist the urge to reach in, denying Harden his signature free-throw parade. It looks at the modern strategy of forcing the ball out of his hands early with aggressive traps, daring the secondary playmakers on his team to beat a rotating defense. The piece also examines how his game has adapted as his explosive first step has slightly diminished with age.

The piece concludes by asserting that stopping Harden entirely remains impossible. It argues that the true defensive blueprint is about damage control—living with tough, contested shots while mathematically minimizing his trips to the charity stripe and his ability to generate corner threes for his teammates.

The Math of a Mastermind: How James Harden Broke the NBA’s Defensive Blueprint

James Harden did more than score. He changed NBA offense, turning isolation and the step back into a system defenses still struggle to solve

[byronscore]

Two Play Callers, One Chess Match

This is the coaching layer that decides who gets comfortable. Coverage looks, pressure plans, fourth down decisions, and how each staff reacts when the first punch lands.

This breakdown focuses on the tactical edges that can tilt a heavyweight game without one highlight ever going viral.

The Coaching Battle: Mike Macdonald vs Jerod Mayo Tactical Analysis

Explore Mike Macdonald vs Jerod Mayo tactical analysis, focusing on strategies that define success in modern football coaching.

[sportsdp]

Tottenham vs Liverpool Lineups & Match Analysis

The battle between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool is one of the biggest English football spectacles, not least because of the marketing masterclass it serves towards its supporters. In this article follows the analysis of the last round of these tottenham vs liverpool lineups, and the key players for each side.

Match Overview

The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool took place on February 6, 2025, at Anfield. Liverpool produced a dominant display, securing a 4-0 victory, which resulted in a 4-1 aggregate win, booking their place in the final.

Starting Lineups

Liverpool's Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher

Defenders: Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk (c), Andrew Robertson

Midfielders: Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones

Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo

Tottenham's Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky

Defenders: Archie Gray, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Djed Spence

Midfielders: Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma

Forwards: Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, Heung-Min Son (c)

Tactical Analysis

Liverpool’s Dominant Display

Liverpool’s high-pressing approach overwhelmed Tottenham from the start. The midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Jones dictated the pace, allowing the front three of Salah, Núñez, and Gakpo to create constant attacking threats.

Salah's Influence: Mohamed Salah was instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking play, scoring one goal and assisting another.

Van Dijk’s Defensive Stability: The Liverpool captain led the defense with composure, keeping Tottenham’s attacking trio of Son, Richarlison, and Kulusevski quiet.

Kelleher’s Solid Goalkeeping: With Alisson rested, Kelleher made crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.

Tottenham’s Struggles

Tottenham failed to cope with Liverpool’s intensity, struggling to build meaningful attacks. Their defense was exposed multiple times, and their midfield lacked the creative spark needed to break through Liverpool’s press.

Lack of Cohesion in Midfield: Spurs’ midfield trio of Bentancur, Bissouma, and Sarr struggled to maintain possession and transition effectively.

Son Marked Out of the Game: Heung-Min Son, Tottenham’s main attacking threat, was tightly marked and unable to influence the match.

Key Moments

Early Liverpool Goal (12’) - Darwin Núñez opened the scoring with a well-placed shot inside the box.

Salah’s Brilliance (29’) - Salah doubled the lead with a clinical finish after a clever one-two with Szoboszlai.

Third Goal Before Halftime (42’) - Cody Gakpo added Liverpool’s third, virtually sealing the tie before the break.

Late Goal to Wrap It Up (78’) - A defensive mistake allowed Curtis Jones to score Liverpool’s fourth goal, putting the result beyond doubt.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg showcased their attacking firepower, tactical superiority, and defensive solidity. With this dominant win, Liverpool secured their place in the final, while Tottenham will have to regroup and focus on other competitions. The match highlighted Liverpool’s depth and quality, reinforcing their credentials as serious contenders for the Carabao Cup trophy.

[robdtsmith]

Tactics Column: Come here, go away

Tactics Column: Come here, go away

“It’s similar to helping someone on the pitch. You always think you help someone by going towards him but you help him the most by walking a

[robdtsmith]

Kai Havertz, No 9

Kai Havertz began the season as a left-sided No 8 but his performances as a striker demand that he continues playing there