… Van Gaal has never been a “template” manager, someone who brings an identical approach to different sides. He’s often used 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 as his first-choice formations. The question then, is simple. Why is he so keen to play a 3-4-1-2 at Manchester United? The latter part of the formation makes most […]
Tag Archives: Zonal Marking
Zonal Marking: United 1 Arsenal 0
…The word ‘cagey’ is generally used to describe matches that are slow to get going, but this was an interesting contest because it was simultaneously rather defensive, yet also played at a high tempo. With just one shot in the first half hour, neither side were attacking particularly dangerously, but this was partly because both […]
4-4-2 is becoming trendy again
…When Barcelona were Europe’s dominant force between 2009 and 2011, for example, it was extremely difficult to tell whether strategy would move in the first respect (further evolution) or the second respect (a shift toward an opposing style of play). In the end, Bayern’s success last year probably represented a hybrid of the two: They […]
Zonal Marking: Manchester Derby
Zonal Marking takes a look a the tactical battle in the Manchester Derby. The key issue #1: Nasri’s narrowness … He did something pretty similar here, and in a match that wasn’t far off 4-4-2 against 4-4-2, he was the only player who varied his positioning to drag opponents around. His clever positioning was in stark […]
Corinthians leave Chelsea singing the Blues
James Young from the Independent gives us his verdict on how Corinthians were able to defeat Chelsea at the Club World Cup final in Japan. … While Chelsea had their moments, those who have watched Corinthians over the last couple of years will know that “bend but don’t break” is practically the team motto. Theirs […]
Preview: City vs United
Here at TKTG we take a look at the best articles leading up to the Manchester Derby on Sunday. Mind Games “Twenty-one in the last year, isn’t it?” the Manchester United manager asked. “If we were to get that number of penalty kicks there would be an inquiry in the House of Commons. There would […]
El Clasico – Analysis
TKTG takes a look at the best articles and analysis covering the Barcelona vs Real Madrid match which ended in a 2-2 draw. Match Report: Goal.com “Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were both in scintillating form as Barcelona and Real Madrid played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in the first Liga Clasico […]
Chelsea’s triple threat shows tremendous promise
Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a natural home for gifted playmakers in recent years. Chelsea have had Frank Lampard — a top-level attacking midfielder at his peak, but a powerful runner and an excellent goal scorer rather than a beautiful provider. There was Joe Cole, who briefly fulfilled his great promise, but critics said he was […]
Analysis – Man United vs Spurs
Tottenham put in a solid performance to defeat Manchester United 2-3 at Old Trafford, scoring their first goal within 90 seconds and ending the first half 0-2 up. The hosts depleted defense were in shambles and even with a resilent effort in the second half, United were unable to pull off one of their famous […]
Analysis – Arsenal vs Chelsea
TKTG takes a look at the best articles and analysis covering the Arsenal vs Chelsea match which ended in a 2-1 win for Chelsea. Match Report The Guardian report “ Juan Mata makes the difference as Chelsea edge out Arsenal” sums up the mood by most football fans – both teams didn’t deserve to win […]
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