Crystal Palace – Chelsea 1:2
Chelsea (1st place) and Crystal Palace (16th place) played a half of 11 vs. 11 and then decided that was too boring. Instead, each team received a red card before halftime and played 10 vs. 10 in the second half.
Counter- or Gegenpressing
Gegenpressing has been a buzzword in football tactics for the last five years and has garnered more and more attention in the media recently. Because of the success of FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, gegen- or counterpressing has been brought up as one of the main reasons for their titles.
Schalke – Borussia Dortmund 2:1
Schalke 04 picked up the next three points in a week and celebrated an important victory as they beat local rivals Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Revierderby. The next winless game gives Jürgen Klopp worry lines.
Arsenal – Tottenham Hotspur 1:1
Wenger hasn’t finished beneath Tottenham in the English Premier League in 18 seasons and looks to extend his record. New Spurs manager Pochettino looked to give his team their 50th win in the league against Arsenal in his first North London Derby.
The Half-Spaces
This article will delve into an oft-neglected area in tactics theory: the half-spaces.
Barcelona – Athletic Bilbao 2:0
Athletic Club looked to get a result away at the Camp Nou and Barcelona sought to continue its run as the only team in La Liga to have a 100% record. Barcelona celebrated the 300th National Day of Catalonia (September 11th) and wore the Senyera kit to commemorate the event.
In-depth analysis: Alfredo Di Stéfano
He is regarded as one of the first “total” football players, considered the grand master of his playing style and the prototype of a leader; playful, tactical, psychological. His name is Alfredo Di Stéfano – and he influenced generations of footballers.
Everton – Chelsea 3:6
Two of the higher level teams in the English Premier League met on Saturday for an exciting clash. There was a lot of anticipation coming into the match, how would Martinez’s possession-oriented Everton play against Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea squad?
Villareal – Barcelona 0:1
Barcelona wins against Villareal in the last minutes. The World’s flattest diamond nearly forced Barcelona on the wings and out of the game, but Lionel Messi’s run and the stability of Barcelona’s circulation provided the fundament for the win.
Italy – Costa Rica 0:1
Back threes and fives remain unbeatable at this World Cup. Back fours are dead. And oh shit, Costa Rica is good!