Tactical Theory: Compactness
The term ‘compactness’ has been somewhat of a buzzword in football tactics over the past few seasons,
Arsenal – Liverpool 4:1
This match was one of the most impressive performances put on by Arsenal in a very long time. The pressing movements of the Gunners were set up perfectly for Liverpool’s system in the first half.
Hull City – Chelsea 2:3
Chelsea maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Tigers didn’t go down without a fight, however. Positional changes in the first half, from Hull, caused Chelsea problems after taking an early 2-0 lead.
Liverpool – Manchester United 1:2
Historically the biggest match in English football, the latest edition of this great rivalry served up the drama, controversy but overall the quality this fixture has become famous for.
Manchester United – Arsenal 1:2
Arsene Wenger left Manchester with a deserved victory to progress into the semi-final of the FA cup, following a strong performance against a poor opposition in Manchester United.
Tottenham Hotspur – Arsenal 2:1
Both sides went into this North London derby on the back of some good form. Arsenal had beaten Aston Villa 5-0 in their last outing as well as pulling of a 0-2 shock away to Manchester City in their previous Premier League match.
Van Gaal’s nightmare: The Dutchman’s first six months in charge
While the German Bundesliga is in its winter break, we want to take time, analyze a few teams and discuss possible tactical changes. We continue with a team which is not enjoying neither a winter break nor playing in Germany: Manchester United.
Liverpool – Swansea City 4:1
Liverpool dominated what was a defense that epitomizes what most consider to be the standard English Premier League defense. Rodgers used some of his most skilled players in the best roles for this particular match, and the players did not disappoint.
Southampton – Chelsea 1:1
Mourinho impressed with his Chelsea squad looking strategically sound and fluid. They are looking more and more like the team he spoke about when he initially took over the Chelsea job for the 2nd time.
Southampton – Everton 3:0
Both teams put high importance on stability in build up play. Both teams had well-coordinated pressure on defense, though Southampton was on a higher level in terms of their pressing. Both teams used their forwards in a narrow and combinative manner, but there were certain differences that led to Southampton’s victory on the day.