A traditional and unfashionable defence-first style has reaped rewards for the La Liga champions going into their belated Champions League reunion with Manchester CityA long, long time ago Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their …
The Blues’ attack looks extremely exciting for next year, but they are disorganised at the back and have been all seasonIn July 1971, Apollo 15 approached the Moon. After the lunar module detached bearing the mission’s other two astronauts, Al Worden w…
The two do not fit together and so the Italians’ push for Champions League glory seems even more like a last throw of the dice In 2015, Max Allegri led Juventus to the double. In 2016, Max Allegri led Juventus to the double. In 2017, Max Allegri led Ju…
Liverpool’s key advantage over Manchester City was their ability to better organise attacks and manage the transition to defenceIt has become increasingly clear this season that, at elite level, two attributes separate the very best managers from the r…
Despite a dismal run of form caused by injuries and rivals countering Jamie Vardy, reaching Europe signals a triumphant season, even if they miss out on the Champions LeagueIt is the age of data and yet it is also the age of impatience. It is an age wh…
The Spanish goalkeeper handed Chelsea at least one goal at Wembley and his manager may soon have a decision to makeAmid the chaos of Spain’s World Cup in 2018, perhaps the greatest casualty was David de Gea. The days when his heroics repeatedly papered…
Chelsea under their former player are regularly being undone on the counter, leaking goals in a manner that suggests Manchester United could take advantage in FA Cup semi-finalOn the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Chelsea went to Old Tra…
Chelsea under their former player are regularly being undone on the counter, leaking goals in a manner that suggests Manchester United could take advantage in FA Cup semi-finalOn the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Chelsea went to Old Tra…
Key questions about both sides’ forwards went unanswered in a game where Spurs and Arsenal showed their flawsAfter all the optimistic talk, the north-London derby was a sobering reminder for Arsenal of just how much still needs to be done, just how per…
It’s hard not to feel we’ve have seen this all before and know how it plays out. The sense is the endgame has begunAs they prepare for the north London derby on Sunday, who would you rather be: Arsenal or Tottenham? For the past four years, it wasn’t a…
It’s hard not to feel we’ve have seen this all before and know how it plays out. The sense is the endgame has begunAs they prepare for the north London derby on Sunday, who would you rather be: Arsenal or Tottenham? For the past four years, it wasn’t a…
The Hammers may survive this season but the prospects for the next one do not look good – just ask fans of the Wearside club now in League OnePerhaps this time the Ferryman will not accept the fare. Wednesday’s unlikely victory over Chelsea, allied to …
It was a struggle, for a long time it was not hugely convincing, but it was a win – and given how things have been going recently for Leicester, that is the most important thing. There must be encouragement too in the fact the goals came from Kelechi I…
The midfielder failed to seize his chance against Norwich and his time at Manchester United may be running outThere was a moment early on in Manchester United’s drawn-out win at Norwich when Jesse Lingard picked up the ball on the edge of the box, fein…
Neither the Newcastle forward nor Burnley goalkeeper will want pity but their crises in confidence have made them shadows of their former selvesSeventeen minutes into Newcastle’s win over Sheffield United, Joelinton ran on to a through ball from Miguel…
Liverpool’s relentless machine has proved superior to Manchester City’s but it would be unwise to assume they have found a way to dominate their rivals in perpetuityIt is a measure of what an astonishing season this has been from Liverpool that if Manc…
They are a point nearer the title but, as so often since the turn of the year, Jürgen Klopp’s side failed to find their rhythm in the derby at EvertonWhen in 20 or 30 years Liverpool fans settle down to revel in the great side that ended the 30-year dr…
When the leaders finally end their much-delayed pursuit of the Premier League title in a stadium without fans, the unique circumstances will not diminish their achievementSo, where were we? Ah, that’s right. An all-conquering Liverpool were just about …
Since the Bundesliga began again behind closed doors, the home side is half as likely to win as it was beforeAnd so, we’re back. The Prince (an awkward embodiment of financial necessity and the perceived need for a circus to entertain the frustrated ma…
New reality caused by pandemic means a move away is unlikely and with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes the future looks much brighter for UnitedLast summer, as Manchester United toured Japan, Paul Pogba was openly talking about seeking “a new challenge s…
