The fallacy surrounding Manchester United in recent seasons has been that of the midfield diamond. A tactical concept, and a strategical structure, deriving at Manchester United from how Bobby Charlton was deployed in the 1960s. A deep-lying center forward, alongside hard-tackling midfield creator-destroyers, such as Maurice Setters, Paddy Crerand, David Sadler, or Nobby Stiles. Bringing […]

Now that Mauricio Pochettino has officially become Tottenham manager, the work to mold a team begins. Much has been made of the swashbuckling style of Southampton’s play under the Argentine coach. And Spurs fans will be expecting to see a similar approach from Tottenham next season. In fact, given the belief that Tottenham’s squad is […]

While the result was in doubt deep into the second half, Chelsea rose to earn a 3-1 result at Stamford Bridge. The Torres-Drogba saga was revived in this match. Manager Andre Villas-Boas started both forwards up front. AVB settled on an attacking diamond formation, with John Obi Mikel set back to help out the defenders […]

In our ever evolving online community, where any Joe, Tim or Reba can start a blog, post, pontificate or reminisce, the lost art of responsibility can evade even the most keenly trained eye. As budding young bloggers dressed all in their khakis attempt the fine art of emulation, a shout to their messianic journo idols, a plethora […]

Following on from the Gaffer's suggestion for articles to use as resources one of the key elements of a Football match are the Tactics each team employs. Unfortunately for converts the terminology can be impenetrable – 4-4-2 & 4-3-3 are just random numbers and with two teams lining up it can be hard to understand […]

With the news that controversial match official Koman Coulibaly has received a rating of "poor" after his expedited evaluation following his shocking display in the now infamous United States – Slovenia draw and is likely to be relieved of his World Cup duties on Monday it's time we shift our focus to the United States' […]

If you would believe various pundits, the annoying debate that many football fans have been subject to this year and last – Ronaldo vs. Messi – will come to its conclusion in the UCL final in Rome.  On the biggest stage in club competitions, the two most complete players in attacking football will meet head […]