A Newcastle United game starts with a long ball and ends with Rafael Benitez folding his glasses. In between, there’s usually some defending going on. Below I’ll elaborate on this controversial form of art. Vertically compact, horizontally compact. That’s the motto of Rafa’s deep 5–4–1. This Newcastle side is renowned…

Before summarising the most effective methods of breaking down a team defending zonally or with emphasis on man-marking, it would seem convenient to briefly explain what both ideas of defending comprise. Man-orientated pressing, one of the oldest collective football tactics ever, normally has a shorter implementation period for coaches than…

Tony Pulis, Sam Allardyce and José Mourinho. We all know how their teams score goals. Focusing on set-pieces is the recipe to grinding out results and achieving sustained success. Here’s some guidance on how to inflate your team’s threat. Set-pieces are generally associated to mid-table teams, as they can’t spend…

Although the infrastructure of the building isn’t that great and all, Selhurst Park’s atmosphere arguably goes unrivalled alongside the other Premier League’s mid-table stadiums. The same goes true for the football. Ever since the appointment of Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace improved on various fronts, and now they’re one of those…

Well, it’s remarkable. Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur. Last time the North London club finished a season without the Argentinian in charge, they ended up sixth. First season of Mauricio, fifth. Then fourth. Then third. Then second. Then third. Overall, he converted the Spurs into arguably the best consistent Premier League…