Manchester United have been tweaking, and then re-tweaking their attack

Recent games have seen Erik ten Hag alter Manchester United’s attack. The system and its principles have stayed the same, but attacking players have been moved about, carrying out their roles in different areas of the pitch.

Weekly Tactical: Everton press Arsenal, West Ham stifle Newcastle, and Sassuolo beat Atalanta

We have reached the third week of Weekly Tactical. I hope that it has been interesting to read thus far, and remains as such this time around, after the past weekend saw a manager enjoy the best of starts with his new side in dire need of a win, and other teams in the bottom halves of their respective league tables also gaining vital points.

Weekly Tactical: Dyche to Everton, Sabitzer joins United, and other transfers

Thanks for checking in and reading the second issue of Weekly Tactical! This week is all about players and managers starting anew and if they can solve sides recurring issues.

The curious case of Antony

Manchester United’s convincing 3-1 victory against Reading in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup provided a player of the match performance from Antony. It came at a time following recent scrutiny towards the right-winger’s lack of dribbles and end product. Though there is definite room to suggest there are areas in which Antony can improve, that should not distill the tactical benefits he has brought to the side and will continue to, making Antony a case worth exploring.

Weekly Tactical: Mudryk’s cameo, Emery’s Villa, and Trossard to Arsenal

Welcome to the first issue of The Weekly Tactical! This week’s takes a look at new signings, and the fortunes of sides in mid-table.

Introducing…The Weekly Tactical!

The Conventional Playmaker is starting a new segment…The Weekly Tactical

What is it?

A quick fire coverage of analytical topics and matches in the Premier League, and maybe other European Leagues from the past week that I do not have time to cover in greater depth, but enough depth so there is still a discussion had.

When will it be published?

One-time per week, every Tuesday, starting from Tuesday January 24th. So every Tuesday, the Twitter feed will updated with a link to the latest piece, and if you subscribe via email, you’ll receive a message like you would for any other upload.

Why is this being done?

I aim to return to writing on a regular basis, after less writing was done last year. Although I aim to carry this out, I may not always have the time to upload long-form pieces as much as I would like to.

So covering an array of topics briefly still allows me to outline my thoughts, and keeping to a routine of uploading weekly, on top of long-form pieces including further analysis with stills, tables, and charts, when I do have the time.

Whereas previous projects, like the podcast, faltered early on, this is something I feel is realistically doable.

Arsenal’s attack is sharing creating and scoring responsibilities

Arsenal are resting on top of the Premier League table. A strong case could be built around Mikel Arteta’s side potentially going all the way, and securing their first title since 2004. Arsenal have been very consistent throughout the 18 games played so far, not only in approach and form, but also in how goals have been shared amongst players, as well as the assists that made those goals.

Assessing what Alejandro Garnacho has brought to the table

Alejandro Garnacho made the right impact at the right time, with his winning goal in Manchester United’s 1-2 win against Fulham securing a vital three points just as last year’s World Cup was set to begin in November.

The winger has featured consistently, either from the bench, or even starting games, since United’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa; United have yet to lose in eight games since. In this time, Garnacho has, albeit still a raw talent, shown improvement in areas across the board, including decision-making. He is, for example, better at releasing ball at the right moments than he was at the start of the season.

Pele, a footballing giant

Pele was a footballing giant. He will forever be one, beyond his unfortunate passing on Thursday, 29th December.

Brazil’s talisman of 12 years, between 1958 and 1970, was perhaps football’s first global superstar. In those years Pele was the jewel of the national side, he won three World Cups, in 1958, 1962, and lastly in 1970. No other player in history has matched that milestone.

Felix brilliant in free role for Portugal against shape-changing Switzerland

Even with rumours signalling that he may be on his way out of club side Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix still entered this year’s World Cup as a key player for Portugal. And with captain and headline magnet Cristiano Ronaldo dropped to the bench, the spotlight was further on Felix and co. to steer Portugal to victory in their second round tie against Switzerland.

And under the daunting eyes of millions watching, Portugal, Ronaldo-less for 73 minutes or so, were as fun to watch as they were emphatic, scoring six past Switzerland, with Ronaldo’s replacement, 21 year-old Gonçalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick in his first ever start for his country.