Special Feature

Special Features by Tom Bateman

Tactical Analysis: How well has Ramires done in Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation?

May 22, 2013
By
Tactical Analysis: How well has Ramires done in Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation?

Ramires was an integral player in Chelsea’s Champions League winning campaign but at times this season he has come into criticism from fans and from pundits alike. Typically he has been used in a 4-3-3 for Chelsea but this season the move to a 4-2-3-1 has impacted on his performances with the Brazilian playing a more reserved…

Read more »

Tactical Analysis: Do Man United need to strengthen their wing options?

May 22, 2013
By
Tactical Analysis: Do Man United need to strengthen their wing options?

Manchester United have traditionally had very strong players to choose from on the flanks. That being said, in recent seasons this has not really been the case, particularly this year. United did try to strengthen in this area in the summer, reportedly going in for Lucas Moura and also Eden Hazard, however the club were…

Read more »

Statistical Analysis: Would Man City be better off without Carlos Tevez next season?

May 21, 2013
By
Statistical Analysis: Would Man City be better off without Carlos Tevez next season?

Carlos Tevez has been a significant figure for Manchester City since moving to the club from their bitter rivals Manchester United. The Argentine forward has scored 58 times in 107 appearances for City, but, with certain personal issues considered, his consistency questionable and his commitment also often dubious, would City be better off without him?…

Read more »

Are Portuguese teams like Benfica becoming feeder clubs for Europe’s richer clubs?

May 20, 2013
By
Are Portuguese teams like Benfica becoming feeder clubs for Europe’s richer clubs?

Following on from my piece on the business model of FC Porto, the policy of buying players cheaply and selling them on two or three years later for a higher price which has worked for them over the last decade, here is one on their rivals Benfica’s similar method. In recent years Porto’s rivals Benfica…

Read more »

Tactical Analysis: Where do Chelsea need to improve next season?

May 17, 2013
By
Tactical Analysis: Where do Chelsea need to improve next season?

Having all but wrapped up a top four finish Chelsea’s season has been salvaged somewhat. A Europa League final tonight would add the icing on the cake to an improved last few weeks under Rafa Benitez. That being said in context this season must be regarded as a failure. The club were knocked out of…

Read more »

Tactical Analysis: Will Darren Bent’s limitations put off potential buyers?

May 17, 2013
By
Tactical Analysis: Will Darren Bent’s limitations put off potential buyers?

When Paul Lambert dropped Darren Bent at the start of the season in favour of the young and unproven Christian Benteke many observers were surprised and even shocked. However, Bent has scored just 2 goals this season compared to Benteke’s prolific 19 goal haul which now more than vindicates the managers decision to drop Villa’s…

Read more »

Should Manchester United simply sever ties with Wayne Rooney?

May 16, 2013
By
Should Manchester United simply sever ties with Wayne Rooney?

For many, Wayne Rooney is already a Manchester United legend. Since joining the club in 2004, the England international has scored 177 goals for the Red Devils in 400 appearances, a glancing feat for any modern-day footballer. In his time at the club he has also enjoyed an incredible trophy haul winning five league titles…

Read more »

Tactical Analysis: Could Shinji Kagawa fill the void if Wayne Rooney leaves Manchester United?

May 15, 2013
By
Tactical Analysis: Could Shinji Kagawa fill the void if Wayne Rooney leaves Manchester United?

Shinji Kagawa has had a frustrating first season at Manchester United despite winning the Premier League title with the club, only playing 90 minutes in the Premier League five times. Kagawa has spent large parts of the season injured, on the bench and also out of position. That being said, he’s shown signs of real…

Read more »

Tactical Analysis: Would signing Fellaini make any sense for Manchester United?

May 14, 2013
By
Tactical Analysis: Would signing Fellaini make any sense for Manchester United?

  The news that David Moyes is going to be the Manchester United manager next season has only fuelled speculation that some of Everton’s star performers might leave Goodison Park and follow Moyes to Manchester United. Marouane Fellaini has as such been linked with a potential move to the Champions. Fellaini has been in fine…

Read more »

Who should replace David Moyes at Everton next season?

May 13, 2013
By
Who should replace David Moyes at Everton next season?

The announcement that Everton manager David Moyes has been appointed as the man to replace Alex Ferguson at United left a void at Goodison Park. If it’s a hard job to replace Ferguson at Manchester United, it will be just as hard for any manager coming into Everton to replace David Moyes, the man who…

Read more »