Sam Allardyce was ahead of the curve and to some extent I’m not joking

Right

Two of our goals wouldn't have happened if the initiators of the move had played it short.
Cubarsi - Lewy - Yamal = Raphinha goal
Pedri's inch-perfect lob to Raphinha = Another Raphinha goal

When he is simply launching passes like this over the top or around the best defensive structure in the league with such regularity, it makes you realise that he is one of the most valuable players in the world.

In relation to my last post, this should give you all the answers about why Haaland’s usual playing style was not effective and other Man City players thrived instead.

Deciphering whether a player has been stopped by A) a good opposition defensive strategy B) their own individual performance level according to their usual standards C) their own team’s tactical setup, is key.

Haaland, Jude & Mbappé’s performances in this CL match-day actually…

Just checked because he’s been out so long… Trent has 13 big chances created in 19 PL starts this season 🤣🤣🤣 Klopp has done top work to stay in the title race without him (and others).

1. Creative passing from the defensive line outside of the opposition defensive block
2. Creative passing from between the opposition attacking & midfield lines - needs that element of pausa/press resistance
3. Creative passing/crossing in the half-space between the opposition…

The difference in passing range between Barca and PSG was a clear difference. Saw long distance passes from Cubarsi, Pedri, Gundo. PSG play a lot of tippy-tappy short passes but they simply don’t have a player who can blam a long pass to take out a line of defence. Even MATS vs…

Why is Nuno Mendes staying in the midfield line instead of bombing on and allowing Mbappé to come inside I don’t get it.

Weird how Mbappé is being used so rigidly wide by Enrique. Barely getting into goalscoring areas. Opposite of how Carlo has been using Rodrygo & Vinícius.

Pedri straight pass assist, he can play any pass in the book. Special.

Dembélé screamer 🤣🤣 you can’t predict this guy at all

Nuno Mendes is so good

Ter Stegen and Cubarsi have been going direct into Lewa’s feet. Nice pass from Cubarsi for the goal.

Raj Chohan There were a few situations where Ter Stegen kicked the ball in the middle, Lewa was dropping deeper and he headed the ball behind his marker. Xavi could move Rafinha and Yamal more infield so that they can take advantage of the situation.

Dembélé’s use of the ball was so bad in this 1st half wow. Give him some decisions to make and his head can look scrambled.

PSG are not good at defending zone 14. Compounded by Vitinha playing lone 6, a passenger defensively. Xavi targeted it well with Lewandowski dropping.

Brazilian attackers have got the ability to stop time in the box by applying disguise to their actions