Some quick reflections on a tense top of the table clash in Italy that couldn't separate Napoli and Inter on the day and in the title race.
Weekend Reflections
The new season is underway and its time to put some thoughts out on the action on a weekend where new managers like Slot, De Zerbi and Motta made great first impressions.
Thoughts on the Champions League Quarterfinals Draw
The Champions League quarter-final draw presented thrilling matchups. Atletico Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund, each seeking a return to the semi-finals after long absences. PSG confronts Barcelona, recalling past clashes and featuring new talents. Arsenal is challenged by Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid clashes with Manchester City in a noteworthy third consecutive meeting. Each pairing offers a mix of history, tactical analysis, and potential outcomes.
Liverpool 2 Arsenal 2
Liverpool and Arsenal delivered another memorable encounter at Anfield, but did the league leaders miss an opportunity with their mindset?
Champions League Reflections
Matchday 1 of the Champions League Round of 16 is in the books making it time to reflect on the four matches. It was hard to be truly impressed with any of the sides, but some sides are in for deserved criticism.
Serie A Matchday 22
There are a few interesting storylines to look ahead to in Serie A this weekend, with pressure increasing on the champions, a tussle for the top four and a heated rivalry amongst others.
Premier League Report Card Matchday 17
Even as Boxing Day came I wasn’t sure that I wanted league football so soon after the World Cup, but such is the nature of a football fan that once it gets underway, one can’t help but feel involved. Here are my thoughts on the first matchday on the resumption of the Premier League, in which the top dogs impressed as the pressure grows for some at the bottom.
Barcelona 3 Villarreal 0
Some quick thoughts after a routine yet essential win for Xavi's Barcelona over Emery's Villarreal.
Looking Ahead Vol. 9
After an engrossing week of action on the continent, it’s back to domestic football on the weekend. As well as Der Klassiker, it’s also Arsenal hosting Liverpool, while Xabi Alonso makes his top flight managerial debut with Bayer Leverkusen and Jorge Sampaoli returns for his second stint at Sevilla.
Champions League Report Card Matchday 3
Napoli had the standout performance, while Salzburg and Brugge proved there is still place for meritocracy in an increasingly stratified game. On the other hand, Sevilla and Leverkusen put in abject displays, bringing about the end of their manager’s reigns.
Premier League Report Card Matchday 9
The derby weekend in the Premier League saw plenty of drama with brilliant performances from Arsenal and City, while the questions increase for Liverpool and Forest.
Looking Ahead Vol. 8
Club football returns with one of its busiest stretches as the World Cup looms ever closer in the horizon. Derbies in Manchester and North London take top billing this weekend, while there is also Mourinho taking Roma to his old stomping ground in Milan amongst other interesting storylines across Europe’s Big Five leagues.
Premier League Report Card Matchday 8
A shortened Premier League matchday sees plaudits for Arsenal, City and Fulham while the doubts grow for Leicester and Forest.
Looking Ahead Vol. 7
Some big games in Italy, the Madrid derby, the Ruhr derby and Lyon hosting PSG are amongst the many interesting games lined up this weekend.
Champions League Report Card Matchday 2
Club Brugge deliver the result of the round, Bayern and Real just know to win while Atleti and Juve struggle for European relevance.
Looking Ahead Vol. 6
There may be no football in England this week, but there is still plenty to look forward to including Marco Rose returning to Dortmund with his new side Leipzig, Monaco taking on Lyon and a crucial game in the race for La Liga's top four.
Champions League Report Card Matchday 1
Matchday 1 saw lots of success for the underdogs, with Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb and most impressively, Shakhtar Donetsk, all shining.
Premier League Report Card Matchday 6
Arsenal falter in their toughest test, United's resurgence continues, but the weekend was most illuminated by Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton.
Everton 0 Liverpool 0 Player Ratings
Rating the players after an engrossing Merseyside derby, with Pickford and Alisson both shining for their teams.
Looking Ahead Vol. 5
In a weekend packed full of narrative and excitement, I pick 15 games across the big five leagues, including the Milan derby, the Merseyside derby, United against Arsenal, alongside many others.
Premier League Report Card Matchday 5
The good vibes keep on going at Craven Cottage, the Reds get lucky, while the champions two new forwards look great.
Looking Ahead Vol. 4
The first midweek action of the season sees some intriguing games including West Ham hosting Spurs, Liverpool taking on Newcastle and Lille jostling with Nice in Ligue 1.
Premier League Report Card Matchday 4
Chelsea show some class in adversity, Liverpool delivered a much-needed romp and steady improvement continues at United.
Looking Ahead Vol. 3
Italy takes centre stage this weekend with three big clashes in Serie A, while there is a big derby in the South coast of France.
Champions League Group Stage Draw Reaction
Analyzing the draw for the group stages of the Champions League and speculating about which sides may progress to the round of 16.
The Through Ball by Wasim Parkar 