Analysis

Graeme Souness has long had doubts about Declan Rice. His latest criticism, delivered on the first episode of Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan’s new Football Uncensored show, has brought that long-running argument back into focus. Souness believes Rice spends too much time dropping out of midfield during Arsenal’s build-up. He pointed to occasions when the England international moves between the centre-backs, or into the space between a centre-back and full-back, to collect possession with relatively little pressure on him. For Souness, that is not what an elite central midfielder should be doing. He described it as “old man’s football” and argued that receiving the ball in those areas allows Rice to take the easier option rather than influencing the game from midfield. He even suggested that...

A couple of months on from Germany’s World Cup exit to Paraguay, the result still looks difficult to reconcile with the basic match statistics. Germany enjoyed far more possession, completed considerably more passes and registered 21 shots to Paraguay’s seven. ESPN’s xG figures put Germany ahead 1.57 to 0.35. On another day, those numbers might have produced a comfortable victory and a place in the next round. But the headline statistics only tell part of the story. Look more closely and Germany’s dominance becomes progressively less convincing as the ball moves towards the areas that matter most. The question for Jürgen Klopp is therefore not simply how to turn possession into goals. It is whether the way Germany used the ball left them too predictable and too easy to contain. Germany’s a...

The stage is set for a titanic clash at Old Trafford as Manchester United lock horns with Liverpool in a Premier League showdown that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Coming off a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final encounter where United emerged victorious with a 4-3 win after extra time, the Reds are out for revenge, aiming to keep their title hopes alive . United’s stunning FA Cup victory was marked by late drama, with Amad Diallo scoring the winner in the 121st minute, only to be sent off moments later. Liverpool, having led twice, were left shell-shocked as United demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit under Erik ten Hag . Team news Both teams are facing significant absences due to injuries. Manchester United are awaiting updates on the fitness of Casemiro, Jonny Evans, and...

As international football fans are well aware, there isn’t truly an extended offseason for professional footballers. And in 2014—a World Cup year, of course—there’s really no time off. Mere weeks after the conclusion of the World Cup, many of the top clubs were back in action playing friendlies and exhibition events. This year, those of us in the U.S. who make a habit of following the English Premier League are getting a special treat in the form of several of England’s top clubs embarking on U.S. tours. Here’s a look at the EPL clubs making a stateside impact. Arsenal Arsenal isn’t really going on a U.S. tour like some other EPL clubs, but it did kick off the action in New York City against the Red Bulls of MLS on July 26 to the delight of a fairly massive U....