Tactics

Pulisic Scores In Second-Straight UCL Game And Spares Us From Another Griddy — Blues Defeat Lille

Christian Pulisic made it two goals in two games against Lille as Chelsea defated the defending Ligue 1 champion 2-1 on Wednesday to win 4-1 on aggregate and advance to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. The Pulisic goal vs Lille came at a perfect time for the Blues, who had struggled to create any chances in the first half.

From Kepa To Krul: A History Of Goalkeepers Subbed In For Penalty Kick Shootouts

Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to bring on Kepa Arrizbalaga late in the 2022 EFL Cup Final was not unprecedented — both for Chelsea and the footballing world. Kepa had replaced Mendy in the waning moments of extra time in the UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal earlier in the year, saving two penalties in Chelsea's shootout victory.

In fact, the Spaniard is an above-average keeper in his career when it comes to saving penalties. 

Decision To Bring On Kepa For EFL Cup Final Shootout Fails In Most Spectacular Fashion

When anyone starts talking about that infamous Kepa Arrizabalaga Carabao Cup final moment, the reply is now going to have to be "which one?"

In 2019, Kepa gave us the unforgettable scene of refusing to be substituted for penalty specialist Willy Caballero near the end of extra time. The Spaniard saved one but Chelsea ultimately still lost to Manchester City.  

Over-Performing Underdogs: The "Burnleys" of European Football

Every league has that one team that isn't really all that good but just seems to hang around for far longer than they should. They don't spend much, they don't play entertaining football, and they never really win any big games. Yet when the season ends, they are always mid-table.

In the 2010s, that team in England was Wigan Athletic, as Roberto Martínez's brand of "Guerilla Soccer" kept an underfunded Latics side in the Premier League for eight years.

Football In The Margins: The Divisive History Of The Long Throw-In And Its Auspicious Future

When Cheltenham Town hosted Manchester City in the FA Cup Fourth Round in January 2021, victory was all but assured for the Premier League club.

The Robins — who would go on to win League Two that year — were no match for a Man City side that sat atop the English football pyramid. Yet early in the second half, the match at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium was still scoreless.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I Don't Want To Be Here To Fight To Be In Sixth Place'

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is hopeful he can recover from a minor muscle injury in time to feature in Saturday's Premier League match against Aston Villa.

The Portugal international missed United's 1-0 FA Cup third round win over Villa on Monday but is keeping his "fingers crossed" that he can return to action at the weekend.

La Seña Entre El Piojo Herrera Y El Titán Salcedo Que Le Valió Un Agónico Empate A Tigres

En su partido número 100 con el jersey de Tigres, Carlos Salcedo fue héroe.

Durante un duro partido ante Santos Laguna, el Titán dejó de lado sus labores defensivas, agarró las banderas y apareció como centrodelantero en área rival para conseguir un valioso empate en tiempo de descuentos.

Gol de Carlos Salcedo vs Santos Laguna

La conquista llegó en el minuto 92, cuando los felinos ya no tenían más piernas.

Mexico’s First-Choice Front Three Is Out For Vengeance Against The U.S.

When the USMNT welcomes Mexico to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Friday night, the Stars and Stripes will boast the emotional and mental edge of having defeated El Tri in their last two meetings — both finals, no less. 

But it’s Mexico that holds a three-point advantage over the U.S. at the top of the Octagonal as we hit the halfway point of qualifying, and Tata Martino can rely on a first-choice attack that Gregg Berhalter’s men didn’t see over the summer.

Xavi’s Return To Barcelona Is Official — Here’s When He'll Manage His First Game

Nine days after splitting ways with Ronald Koeman, Barcelona has found its dream replacement manager. Former Barcelona player Xavi Hernández will look to steer the Catalan cruiser in the right direction after being announced as the new manager. When will Xavi manage his first game?

Xavi will make his Barcelona managerial debut following the international break. His first game in charge will be on Nov. 20 against Espanyol at Camp Nou.

Solskjær Says Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man United Critics Are Dead Wrong

MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær said Cristiano Ronaldo had answered many critics of his value to the team with his display in the 3-2 Champions League win over Atalanta on Wednesday.

Ronaldo grabbed the 81st minute winner with a superbly executed header to maintain his 100% scoring record in group F after three games.

But Solskjær took aim at those who had questioned whether the Portuguese forward, the Champions League record goalscorer, contributed enough work-rate to his side.

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