matthew walsh

It’s nothing new to say that goals win games. This season’s title race, however, perhaps more than ever, underlines the idea that clinical finishing and the lack of it can prove the crucial factor in defining a season’s campaign. Going into last weekend’s fixtures, leaders Arsenal and Liverpool boasted the best goals scored record in […]

When Leeds decided to part company with Javi Gracia and bring in Sam Allardyce it became the 15th managerial change of this Premier League season, a record for sackings of managers by owners. The previous high was in the 2017/18 season. But, why has the practice become so commonplace? Clubs constantly seek change to reverse […]

For the first time in its history, the Premier league took an extended pause and sat dormant while international soccer took the focus for the World Cup. How would teams and managers navigate the start to a second mini-season? What impact would this enforced break have on the teams around the county? Turns out, very […]

As soon as their quarterfinal clash with France was confirmed, there was one question that dominated the discussion in England: how do you stop Mbappé? The game against Senegal hadn’t even finished before the commentators had turned their thoughts. England gave away the ball against the Lions of Teranga, acted sloppy in possession and was […]

That’s all folks. It’s over. For the second time in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United. Yet, unlike the first time, this won’t be for a record-breaking transfer fee. Nor does it come with the good will of the club, fans and teammates. Instead, this time, one of the greatest players of all […]

The good news for France was that they were already through to the Round of 16. The less comforting news was that their much-fancied squad appeared to lack the depth that many had believed it possessed. In France's defeat to Tunisia, the reigning champions changed nine of their eleven players from the previous match, lining […]

Entering the 2022 World Cup, France looks a team beyond set to repeat. Not only is the side the reigning champion, but it brings in abundant talent. The newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner and a striker on the cusp of breaking his country’s all time goal-scoring record. Plus, there is Kylian Mbappé. There’s plenty in […]