Matt Jones

After an insufferable international break, the Premier League was back with some brilliant fixtures to sample Saturday. Here are some tactical thoughts on the two games I watched: Reasons to be positive for Liverpool: Liverpool were particularly unlucky not to come away from the Stadium of Light with all three points. The Reds were superior […]

With Ashley Cole being recognized as the best left back on the planet for much of the past decade, chances have been at a minimum for Leighton Baines in the England side. It is easy to see why the Everton left-back made reference to the importance of him seizing his opportunities in the side in […]

The two big games on Sunday provided us with some further insight into how the respective teams will approach this season. Here are some tactical points that proved to be key in determining the results, and some things that may be worth keeping an eye on for the upcoming campaign: Southampton 2-3 Manchester United Robin […]

For as many transfer windows as I can remember, Fulham have always had to endure negative speculation regarding the departure of key players. Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer have often been linked with the more illustrious sides in the league, whereas this summer attention has shifted towards Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele. The Craven Cottage […]

So here we are again, on the cusp of another Premier League season. After a three month amnesty during which we have tried to fill the footballing void with a plethora of other sports and competitions, the real thing is back at 10am ET/3pm BST on Saturday. Get ready to welcome back the drama, controversy […]

There is a top player inside Jack Rodwell... somewhere. During his years at Everton he has shown, admittedly in glimpses, that he has virtually every attribute required in order to shine in the Premier League. He is naturally two footed, noticeably athletic, an elegant passer and particularly versatile. When he made his Everton debut five […]

Chelsea v Manchester City The FA Community Shield 8.30am, Sunday, August 12, 2012 Villa Park, Aston Villa FC Live on FOX Soccer It's around this time of year that I start getting particularly giddy about the prospect of a brand spanking new Premier League season. With my Fantasy Premier League team settled, the fixture lists […]

I have to admit I was pretty disappointed that Team GB didn’t qualify for the semi-final of the Olympic games. I’d had tickets for the Old Trafford semi-final for a while and a Brazil/GB match would have always been my preferred encounter, but unfortunately it was not to be. Regardless I was still excited to […]

In amongst the absolute chaos of Sergio Aguero’s goal and the unbelievable finish to the Premier League last campaign, there was another factor that was overlooked in review of what was overall a fantastic season. Because of Bolton’s failure to win at Stoke, QPR retained their Premier League status, despite not being given a chance […]

Ahead of his move to New York Red Bulls, I think it's fair to say that Premier League defenders and corner flags alike will be glad to see the back of Tim Cahill. Signed from Milwall in 2004 for a mere £1.5m, the Aussie has gone on to become one of the most prolific goalscoring […]

"I am looking forward to helping the club to challenge for more honors. The squad is full of players at the top of their game, which they have proved by winning the Premier League" – Robin Van Persie (April, 2004) These were the words spoken by Robin van Persie as he sat beside manager Arsene […]

It was mentioned in some media outlets earlier this week that new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was invited to discuss some tactical ideologies with Spain manager Vincent Del Bosque. After Swansea City took to the Premier League with a swagger and a scintillating style of play last season, the Northern-Irishman has drawn much praise from […]

For once it seems that football may take a back seat for Britons this summer, as the Olympic Games come to London. For a collection of nations that are so fanatical about the Premier League, the SPL and their respective international sides, the Olympic Football has gone somewhat unnoticed and uncared for. The faces of […]

One of the hardest things for new fans is figuring out how to pick a Premier League team. It's often said that supporting a soccer team is a bit like a marriage. I could trot out the old cliches about “ups and downs," twists and turns. But, to be honest, some marriages don’t last. Rather, […]

The pressure and expectation that has burdened many an England side at major tournaments in the past seems to have been alleviated under Roy Hodgson. There weren’t many who had England as their tip to win these Championships. There were many who thought they be departing after the group stage. With a new manager, key […]