Sameer Chopra

Last season was a disappointing one for a Manchester United team with such high expectations. Although there was the FA Cup trophy, a very expensively assembled side never truly threatened for a title (this in a season where most traditional powerhouses struggled), and finished fifth, missing out on the UEFA Champions League through goal difference. […]

After the disappointment of Euro 2012, World Cup in 2014 and Euro 2016, Roy Hodgson’s position as England manager had become untenable. If anything, he had been given too long a rope. The team’s tactics were confused and difficult to fathom. Plus difficult selection questions, such as what to do about Wayne Rooney, were repeatedly […]

Cesc Fabregas has had an interesting career thus far. Bursting on to the scene at Arsenal as a 17 year old creative midfielder, he became one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. In the five years before he moved to Barcelona, he created 466 chances, scored 48 times, and had 86 assists. […]

The European Championships are almost upon us, and England go to France on the back of three straight wins in their warm-up matches. Amidst the optimism that comes with this good form, and a theoretically simple group to negotiate, there is some concern due to the fact that the team has not looked fluid offensively. […]

Although it hasn’t been officially announced yet, Jose Mourinho is basically guaranteed to be the next manager of Manchester United following Louis Van Gaal’s official departure this week. Despite winning the FA cup this season, Van Gaal’s time at United was tumultuous. He created a solid defense, took United back into the Champions League for […]

Lost amidst all the excitement about Leicester City winning their first top flight title in their 132 year history was the fact that their closest challengers could have won their first top flight title in 55 years. Tottenham have had a great season, a young team that is expertly coached and in a prime London […]

With the awards season in full swing as the Premier League campaign draws to a close, there has been little surprise regarding the two big prizes given out thus far. Jamie Vardy has won the Football Writers’ award while Riyad Mahrez won the Professional Footballers’ Association award for player of the year. It would always […]

The Professional Footballer’s Association team of the year was announced this week, and, as expected with the league table looking the way it does, it was dominated by Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur players. Most players can’t be quibbled with. However, it seems that the PFA have focused on trying to reward Leicester and Spurs […]

So long the part of the team most derided for being useless, suddenly the part of the team most praised for being ruthless, England’s striking problem going into Euro 2016 this summer is a good one to have. Six or seven players can make reasonable claims for contention, and quite a lot of the English […]

Occasionally soccer schedule computers throw up matches that seem too good to be true. A Jürgen Klopp homecoming to Dortmund for example, or a Liverpool vs. Manchester United clash or Real Madrid-Barcelona Clasico in Europe. How convenient was it that Liverpool started their league campaign this year against Stoke City, the side that thrashed them […]

With seven games left in their season, Leicester City lead the Premier League by five points, and are 15 points clear of fourth place Manchester City, meaning they are effectively guaranteed at least some Champions League soccer next season. Given that they haven’t been involved in any European competition recently, it is worth considering how […]

It’s fair to say that Louis Van Gaal hasn’t had the best of times managing Manchester United. He’s been given large budgets, a long rope, and carte blanche to bring in whatever players he wants, regardless of fit or resale value. His accomplishments were a fourth place finish, admittedly getting Manchester United back into the […]

Until recently, soccer punditry was seen as a joke by many, a last paycheck given to big-name players who contributed nothing someone who had never played the game in their life wouldn’t have known. What viewers really wanted, tactical analysis, anecdotes of having been there and done that, and a clear viewpoint on what the […]

It is difficult to remember a time before Barcelona was an all-conquering force, and Pep Guardiola was hailed as a messiah amongst managers. The Catalan team has changed soccer as we know it both in terms of the way that they play, and the way that opponents need to play to stop them. Teams have […]

This season has been one to make the Premier League weep with joy. Three establishment teams (Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool) are having or have had dramatic troubles and it’s looking increasingly likely that the other pre-season title favorite, Manchester City, will have to make do with just a UEFA Champions League place. Two out […]