Michael Cox is The Athletic's football tactics writer, Mark Carey is The Athletic's football analytics writer, and along with host Ali Maxwell they break down t... More
Michael Cox is The Athletic's football tactics writer, Mark Carey is The Athletic's football analytics writer, and along with host Ali Maxwell they break down t... More
Available Episodes
5 of 190
Premier League Season Review... in just 10 games
Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to review a record-breaking and unforgettable Premier League season... in just 10 matches.
From early warning signs of De Bruyne x Haaland's link up and Arsenal's leaky defence, to Spurs self-destruction, Villa's transformation and Leeds' lack of goals. Plus, an interesting discussion about xG underperformance in strikers who do a lot more than shoot and where the cut-off for parachuting in an interim manager should be.
Produced by Adonis Pratsides
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01/06/2023
50:22
Alternative Team of the Season
Host Ali Maxwell is joined by Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to pick their alternative Premier League Team of the Season - The catch? They can only select one player from each team in the bottom half of the table (plus one bonus pick)...
Forget Saka v Salah as the guys condemn the lack general lack of viable full-back options, wrestle with the data and accidentally unearth the best player in the bottom half of the league.
Produced by Adonis Pratsides
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25/05/2023
40:59
Man City masterclass & how Pochettino could transform Chelsea
Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey following the conclusion of the Champions League semi-finals.
Man City swept away holders Real Madrid in a crushing 4-0 victory, 5-1 on aggregate, so how did they do it? Were they that incredible, or were Madrid that far below par?
Meanwhile, Inter beat city rivals Milan over two legs to set up a tasty final against Pep Guardiola’s side.
There’s also a section dedicated to imminent new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, and how he could set up the Blues next season.
The west Londoners have a huge squad, so who may thrive under the former Spurs boss, and who is unlikely to?
Produced by Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale.
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18/05/2023
50:25
How Xavi's Barcelona won La Liga
Pragmatic Xavi, Busquets' successor and is it actually a good idea to bring Messi back in the summer? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and John Muller to explain how Barcelona won the league...
An outstanding defensive record, playing to Lewandowski's strengths, why Pedri and Gavi are not simply Xavi and Iniesta 'mini-clones' & how a prodigious young coach has balanced a squad overhaul, the mantle of being Guardiola's "disciple" and Real Madrid's continued success in Europe.
Produced by Adonis Pratsides
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15/05/2023
33:12
Alexander-Arnold's new role: Explained
Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander to explain Trent Alexander-Arnold's new role for Liverpool and assess to what extent it's responsible for their recent good run of form...
Is he any more creative in central areas and are Liverpool better defensively? Was Trent really having a bad season and will he chase down Ryan Giggs' Premier League assists record?
Plus, the impact on some of his teammates, if this tactical switch is a 'Plan B' or the blueprint for next season and if Liverpool can sneak into the Top 4.
Produced by Adonis Pratsides
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Michael Cox is The Athletic's football tactics writer, Mark Carey is The Athletic's football analytics writer, and along with host Ali Maxwell they break down the tactical and technical details of football each week - looking at trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper look at the matches and moments that define football.