At 3.15 yesterday, I’d already written this column. Swansea City 3-0 up, and surely cruising to at least a six or seven – nil victory, to provide their fans with a home version of the demolition of Fulham, against an extremely toothless Wolves. How wrong was I? Such is the analysis of football available to [...]

Everton are hoping to score four in four consecutive league games – a club first. The Fulham win was the first time Everton have scored three or more in three consecutive league games since 1964. The way Everton are playing, they will think anything is possible. However, the Britannia is a tough place to go [...]

A month ago Monday’s derby at The Etihad Stadium appeared to be one that would see Manchester United crowned as Premier League Champions – either walking on to the pitch as the 2011/12 winners or celebrating at the final whistle – but with defeat at Wigan and then dropping points at home to Everton suddenly [...]

Aston Villa edge a step closer to safety following a 0-0 draw at The Hawthorns, and they were backed by a strong 2,400 crowd who were vocal throughout the 90 minutes. Villa went into the game knowing that every point is vital in the close season run-in.  West Bromwich Albion were looking to do the league double [...]

Premier League strikers are usually judged on their goals scored per games ratio. However, thanks to Opta Stats, we’re now able to take the analysis further by analysing whether these goals were scored by easy chances put on a plate for them by their team’s creative forces. This article will focus on clear-cut chances – [...]

Two in-form teams clash at Goodison Park on Saturday. David Moyes’ side are unbeaten in five league games with their opponents unbeaten in four. Everton’s last outing was an impressive 4 – 4 draw at Old Trafford whilst, a day earlier, Fulham overcame Wigan 2 – 1 at Craven Cottage.  Everton’s four at Old Trafford [...]

With the Goalkeeper, Defence and Midfield already chosen for England’s best XI (England’s Best XI Part I: Defence & England’s Best XI Part II: Midifled) we will now look at who should lead the line for England this summer. We have again given the player who came out on top in each section of the comparison 5 [...]

Aston Villa’s Premier League status came into questioning once again last night as they were undone by two quick goals from Bolton Wanderers directly after taking the lead. Aston Villa managed just 43.8% of possession over the 90 minutes compared to Bolton Wanderers 56.2%.  As many fans at the game said that it felt the completely other-way [...]

Since making his first Everton start just 46 days ago, Nikica Jelavic has wasted little time proving himself to be not only an astute buy, but arguably one of the signings of the season. With six Premier League goals, and another two struck in the FA Cup, the Croatian has finally given the Toffees that [...]

Many a time when I played/play the game, managers and coaches have used the ‘win your personal battles’ line as a pre-game motivator. I guess the theory is, if you stop your opponent being effective, and that happens all over the pitch, then the opposition as a team won’t cause you problems. However, in reality, [...]