Grab the RSS feed

The Tomkins Times

The Tomkins Times
  • Home
  • About
    • Writers
    • Books
  • Links
  • Help/FAQ
    • Site News
  • Debate
    • Ask Paul
    • Friday Night Club
    • Hillsborough News and Views
    • Site Feedback and Ideas
    • Tactical Ruminations
    • General Football
    • Brendan Rodgers
    • First Team Players
    • Kenny Dalglish
    • Transfer Issues
    • Off-Pitch Issues
    • Quality Media/Press Reporting/Analysis
    • Poor Media/Press Reporting/Analysis
    • Stats
    • Rafael Benítez
      • Respect For Rafa
    • Roy Hodgson
    • Youngsters/reserves
    • Off Topic
      • Off Topic: Media & Arts
      • About You
    • Think Tank
    • TTT Poll
    • Transfer Price Index – The Complete Guide
      • TPI Book Project
    • Where To Watch Liverpool Games?
    • Injury Watch
    • TTT Fantasy Football
    • The Fridge Door – Your Work
    • Historical LFC
    • Internationals/World Cup
  • Subscribers
  • Shop
  • Archives
    • Best of TTT
  • Join
    • Rules
    • Testimonials
    • Gift a Subscription
    • Why Subscribe to The Tomkins Times?
    • Join Here
  • Contact

Archive for "Talking Tactics"

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on May 14th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Fulham 1 Liverpool 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Fulham 1 Liverpool 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov.  After last week’s debacle against Reading, Martin Jol refreshed the team with a couple of changes. Hughes replaced Senderos at the back, with Richardson stepping in to replace Riise at left back. After his impressive cameo, Kacaniklic was handed a start here, with Emanuelson benched. Karagounis was fit, so he continued in [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on May 8th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 0 Everton 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 0 Everton 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Neither manager made big changes either in terms of formation or personnel, based on their previous games. Liverpool were unchanged from the last game at Newcastle. For the visitors, Moyes made only one change, welcoming back Gibson to play alongside Osman in midfield. With Fellaini pushed forward, Jelavic had to make way [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on April 29th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Newcastle 0 Liverpool 6: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Newcastle 0 Liverpool 6: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov.  Pardew surprised with his selection of players and also their positioning. Tiote came back into the side alongside Perch in midfield. Gouffran was replaced by Sissoko down the right flank, with Cabaye replacing Sissoko closer to Cisse. Hence the shape was more like a 4-2-1-3 than the recently used 4-2-3-1. The back [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on April 24th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 2 Chelsea 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 2 Chelsea 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Rodgers largely kept the XI that fared so well against Reading last week. But he did a make a crucial personnel change and subsequent tweaks in the players’ positioning. Sturridge made way for Downing on the right flank, Henderson (now central) and Coutinho (now left) swapped places. For Chelsea, Benitez lined up [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on April 16th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Reading 0 Liverpool 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Reading 0 Liverpool 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Neither manager opted for a surprising selection in terms of personnel, yet both managers surprised with their choice of starting formation. Both teams used a shape unfamiliar to them in recent games. Adkins used 4-4-2, with Pogrebnyak and Hunt up front. The latter was told to play deeper and often drop on [...]

  • Featured, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on April 11th, 2013

    Written by Bob

    Tags

    Tactics for Beginners – No. 8

    Tactics for Beginners – No. 8

    By Bob Pearce and Mihail Vladimirov. Through, over or around? The more we talk the more I have become interested in what seems like a key patch of grass. It is the strip between the edge of the box and the start of the final third. In terms of lines of play it is the [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on April 9th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 0 West Ham 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 0 West Ham 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Rodgers continued with an unchanged side but tweaked his formation slightly. Last week against Aston Villa it was 4-1-2-3. Now, with Henderson as the most advanced midfielder, the shape was more of a 4-2-1-3. For the visitors, Reid was omitted due to a problem with his thigh – Tomkins came into the [...]

  • In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on April 3rd, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. For the home team, Lambert had to make one change to the XI which won the last two games. In defence Clark had an arm injury so in came Bennett to play left back, with Baker moving alongside Vlaar. Interestingly though, Aston Villa’s formation was tweaked from 4-1-2-3 to more of a [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on March 18th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Southampton 3 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Southampton 3 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov.  Both teams lined-up largely as expected (with identical 4-2-3-1 formations), except a few niggles for Liverpool prevented them keeping an unchanged XI. The Saints made only one change from their last game at Norwich, Clyne returned to right back, Yoshida moved central and Jose Fonte was on the bench. Pochettino continued [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on March 12th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 3 Tottenham 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 3 Tottenham 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Rodgers made only one change from the last game against Wigan. Sturridge returned to fitness and replaced Allen, with the shape reverting to the usual 4-2-3-1. However, Reina was injured so Jones had start in a goal. For Tottenham, Lennon missed the game. It was always going to be interesting how Villa-Boas [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on March 4th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Wigan 0 Liverpool 4: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Wigan 0 Liverpool 4: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Unsurprisingly, Martinez opted for exactly the same XI and 3-4-3 formation as in the last game against Reading, which they won 3-0. Sturridge’s injury forced Rodgers to make some changes, with Allen coming in to play as a third midfielder and Suarez reverting to the centre-forward position. Interestingly, with the same midfielders as against [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on February 12th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 0 West Brom 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 0 West Brom 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov. Rodgers made the surprising decision to replace the injured Sturridge with Shelvey. This meant Suarez occupingy the centre forward position with Shelvey as the attacking midfielder behind him. Everything else was the same as in the previous game against City. Liverpool continued with the lopsided 4-2-3-1. For West Brom, Clarke had [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on February 4th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Man City 2 Liverpool 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Man City 2 Liverpool 2: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Mancini continued to start with the 4-4-2 (with split forwards) formation. With the return of Nastasic to full fitness, City’s selection didn’t spring any surprises. Javi Garcia was moved into midfield to accommodate Nastasic at the back, Silva and Milner played on the flanks. The only real dilemma for Mancini was would [...]

  • Featured, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on February 4th, 2013

    Written by Bob

    Tags

    Tactics for Beginners – No. 7

    Tactics for Beginners – No. 7

    By Bob Pearce and Mihail Vladimirov. Executed by the feet. One of the few statistics TV commentators are comfortable quoting is the percentage of possession each team has had. This gives the impression that this is inherently a good thing. You have made it clear that there are two points of view about possession. Proactive [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on January 23rd, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 5 Norwich 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 5 Norwich 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Both managers made some surprising decisions. For Liverpool, Rodgers selected Henderson on the left flank, in a very narrow role within what was a lopsided 4-2-3-1 shape. Because Reina’s clash with Kagawa in the previous match was more serious than first thought, the Spaniard had to undergo some nose surgery – so [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on January 15th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Man Utd 2 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Man Utd 2 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Ferguson made some interesting pre-match decisions. Not only did he line-up with a 4-4-2ish formation, but some of the players’ positioning was really surprising. Young went to the right flank, Kagawa was started on the left with Welbeck playing as the second forward alongside van Persie. For Liverpool, Rodgers’ selection was largely [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on January 7th, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 3 Sunderland 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 3 Sunderland 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov.  For Liverpool there was only one change, with the injured Enrique replaced by Wisdom, so Johnson went to left back. This prompted Downing and Sterling to swap flanks in order to provide balance within the 4-2-3-1 formation. For Sunderland, O’Neill largely kept the side that faced Tottenham, also making just one change. [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on January 1st, 2013

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    QPR 0 Liverpool 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    QPR 0 Liverpool 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Harry Redknapp continued with the 4-4-1-1 formation, but made three changes. Because of Green’s own goal in the previous match, Julio Cesar was re-established between the sticks. At right back Onuoha replaced Fabio, while in midfield Diakite came in to partner Mbia (in the place of Faurlin). For Liverpool there were also [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on December 28th, 2012

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Stoke 3 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Stoke 3 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Pulis named largely the same team that earned him a draw away at Tottenham, except for Cameron and Wilkinson swapping places (in the previous match they were left and right back, respectively), with Kightly replacing Shotton on the right flank. The formation stayed 4-4-2. For Liverpool, Rodgers continued with the same XI [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on December 24th, 2012

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 4 Fulham 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 4 Fulham 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. There were few changes for either team. Enrique was fit to start but – as hinted in the days before the match – Allen and Sterling were rested. So Suso started on the left and Downing on the right flank with Shelvey in the hole. Liverpool reverted to the 4-2-3-1 shape. For [...]

  • Featured, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on December 20th, 2012

    Written by Bob

    Tags

    Tactics for Beginners – No. 6

    Tactics for Beginners – No. 6

    By Bob Pearce and Mihail Vladimirov. A new found fluidity We talked about stretching and squeezing space when in and out of possession, and I can see how the front and back players can do this by pushing up, dropping back, and pulling out wide. But being in the middle, aren’t the midfield limited in [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on December 17th, 2012

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Both managers made one change from their previous league fixtures. For Liverpool, Enrique was injured and replaced by Suarez, which prompted changes in two positions: Shelvey went to the left wing, Downing to left back. Lambert replaced Agbonlahor with Weimann. With this in mind it was rather logical to see both teams [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on December 11th, 2012

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    West Ham 2 Liverpool 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    West Ham 2 Liverpool 3: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. Allardyce predictably made two changes to the team that started against Chelsea last week – Diame came in for Tomkins with Taylor replacing O’Neil on the right flank. As in their previous match, West Ham opted for a reactive 4-4-1-1 shape from the start. For Liverpool, Rodgers stayed true to his pre-match [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on December 8th, 2012

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Udinese 0 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Udinese 0 Liverpool 1: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov Guidolin made some surprising decisions. He started with a back four formation and moved Fabbrini over to the right flank with Pereyra the closest midfielder to the lone striker Ranegie. The interesting thing about Udinese’s shape was that initially it was a clear 4-1-4-1 when out of possession. Pinzi stayed deepest, preventing [...]

  • Featured, In-Depth Analysis, Subscribers Only, Talking Tactics

    Posted on December 3rd, 2012

    Written by Mihail Vladimirov

    Tags

    Liverpool 1 Southampton 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    Liverpool 1 Southampton 0: In-Depth Tactical Analysis

    By Mihail Vladimirov. The biggest news for Liverpool was that Lucas made his return from the start. Everyone else was as expected with the exception of Shelvey starting in the front trio. He spent the first half predominantly off the left before swapping with Sterling every ten minutes in the second half. Liverpool continued with [...]

  • Older Posts Yeah! There are more posts, check them out.

  • Username:
    Password:
    Remember Me
    Subscribe
    Lost your Password?
  • link to TTT shop
  • Praise for Paul Tomkins, The Tomkins Times, its writers, and side projects

    Perhaps the most intelligent guide to LFC available on the internet

    The Independent on Sunday

    “An ingenious and intelligent look beneath the surface to reveal what the headlines too often don’t tell us. Fascinating.”

    Jonathan Wilson

    “Golddust analysis”

    John Sinnott, BBC

    “[Football analysis] is best left to the professionals, like the admirable Mr Tomkins.”

    Daily Telegraph

    "Another triumph of impeccable research, Pay As You Play brings much-needed factual insight to a discussion previously dominated by half-truths"

    Oliver Kay, The Times

    "Very compelling arguments"

    Gabriele Marcotti, BBC Radio Five Live

    "Liverpool do happen to be blessed with supporters whose statistical analysis provides a lucid interpretation of where the club’s strengths and weaknesses lie, accessible through the Tomkins Times website. One such analyst [is] Dan Kennett”

    Ian Herbert, The Independent

© Paul Tomkins 2008 – 2013

Built and hosted by [digitalquery] using Wordpress and Open Air