This edition of the Melbourne Derby was a thrilling contest, fought between two clubs with contrasting approaches. Heart were able to emerge victorious, largely due to the shrewdness of Dutch manager John van't Schip. Having seen his initial theoretically sound tactical plan fail to contain the sparkling Victory trident of Hernandez, Kewell and Thompson, the former Ajax winger changed Heart's formation, and from then were in the ascendant. This match superbly illustrated the superiority of a collective 'system' over reliance on individual 'star power' in building a team.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Heart 3-2 Victory: Match Analysis
Labels:
2011-12,
3-4-3,
4-3-1-2,
A-League,
Cream of the Crop,
fullbacks,
Heart,
Match Report,
pressing,
Victory
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Melbourne Derby Preview
Bring on the blood and the thunder, for the Derby is at hand. This Friday, what has quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of Australian sport will play out at AAMI Park, when the Red and Whites host the Navy Blues.
(Press Play for Mood Music)
(Press Play for Mood Music)
Labels:
2011-12,
A-League,
Heart,
Season Preview,
Victory
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Delay
Due to Christmas related mishaps and various shenanigans, there will be a delay for all Round 11 Analysis. Apologies for the inconvenience, expect Brisbane vs Central Coast by Thursday, Friday at the latest.
It has been extremely heartening to see that PM has consistently reached 150 page views per day, even without new articles. I'd like to thank all of you for your support and encouragement.
Have a very Merry (and safe) Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It has been extremely heartening to see that PM has consistently reached 150 page views per day, even without new articles. I'd like to thank all of you for your support and encouragement.
Have a very Merry (and safe) Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Labels:
Internal
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Demographics
PM Readers may have noticed a few new polls on the sidebar. They're just an attempt to gauge the demographics of PM's readership, such as age, gender, frequency of visits etc. I would just like to reassure you that all information voluntarily submitted is completely confidential - there is simply no way for the poll data to be accessed beyond clicking on "View Results". All data submitted is much appreciated.
Labels:
Internal
Friday, 16 December 2011
4 points on Wellington 2-0 Brisbane
Brisbane's fall from grace continues unabated then, with a shocking two-nil defeat away against a resilient Wellington outfit. This was always going to be a tough fixture, especially with such an arduous travel schedule involved, but no one seriously expected such a definitive scoreline against the visitors. This match was notable in a tactical sense for the slight tweaks both managers made to their respective sides.
Labels:
2011-12,
4-3-3/3-4-3,
4-4-1-1,
A-League,
Brisbane,
counter-attacking,
high line,
Match Report,
possession,
pressing,
Wellington
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Brisbane 1-2 Heart: Match Analysis
A clash of the titans. The two most innovative sides in the A-League era, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Heart, fought for supremacy at Suncorp Stadium; if not quite a title deciding event, it will certainly be looked back upon, with far greater reverence, as a turning point in the evolution and growing sophistication of Australian football. The reigning champions Brisbane, reeling from the unexpected end of their record-setting 36-games unbeaten streak, were keen to demonstrate they are more than just a Thomas-Broich-and-Friends ensemble. Heart on the other hand, have been one of the most tactically fascinating teams in the the A-League. This was their chance to lay down a marker to the other clubs in the league, that they have finally realised their potential.
Labels:
2011-12,
4-1-2-3,
A-League,
Brisbane,
Cream of the Crop,
fullbacks,
Heart,
Match Report,
possession,
pressing,
substitutions
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Heart 1-0 Wellington: Match Analysis
This match was an open and exciting encounter between two clubs with very contrasting styles; Heart, with their 'total voetball' sensibilities and Wellington, with a counter-attacking brief that emphasises speed and power. The first half was dominated by the hosts, who were able to create a handful of outright chances, without closing the deal. The Nix fought back in the second period, with renewed energy and aggressive substitutions. Credit to both managers for a game that served as a laudable example of and to Australian football.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
8 points on Sydney 2-0 Brisbane
It's almost like the sky is falling. After a record-setting unbeaten streak, the reigning champions tasted defeat for the first time in 3,240+ minutes of football, bending the knee to none other than...Sydney FC? How in blazes did Lavicka manage that? With clever use of pressing, a dawn sacrifice to the weather gods and more than a dollop of good fortune.
Labels:
2011-12,
4-3-1-2,
4-3-3/3-4-3,
A-League,
Brisbane,
Match Report,
pressing,
Sydney
Monday, 5 December 2011
Delay
Just a note for PM Readers, there is going to be a delay for all analysis of Round 9 this week. Brisbane v Sydney is a work in progress, hopefully there'll be time for the Victory v Galaxy friendly, and its unlikely but possible that Heart v Wellington will make an appearance. Earliest anything will be completed and posted will probably be Wednesday/Thursday.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Labels:
Internal
Saturday, 3 December 2011
6 points on Adelaide 0-4 Central Coast
Here are 6 tactical points on the Mariners ruthless four-goal shellacking of a hapless Adelaide.
Before the start of the season, the Reds were tipped by many, including PM, to mount a serious title tilt, despite the departures of a host of key players. Coolen supervised a complete rebuild of the playing squad, presumably at great expense. Among his prized recruits were Vidosic, McKain, Levchenko and Slory. And although none of the new arrivals have particularly distinguished themselves, perhaps the most disappointing performance has been produced by the manager himself, who has consistently committed severe tactical mistakes.
Labels:
2011-12,
4-3-1-2,
A-League,
Adelaide,
Central Coast,
fullbacks,
Match Report
Thursday, 1 December 2011
5 points on Victory 3-2 Gold Coast
Here are 5 tactical points on the Victory's desperate 3-2 triumph against Gold Coast. The match was highly unusual for a number of reasons. Firstly, the referee was probably more of an influence on the outcome of this match than any of the players, handing out a red card and two penalties to the home team, as well as a host of yellow cards. But both managers also bungled their tactics, which made for early modifications.
Labels:
2011-12,
A-League,
Gold Coast,
Match Report,
referees,
Victory
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