John Mathew - The Full Time Whistle Co.

Manchester City v Inter Milan – Tactical Analysis: UEFA Champions League Final 2023

They did it. Manchester City are European champions, finally. Pep Guardiola has won the treble with City, and for once City being the best side on the planet; it was written. Coming into the game, there was a general consensus on how it would play out. The perception was that when a clearly dominant and […]

John Mathew Tactics February 24, 2023 No Comment

Arsenal v Manchester City (1-3): Tactical Analysis – Premier League 2022/23

Top-of-the-league clashes are always fascinating. Especially in the circumstances that Arsenal and City find themselves in at the moment. A City side looking to go on top of the Premier League battling against a youthful and vibrant Arsenal side that plays some beautiful football reminiscent of the club’s glory days. Arsenal lined up in their […]

John Mathew Transfers February 20, 2023 No Comment

Tottenham Hotspur – Transfer Window Ranking: January 2022/23

Tottenham Hotspur have had a window that went slightly under the radar. Sure enough, they did not spend big; although their squad has undoubtedly improved by some smart acquisitions. Antonio Conte has got the players he likes that fit the system that the Italian manager is trying to impose on his Spurs side. Pedro Porro […]

John Mathew Transfers February 15, 2023 No Comment

Manchester United – Transfer Window Ranking: January 2022/23

Manchester United have had a pretty modest yet fruitful January window bringing in much-needed reinforcements in areas that required addressing and at a low cost. With a bunch of loan deals for positions that needed immediate cover, the Red Devils have bought some time to plan for the summer window without compromising on the competitiveness […]

John Mathew Tactics January 28, 2023 No Comment

Arsenal v Manchester United (3-2): Tactical Analysis – Premier League 2022/23

Arsenal welcomed the Red Devils to the Emirates in a game that rekindled some past rivalry and tested this Arsenal side’s credentials. Arteta’s line-up did not surprise anyone. Lining up in a 4-3-3, it was Arsenal’s go-to set-up this season. Meanwhile, for United the absence of Casemiro meant McTominay came into the line-up. Lisandro Martinez […]

John Mathew Tactics January 17, 2023 No Comment

Manchester United v Manchester City (2-1): Tactical Analysis – Premier League 2022/23

Some games demand a bit extra from the players, the coaches, the staff, & the fans included. They have a bit of panache, rivalry & flavour added to them, & so is the case with the Manchester derby. Coming into the game the stage was set, the aim was clear & the result was vital […]

John Mathew Tactics January 12, 2023 No Comment

Brentford vs Liverpool (3-1): Tactical Analysis – Premier League 2022/23

Usually, when Liverpool and Brentford meet, a goal glut is seemingly on the cards. That tradition didn’t disappoint at all when the Bees welcomed the Reds at the Brentford Community Stadium on the 2nd of January. It was the first game of 2023 with both sides wanting to begin the new year with a win. […]

John Mathew Tactics December 11, 2022 No Comment

Argentina v Netherlands – Tactics & Match Report: FIFA WC 2022

A repeat of the 2014 World Cup semi final is what everyone looked back at instantly upon hearing the possibility of another face off between the Dutch and La Albiceleste. Chaos, football, grit, and drama were ensured before kick off itself. Van Gaal’s interviews before the game were rather more targeted than usual. A plan […]

John Mathew Tactics December 8, 2022 No Comment

England – Tactical Analysis: FIFA WC 2022

England will soon face their toughest test yet when they play France. Although Southgate’s side came into the tournament without much hype riding on them with regards to their performances in the UEFA Nations League, their recent form says anything but. 4 games in Qatar later; the three lions are unbeaten, having scored 12 and […]

John Mathew Tactics November 29, 2022 No Comment

Spain v Germany – Tactical Analysis: FIFA WC 2022

It was a classic European heavyweight clash with Spain going face to face with Germany and it wasn’t just another all top team affair. It was a match up between two footballing philosophies; two of the more successful schools of thought going against each other. The possession & position oriented Spanish style v/s the high […]