Guest Michael Cox and others discuss Arsenal's need for a clinical striker, the evolving role of strikers in football, Arsenal's wastefulness in front of goal, and the physical profile of Premier League number nines.

Topics include full backs moving into midfield, statistical trends of 2023, the rise of two-way wingers, evolving formations and phases of play in football, the disappointing performance of Chelsea in 2023, and a call for subscriptions and sponsorship of women's sports.

Exploring the importance of 'Plan B' in football tactics, including using center backs and making strategic substitutions. Analyzing alternative approaches to create scoring opportunities. Discussing the evolving role of substitutes and the concept of 'game-changers'. Highlighting the value of quality crossers and the significance of creating space. Examining the influence of substitutions in the Premier League and promoting State Firm's 'Ensuring Coverage' initiative to close the gender gap in sports media.

Discussing penalties in football, including the increase in penalties and impact of VAR, the high conversion rate in the Premier League, the intersection of football and fashion, goalkeeper personalities in shootouts, the psychology and science of penalty taking, and exploring penalty techniques and anecdotes.

Exploring the debate on whether Bernardo Silva is the best player in the Premier League. Reflecting on the managerial career of Terry Venables. Analyzing Bernardo Silva's rare versatility and tactical acumen. Discussing the strategy of building a Premier League team around specific players.

Both Manchester United and England's Lionesses face a crucial fortnight ahead under their respective Dutch coaches Erik ten Hag and Sarina Wiegman.To compare and contrast their styles Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Charlotte Harpur to discuss their similar coaching identities and explore how much that is tied to their nation's football identity.The panel analyse their on-pitch tactical focus, with influences from Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal as well as their off-pitch handling of the media and personnel with their respective squads.Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast explores the surprise league leaders in Europe's major leagues, including Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, Girona in La Liga, and Nice in Ligue 1. They discuss the tactics, key players, and chances of these teams sustaining their success. The podcast also touches on the excitement around Spanish football this season and recommends cities to visit in Spain. Additionally, they analyze the front five formation, high-scoring games, and the strong defensive foundation of Nice.

After Spurs and Man United suffered defeats in big games this week, where a red card (or two) was a big factor - The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to debate the best ways for a manager to deal tactically with a sending off...Did Big Ange's surprisingly high defensive line make sense, can you stick with three-at-the-back and is it actually harder to play against ten men?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Michael informs us - in the beginning - the beautiful game almost completely revolved around the art of 'dribbling'.So, as football continues to evolve tactically, how and why did we reach a point where many commentators are now asking: "Where have all the dribblers gone?"The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to explore...Who are the best/worst dribblers in the Premier League, what even constitutes a 'dribble' and are coaches like Pep Guardiola really responsible for the apparent lack of dribblers today?Plus, how many of Ronaldo Nazario's 414 goals were scored by dribbling the ball round the goalkeeper?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is alongside The Athletic’s Liam Thame, Mark Carey and Michael Cox to explore the varying ‘peak’ performance of strikers, and whether it’s changing over time.From Robbie Fowler who ‘peaked’ aged 20, to Fabio Quagliarella who saved his best ’til 35, the panel dissect why players hit their prime at different ages, but ask if the way we classify ‘peak’ needs updating.Plus, can ones ‘peak’ be predicted, and how is sports science altering the landscape.Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices