Opinion

Rangers Review • 26th August 2022

How van Bronckhorst doubled down on his convictions to prevent late PSV onslaught

The Ibrox side were in a similar position only three months ago in the Europa League final in Seville. Joe Aribo’s go-ahead goal arrived three minutes earlier than Antonio Colak’s, yet Rangers’ resistance lasted only 12 minutes against Eintracht Frankfurt.

In Holland, however, things were different. Although Jon McLaughlin was forced into a smart stop to deny Cody Gakpo in a one-on-one, there was a serenity to the way that Rangers held their Dutch counterparts at arm’s length.

Indeed, instead

90min.com • 7th August 2022

Man Utd's midfield neglect threatens to undermine the ten Hag era

Manchester United sent Erik ten Hag into a gunfight armed only with a knife.

The scale of neglect on this United squad over recent years was laid bare in the Dutchman's league bow on the Old Trafford touchline, with Brighton worthy winners as they underscored their superior individual quality in the midfield area.

As if to press home to point, United were bested on an individual level by a team who finished 9th last season and had their best performer in the role, Yves Bissouma, pinched by Tot

Rangers Review • 4th July 2022

How Calvin Bassey's central defensive role helps Rangers realise Pep Guardiola mantra

There was a reshuffling in the pecking order in the squad, with several players previously overlooked by Gerrard handed a chance. Positions were tweaked, roles were redefined. Although the Dutchman’s debut campaign ended in disappointment on the league front, there were several interesting tactical changes.

For instance, much has been written on the repurposed role of Connor Goldson in possession under van Bronckhorst in recent months. The 29-year-old has been afforded greater responsibility on

Rangers Review • 31st May 2022

How can Rangers improve the goalscoring potential of their wingers?

As James Tavernier strode forward with the ball early in the contest and delivered a tantalising cross towards the far post, Ryan Kent was on his heels getting across his marker and could only steer his effort wide.

Ten minutes later, Celtic fashioned their own opportunity from a ball delivered across goal. Only this time, Jota was alert at the far post to steal a yard in front of Borna Barisic to plunder Celtic the lead.

The game-defining move was symptomatic of Rangers' goalscoring issues, w

90min.com • 16th April 2022

Liverpool expose imperfect Man City to display cup superiority

For all the fervour pre-match, that this game could transform a great season into a potentially historic one for the winning side, Liverpool's place in the FA Cup final was sealed when the team lines were announced an hour prior to kick off.

Whereas Jurgen Klopp stuck with a full-strength side, Pep Guardiola was seen fit to rotate, among more, Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and Rodri out of his starting lineup.

Although Guardiola may argue that it was absolutely necessary after City

90min.com • 21st December 2021

Eddie Nketiah shows why Mikel Arteta is desperate to keep him at Arsenal

Those were the words of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in October when he was pressed on the future of Eddie Nketiah.

The 22-year-old academy graduate had been fading into the background at that point, reportedly turning down Arsenal's contract offer - his deal runs out at the end of the season - due to a lack of game time.

But the forward is currently enjoying a mini-renaissance, and the flashes of promise which he has shown in recent weeks culminated in the 22-year-old grabbing a hat-trick to pow

90min.com • 20th October 2021

Man Utd's thrilling Atalanta comeback shows the players are still on Solskjaer's side

By this point, there's very little which can be freshly deduced from Man Utd's results. Once again Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty box brilliance spared his side's blushes in an imperfect Champions League victory over Atalanta.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's tactical blind spots were evident yet again, as Atalanta's wing-back system exposed United in the first half in a very similar fashion to how Leicester manufactured their victory over the Old Trafford side at the weekend.

But as the pressure mounts on

90min.com • 16th October 2021

Raheem Sterling fails to take his opportunity in Man City's win over Burnley

In the end, Raheem Sterling was granted his wish. In the same week the England international floated the possibility of leaving Man City amid a lack of game time, Pep Guardiola handed him a start against Burnley.

Although not overtly, Guardiola will have viewed this game as one in which his team could fill their pockets. City had netted 27 goals in their last six games against the Clarets, winning 5-0 in each of their last four meetings at the Etihad Stadium.

Those statistics meant it was an o