Miguel Delaney

City looked good for 25 minutes and then not the same since

It is striking how pronounced this pattern is now

Right now, they look so tepid

bsky.app/profile/did:...

Although maybe it makes much more sense if you accept the risk - as has been a pattern of the season - that City's pressing can only be intensely sustained in stages, and they wear out second half

bsky.app/profile/did:...

Also, in a game where you're chasing a lot, Szoboszlai at right-back seems so wasted (I know it's due to right-back options)

bsky.app/profile/migu...

Liverpool's starting formation really doesn't seem to make sense here. Two central midfielders, and then four attackers you can't even get the ball to. Surely play Wirtz as a false nine, have two wide attackers, and then have another midfielder instead of Salah/Gakpo?

no, no one in England

The red card probably had a direct effect here but you could see what Mbuemo was going to do there way before it happens, and then Spurs let it roll in so casually.

yes

PSR is finally dead – How the Premier League’s new financial rules benefit the elite Profit and Sustainability rules will be replaced with the new Squad Cost Ratio for the 2026/27 season, but there are concerns over its impact on the Premier League’s ‘middle class’

January was the last window of PSR, so what will SCR bring?

Organic buy-to-sell clubs like Brighton/Palace feel it will lock them out

Research suggests it will lead to "big 6" getting reduced points... but possibly only to clubs with spend-happy owners
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Caoimhin Kelleher: Goalkeepers could do with a bit of help from referees After eight months shaped by triumph and tragedy, Brentford and Republic of Ireland number one Kelleher speaks to Miguel Delaney about the evolution of modern goalkeeping, processing the loss of Diogo...

Interview with Caoimhin Kelleher

- those final minutes in Budapest
- goalkeepers need physicality again
- PL refs should punish blocking of keepers
- what makes Brentford so distinctive

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Caoimhin Kelleher: Goalkeepers could do with a bit of help from referees After eight months shaped by triumph and tragedy, Brentford and Republic of Ireland number one Kelleher speaks to Miguel Delaney about the evolution of modern goalkeeping, processing the loss of Diogo...

Kelleher:

"I find a bit difficult when I hear people speaking about the players at Liverpool and performances, because I don’t think this season is even important from a football aspect for them to be honest. It’s more about them personally and mentally"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

What’s really happening with Guardiola and Slot as their campaigns turn erratic Liverpool and Manchester City face similar challenges – and could end up eyeing the same coach, writes Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter

In my Friday newsletter:

- the parallels between City and Liverpool right now... and maybe a next manager target?
- the "speculation" about Guardiola and whether it's final year
- Merino World Cup prospects
- Howe safe

Sign up here:

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

What’s really happening with Guardiola and Slot as their campaigns turn erratic Liverpool and Manchester City face similar challenges – and could end up eyeing the same coach, writes Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter

In my Friday newsletter:

- the parallels between City and Liverpool right now... and maybe a next manager target?
- the "speculation" about Guardiola and whether it's final year
- Merino World Cup prospects
- Howe safe

Sign up here:

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Caoimhin Kelleher: Goalkeepers could do with a bit of help from referees After eight months shaped by triumph and tragedy, Brentford and Republic of Ireland number one Kelleher speaks to Miguel Delaney about the evolution of modern goalkeeping, processing the loss of Diogo...

Kelleher:

"I find a bit difficult when I hear people speaking about the players at Liverpool and performances, because I don’t think this season is even important from a football aspect for them to be honest. It’s more about them personally and mentally"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Caoimhin Kelleher: Goalkeepers could do with a bit of help from referees After eight months shaped by triumph and tragedy, Brentford and Republic of Ireland number one Kelleher speaks to Miguel Delaney about the evolution of modern goalkeeping, processing the loss of Diogo...

Interview with Caoimhin Kelleher

- those final minutes in Budapest
- goalkeepers need physicality again
- PL refs should punish blocking of keepers
- what makes Brentford so distinctive

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

oh, hope you are enjoying it - if that is the right word.

Leicester City deducted six points for PSR breaches in 2023-24.

Leicester City deducted six points.

PSR is finally dead – How the Premier League’s new financial rules benefit the elite Profit and Sustainability rules will be replaced with the new Squad Cost Ratio for the 2026/27 season, but there are concerns over its impact on the Premier League’s ‘middle class’

January was the last window of PSR, so what will SCR bring?

Organic buy-to-sell clubs like Brighton/Palace feel it will lock them out

Research suggests it will lead to "big 6" getting reduced points... but possibly only to clubs with spend-happy owners
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

and if you want to read more about this etc

On special kindle offer now!

www.amazon.co.uk/States-Play-...

Gloves Come Off in Gulf as Trump’s Closest Arab Allies Clash

Quite striking that it's Saudi-owned Newcastle versus Abu Dhabi owned City on the same day that this piece is published in the New York Times

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/w...

Rosenior says "the psychological aspect of the tie" influenced his approach - "there was a feeling in the stadium the tie could turn - but we didn't do it"

How Chelsea’s dull and overthought tactics finally returned Arsenal to Wembley Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (4-2 aggregate): Kai Havertz’s late strike secured the Gunners’ spot in the League Cup final

Piece from Arsenal-Chelsea

- a sign of how Havertz might be difference maker
- a visual testament to too much football
- an illustration of "coaching-led, fully systemised football"
- Chelsea look like they play for a draw when they need a win... and lose

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Arteta: "I knew they could change it at 45, 60 and 70, like they did in the last two games. We had to be smart and flexible."

60-second match report from Arsenal-Chelsea

haha

Even this moment of tension elongated and held up by some sort of finicky technicalities.

Deadline Day live: Mateta’s Milan move collapses, Liverpool hijack Chelsea target All the latest news, gossip and rumours from the January transfer window

Mateta now facing a race against time for his move - Milan looks off, as Juventus seeking to revive it

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Deadline Day live: Liverpool hijack Chelsea move, Zirkzee’s Man Utd exit All the latest news, gossip and rumours from the January transfer window

Arsenal have been surveying options given Merino injury but more likely they leave it, as there's an awareness Dowman can step up. They're conscious he has to be managed well at his age, but also looks ready for impact moments

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Deadline Day live: Liverpool hijack Chelsea move, Zirkzee’s Man Utd exit All the latest news, gossip and rumours from the January transfer window

Spurs looking for a forward, but Monaco won't let Akliouche go without a replacement

Diaby/Duran possibilities

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...

Transfer news live: Liverpool emergency move off, Alvarez to Arsenal All the latest news, gossip and rumours from the January transfer window

Club Brugge have rebuffed Crystal Palace interest in Joel Ordóñez, according to Belgian sources

A few Premier League clubs are interested in him

Brugge would want over €40m

www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...