Michael Cox
Michael Cox is editor of Zonal Marking
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All square in Pochettino and Guardiola’s battle of high-speed philosophiesIn a game between two sides using high defensive lines, runs in behind the opposition were always likely to be crucial … and controversial
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Everton put the press on but Klopp’s change sets Firmino free for LiverpoolRonald Koeman’s Everton tried to squeeze the life out of Liverpool, yet moving Roberto Firmino into the centre gave the visitors the edge in a frenetic derby at Goodison
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Dangerous Alexis Sánchez the driving force of Arsenal’s attackAlexis Sánchez scored twice against Bournemouth and showed his work ethic remains undimmed as his partnership with Mesut Özil flourishes
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David Luiz holds back to ensure Chelsea’s defence stays unbreachedThe centre-half David Luiz negated Middlesbrough’s threat by staying tight to Álvaro Negredo while Chelsea then tried to profit down the wings
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The key tactical trends in the Premier League season so farFalse No9s are in; free roles, with the exception of Mesut Özil, are out; back threes are making a comeback; set-piece goals are on the up; and pressing is en vogue
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Three at the back is a dream for Chelsea but a nightmare for EvertonSince changing to 3-4-3 system Chelsea have been rampant but Ronald Koeman’s decision to fight fire with fire on Saturday had disastrous consequences
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Jürgen Klopp teaches Liverpool the art of filling space dynamicallyLiverpool feature various forwards who drift around – Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mané – but in the 4-2 win at Crystal Palace they dovetailed superbly
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Pep Guardiola’s latest trick offers pointers for Barcelona’s Etihad visitManchester City’s heavy pressing and transient defensive shape shut off supply line to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar until Claudio Bravo’s sending off
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José Mourinho reverts to type and again cancels out Liverpool’s ambitionThe Manchester United manager shared the points with Jürgen Klopp by shutting out a Liverpool side who have been scoring goals at staggering rate
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Scotland's slump, a weekend preview and Temple of Doom – Football Weekly ExtraHow long will Gordon Strachan remain in charge of the Tartan Army after dire performances against Slovakia and Lithuania? Plus, new manager, same old problems for England; and previews of all the weekend’s games in the Premier League, including Liverpool v Manchester United
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Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand impresses against West Ham’s faltering defenceThe lattacking mind-set of Southampton’s left-back, Ryan Bertrand, was in contrast to West Ham’s Álvaro Arbeloa and Havard Nordtveit, who were pinned back and made to suffer
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Watford worsen José Mourinho's week of woe – Football WeeklyDefeat to the Hornets makes it three defeats in a row for Manchester United, while Manchester City’s perfect start continues. Plus: Stoke hit rock bottom and Inter win the Derby d’Italia
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Fellaini and Rooney out of place in altered Manchester United systemThe Manchester United manager, José Mourinho, used a new system but encountered familiar problems in midfield and attack with Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney in losing 3-1 at Watford
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Pep Guardiola wins tactical battle with José Mourinho in Manchester derbyA blunder by José Mourinho enabled a fluid City to dominate the first half, with Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva being allowed far too much space by Manchester United
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West Bromwich’s direct route is easily cut off as Tony Pulis struggles for answersDespite the promise shown by Brendan Galloway and Sam Field, West Brom’s one-dimensional display against Middlesbrough invited questions about Tony Pulis’s lack of a gameplan
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Champions League: How the groups shape up for 2016-17Pep Guardiola saw his Manchester City side drawn against his former team, Barcelona, while Leicester City’s approach to this new challenge will be fascinating
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Sunderland’s high-press leaves shaky defence exposed against MiddlesbroughSunderland’s frontline showed energy against Middlesbrough but David Moyes was left needing a different option to cover for his uncomfortable defence
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Ander Herrera drops deep to become Manchester United’s chief inventorZlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney seemed to have struck up a good understanding up front for Manchester United at Bournemouth but it was Ander Herrera who dictated the play
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Sam Allardyce’s tactical nous could produce some attractive England optionsOften unashamedly direct, the new manager has nevertheless created some thoroughly likeable football teams throughout his career
Sportblog Arsenal surprise element thwarted as Chelsea system drags them out of shape