A Modern Analysis of Classic Games From the Past
Alistair has 20 years of coaching experience, working within professional club football in Scotland, England and the United States.
Alistair has also accrued vast experience in forming both video and data analysis. In 2015 he was awarded the USSF A License qualification.
Club Brugge vs Rangers – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis
Club Brugge 1-1 Rangers FC UEFA Champions League Group A Matchday 3 March 3rd, 1993 Jan-Breydel-Stadion, Brugge By Alistair Bain (@allybain) Rangers Tactical Set Up Rangers Defending With Rangers yet again missing club Captain and starting center back Richard Gough, Dave McPherson would again deputize in the central positions alongside John Brown. Walter Smith hadContinue reading “Club Brugge vs Rangers – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis”
CSKA Moscow vs Rangers – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis
CSKA Moscow 0-1 Rangers FC UEFA Champions League Group A Matchday 2 December 9th, 1992 Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Germany By Alistair Bain (@allybain) Tactical Analysis Rangers Tactical Set Up Up until this point in the campaign Walter Smith would line up his Rangers side in a 442, giving them a natural balance across the field, defensiveContinue reading “CSKA Moscow vs Rangers – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis”
Rangers vs Marseille – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis
Rangers 2-2 Marseille UEFA Champions League Group A Matchday 1 November 25th, 2020 Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow By Alistair Bain (@allybain) Tactical Analysis Rangers Tactical Set Up Rangers manager Walter Smith was handed a selection headache as Rangers began their first ever venture into the newly formed UEFA Champions League. Ian Ferguson would miss the matchContinue reading “Rangers vs Marseille – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis”
Leeds United vs Rangers – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis
Leeds United 1-2 Rangers FC (agg 2-4) UEFA Champions League Second Round 2nd Leg November 4th, 1992 Elland Road, Leeds By Alistair Bain (@allybain) Tactical Analysis Rangers Tactical Set Up Rangers Defending With the scoreline poised at 2-1 in Rangers favor headed into the second leg Leeds set up with a robust attacking strategy thatContinue reading “Leeds United vs Rangers – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis”
Rangers vs Leeds United – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis
Rangers 2-1 Leeds United UEFA Champions League Second Round 1st Leg October 21st, 1992 Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow By Alistair Bain (@allybain) Tactical Analysis Rangers Tactical Set Up Build Up Play Rangers build up play focused on short passes in the lower to middle third of the field, moving the ball quickly to draw forward pressureContinue reading “Rangers vs Leeds United – 92/93 UEFA Champions League – Data Analysis”
Newcastle vs Barcelona – 1997 UCL Group Stage Data Analysis
Newcastle United 3-2 FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League Group C September 17th, 1997 St. James’ Park, Newcastle By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Newcastle Attacking Structure Newcastle set up in a 442 system defensively, but would morph into a 4132 inContinue reading “Newcastle vs Barcelona – 1997 UCL Group Stage Data Analysis”
Nigeria vs Cameroon – 2000 AFCON Final Data Analysis
Nigeria 2-2 Cameroon (Cameroon win 4-3 on penalties) African Cup of Nations Final February 12th, 2000 Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria By Ally Bain (@allybain) Data Analysis Value of Chances xG Timeline: There are a number of interesting things about the time, the first of which being that all four goals occurred during theContinue reading “Nigeria vs Cameroon – 2000 AFCON Final Data Analysis”
Aberdeen vs Real Madrid – 1983 Cup Winners Cup Final Data Analysis
Aberdeen 2-1 Real Madrid UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final May 10th, 1983 Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden By Alistair Bain To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Aberdeen Attacking Structure Aberdeen set up in a 442 shape, that was really only evident when defending. In attack it wouldContinue reading “Aberdeen vs Real Madrid – 1983 Cup Winners Cup Final Data Analysis”
Euro 96 Top 5 Attackers Analysis
by Alistair Bain (@allybain) Euro 96 – Best Individual Attacking Performances Within this article we identify the top 5 highest ranking individual attackers at Euro 96, breaking down why they were so important to their team’s overall attack play. Top 5 Statistical Attackers When building an analysis of the best overall attackers at Euro 96Continue reading “Euro 96 Top 5 Attackers Analysis”
Euro 96 Chance Creation Analysis
by Alistair Bain (@allybain) Within this article we are going to break down the chance creation statistics of the tournament at large and assess the value of each sides approach play. Given this is a tournament format which progresses into knockout rounds we are going to weight our metrics in Per 90, which naturally levelsContinue reading “Euro 96 Chance Creation Analysis”
Euro 96 Tournament Attack Analysis
by Alistair Bain (@allybain) Throughout this article we are going to break down the attacking attributes of each side, assessing who excelled and which teams under performed. Given this is a tournament format which progresses into knockout rounds we are going to weight our metrics in Per 90, which naturally levels out the statistics toContinue reading “Euro 96 Tournament Attack Analysis”
Czech Republic vs Germany – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Final Czech Republic 1 – 2 Germany (Germany win on Golden Goal rule in Extra Time) Wembley Stadium, London Sunday 30th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) Germany Attacking Structure Sammer & Eilts movements would alter slightly in this match, with Eilts pulling out into a right back role at times andContinue reading “Czech Republic vs Germany – Data Analysis”
Germany vs England – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Semi Final 2 England 1 – 1 Germany (Germany win 6-5 on Penalties) Wembley Stadium, London Wednesday 26th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: England Attacking Structure Terry Venables was without Gary Neville for this match,Continue reading “Germany vs England – Data Analysis”
France vs Czech Republic – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Semi Final 1 France 0 – 0 Czech Republic (Czech Republic win 6-5 on Penalties) Old Trafford, Manchester Wednesday 26th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: France Attacking Structure France would set up in a similarContinue reading “France vs Czech Republic – Data Analysis”
Czech Republic vs Portugal – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Quarter Final 4 Czech Republic 1 – 0 Portugal Villa Park, Anfield Sunday 23rd June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Portugal Attacking Structure Portugal would set up in a 442 diamond system in this match, withContinue reading “Czech Republic vs Portugal – Data Analysis”
Germany vs Croatia – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Quarter Final 3 Germany 2 – 1 Croatia Old Trafford, Manchester Sunday 23rd June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Germany Attacking Structure Sammer continued to defend in a deeper role, in much the same way weContinue reading “Germany vs Croatia – Data Analysis”
France vs Holland – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Quarter Final 2 France 0 – 0 Holland (France win 5-4 on penalties) Anfield, Liverpool Saturday 22nd June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Holland Attacking Structure Holland would alter their shape in this match, reverting toContinue reading “France vs Holland – Data Analysis”
England vs Spain – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Quarter Final 1 England 0 – 0 Spain (England win 4-2 on Penalties) Wembley Stadium, London Saturday 22nd June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: England Attacking Structure England’s line up could be regarded as a 4321,Continue reading “England vs Spain – Data Analysis”
Euro 96 Round 3 Attack Analysis
by Alistair Bain (@allybain) The end of Round 3 of matches brings a close to the Group Section phase, and with it the departure of half of the competing teams at the tournament. Some would do their best to meander through Round 3 with as little effort as possible, while others would go down inContinue reading “Euro 96 Round 3 Attack Analysis”
Italy vs Germany – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group C – Match Round 3 Italy 0 – 0 Germany Old Trafford, Manchester Wednesday 19th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Germany Attacking Structure Germany’s attacking set up saw Sammer play far deeper & bringContinue reading “Italy vs Germany – Data Analysis”
Russia vs Czech Republic – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group C – Match Round 3 Russia 3 – 3 Czech Republic Anfield, Liverpool Wednesday 19th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Russia Attacking Structure Russia’s center backs were both very aggressive in carrying the ballContinue reading “Russia vs Czech Republic – Data Analysis”
Turkey vs Denmark – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group D – Match Round 3 Turkey 0 – 3 Denmark Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday 19th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Denmark Attacking Structure Denmark would bring back a natural target striker to their set upContinue reading “Turkey vs Denmark – Data Analysis”
Croatia vs Portugal – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group D – Match Round 3 Croatia 0 – 3 Portugal The City Ground, Nottingham Wednesday 19th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Croatia Attacking Structure Croatia would field a significantly weaker squad in this finalContinue reading “Croatia vs Portugal – Data Analysis”
Holland vs England – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group A – Match Round 3 Holland 1 – 4 England Wembley Stadium, London Tuesday 18th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: England Attacking Structure England’s pregame lineup was listed as a flat 442, however asContinue reading “Holland vs England – Data Analysis”
Scotland vs Switzerland – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group A – Match Round 3 Scotland 1 – 0 Switzerland Villa Park, Birmingham Tuesday 18th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Switzerland Attacking Structure Switzerland utilized a 4312 system, which would fall back into aContinue reading “Scotland vs Switzerland – Data Analysis”
Romania vs Spain – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 3 Romania 1 – 2 Spain Elland Road, Leeds Tuesday 18th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Romania Attacking Structure Romania maintained their use of a narrow front three, supported byContinue reading “Romania vs Spain – Data Analysis”
France vs Bulgaria – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 3 France 3 – 1 Bulgaria St James’ Park, Newcastle Tuesday 18th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: France Attacking Structure France focused much of their attack play down the leftContinue reading “France vs Bulgaria – Data Analysis”
Euro 96 Round 2 Attack Analysis
By Alistair Bain (@allybain) Now that Round 2 of matches has drawn to a close, let’s take a closer look at each team’s attacking performance and see whether there have been any upgrades since our last breakdown. Lowest Attackers Last weeks lowest scoring attackers Turkey move themselves into mid table this round, after a departureContinue reading “Euro 96 Round 2 Attack Analysis”
Croatia vs Denmark – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group A – Match Round 2 Croatia 3 – 0 Denmark Hillsborough, Sheffield Sunday 16th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Croatia Attacking Structure Croatia were far more fluid in their use of the 352 system,Continue reading “Croatia vs Denmark – Data Analysis”
Russia vs Germany – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group C – Match Round 2 Russia 0 – 3 Germany Old Trafford, Manchester Sunday 16th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Germany Attacking Structure Germany’s attacking set up was built to cover the width ofContinue reading “Russia vs Germany – Data Analysis”
Scotland vs England – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group A – Match Round 2 Scotland 0 – 2 England Wembley, London Saturday 15th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: England Attacking Structure England’s system of play would alter during the match, however the basicContinue reading “Scotland vs England – Data Analysis”
France vs Spain – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 2 France 1 – 1 Spain Elland Road, Leeds Saturday 15th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: France Attacking Structure France’s overall attack play was predicated upon their ability to formContinue reading “France vs Spain – Data Analysis”
Czech Republic vs Italy – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group D – Match Round 2 Czech Republic 2 – 1 Italy Anfield, Liverpool Friday 14th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Italy Attacking Structure While Italy have a very clearly defined 442 defensive structure, inContinue reading “Czech Republic vs Italy – Data Analysis”
Portugal vs Turkey – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group D – Match Round 2 Portugal 1 – 0 Turkey City Ground, Nottingham Friday 14th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Turkey Attacking Structure Turkey were far more direct in this game, using lots ofContinue reading “Portugal vs Turkey – Data Analysis”
Switzerland vs Holland – Data Analysis
To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Holland Attacking Structure Holland’s system of play was a 343 diamond system, which utilized short build up play to move the ball into the inside channels of the midfield, and then penetrative passes were played into the striker orContinue reading “Switzerland vs Holland – Data Analysis”
Bulgaria vs Romania – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 2 Bulgaria 1 – 0 Romania St James’ Park, Newcastle Thursday 13th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Bulgaria Attacking Structure Bulgaria’s attacking formation was predicated on the narrow front three’sContinue reading “Bulgaria vs Romania – Data Analysis”
Euro 96 Round 1 Attack Analysis
By Alistair Bain (@allybain) The opening round of matches have taken place at Euro 96, and now that we have compiled our data set we can take a closer look at how each team performed statistically. Attack Value Within this graph we have compiled each teams total number of attacks on goal and placed themContinue reading “Euro 96 Round 1 Attack Analysis”
Turkey vs Croatia – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group D – Match Round 1 Turkey 0 – 1 Croatia City Ground, Nottingham Tuesday 11th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Turkey Attacking Structure Turkey were extremely comfortable on the ball at the back, whichContinue reading “Turkey vs Croatia – Data Analysis”
Italy vs Russia – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group C – Match Round 1 Italy 2 – 1 Russia Anfield, Liverpool Tuesday 11th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Italy Attacking Structure While Italy have a very clearly defined 442 defensive structure, in attackContinue reading “Italy vs Russia – Data Analysis”
Romania vs France – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 1 Romania 0 – 1 France St James’ Park, Newcastle Monday 10th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: France Attacking Structure France’s full backs both supported the play, with Di MecoContinue reading “Romania vs France – Data Analysis”
Holland vs Scotland – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group A – Match Round 1 Holland 0 – 0 Scotland Villa Park, Birmingham Monday 10th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Holland Attacking Structure Holland’s system of play was a 343 diamond system, which utilizedContinue reading “Holland vs Scotland – Data Analysis”
Denmark vs Portugal – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 1 Denmark 1 – 1 Portugal Hillsborough, Sheffield Sunday 9th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Denmark Attacking Structure There is no doubt Denmark have set up in a defensive fashionContinue reading “Denmark vs Portugal – Data Analysis”
Germany vs Czech Republic – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 1 Germany 2 – 0 Czech Republic Old Trafford, Manchester Sunday 9th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Germany Attacking Structure Germany’s attacking set up was built to cover the widthContinue reading “Germany vs Czech Republic – Data Analysis”
Spain vs Bulgaria – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group B – Match Round 1 Spain 1 – 1 Bulgaria Elland Road, Leeds Sunday 9th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick overview of each team: Spain Attacking Structure Spain’s primary attacking strategy was to build up through the thirds,Continue reading “Spain vs Bulgaria – Data Analysis”
England vs Switzerland – Data Analysis
1996 European Championships Group A – Match Round 1 England 1 – 1 Switzerland Wembley Stadium, London Saturday 8th June 1996 By Alistair Bain (@allybain) To give us some context on the data here is a quick tactical overview of each team: England Attacking Structure England used a 442 set up, which at times wouldContinue reading “England vs Switzerland – Data Analysis”
EURO 96 Qualifying – Top 5 Goal Scorers
Goals are the lifeblood of football. They are the primary objective of every team and every manager, and in a tournament setting no silverware is lifted without a productive offensive structure. Within our up coming analysis of Euro 96 we will use this mindset when breaking down each teams attacking performance statistically, however as we preview the tournament,Continue reading “EURO 96 Qualifying – Top 5 Goal Scorers”
Euro 96 Squad Analysis
On May the 22nd 1996 the Champions League Final between Ajax and Juventus, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, would bring an end to the European Club football calendar for the 95/96 season. This allowed all 16 managers of the participating nations the opportunity to assess their available players, take part in pre-tournament training campsContinue reading “Euro 96 Squad Analysis”
