Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

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Chelsea’s defensive system was flexible but it was most effective when Victor Moses, top, and Marcos Alonso pushed forward aggressively and effectively formed a front five. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Premier League 2016-17 Review: What We Learned Tactically From The Season

by Michael Cox | May 29, 2017 | Sports

London – Three-man Defences Unquestionably the Premier League’s dominant tactical trend was the three-man defence. A remarkable 17 of the 20 sides started with a back three at some point in the season, with only Southampton, West Bromwich and Burnley doggedly...

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José Mourinho kisses the Europa League trophy after masterminding another European final victory, over Ajax. Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

José Mourinho Delivers Manchester United Glory but Pragmatism has Limits

by Jonathan Wilson | May 27, 2017 | Sports

London – As Manchester United’s players celebrated with the Europa League trophy, José Mourinho brandished a red flag. He walked in front of his squad and tried to plant it into the pitch. The pole, though, was too flimsy and bent, leaving Mourinho to prop the...

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Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring Chelsea’s third goal in the 4-3 win over Watford on Monday night. Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi: ‘It’s Been Frustrating but I’ve Made Progress as a Man’

by Ed Aarons | May 24, 2017 | Sports

London – Michy Batshuayi has admitted frustration at his peripheral role at Chelsea but believes the experience of his first season in English football will benefit his career in the future. The Belgium international moved to Stamford Bridge last summer from...

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The resemblance is clear in Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, who has made his breakthrough for Ajax this season. Photograph: VI-Images via Getty Images

Ajax’s Justin Kluivert Wants to Be the Best, Not Just Famous for His Dad

by Bart Vlietstra | May 24, 2017 | Sports

London – Justin Kluivert may have turned 18 only two weeks ago but, as the Ajax forward prepares to face Manchester United in Wednesday’s Europa League final, he is completely unfazed, both about the game and about having one of the most distinctive names in...

Steve Gibson’s Bad Call Cost Boro – He Must Get the Next One Right

by Louise Taylor | May 22, 2017 | Sports

London – Steve Gibson is frequently, and usually quite rightly, presented as exhibit A when it comes to listing the properties required to run a football club properly. There are valid, enduring reasons why Middlesbrough’s owner and chairman is regarded as a...