Dan Pritchard - Another fananalyst data nerd
@1874pritch.bsky.social
Probably gonna be a bit looser on here
Ball knower, ⚽ Data Science with tactical context, probably politics & pop culture too
Subscribe to my Substack! I'll start posting when my PhD is finished...promise
Available for freelance analysis & writing, just
Ball knower, ⚽ Data Science with tactical context, probably politics & pop culture too
Subscribe to my Substack! I'll start posting when my PhD is finished...promise
Available for freelance analysis & writing, just
Proposed side to bash the fash.
Next couple of European games are a good chance to try things out, one being the front 2 again though with Guessand in a more natural position for him.
Next couple of European games are a good chance to try things out, one being the front 2 again though with Guessand in a more natural position for him.
November 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Proposed side to bash the fash.
Next couple of European games are a good chance to try things out, one being the front 2 again though with Guessand in a more natural position for him.
Next couple of European games are a good chance to try things out, one being the front 2 again though with Guessand in a more natural position for him.
To give them some credit Slot returned to last season with the more combative Dom in the middle & Bradley as the RB. Stopped us just dominating that area physically.
Concerned that Watkins isn't getting separation from his defender & occupying both CBs, was key for us. Totally different output.
Concerned that Watkins isn't getting separation from his defender & occupying both CBs, was key for us. Totally different output.
November 3, 2025 at 8:19 AM
To give them some credit Slot returned to last season with the more combative Dom in the middle & Bradley as the RB. Stopped us just dominating that area physically.
Concerned that Watkins isn't getting separation from his defender & occupying both CBs, was key for us. Totally different output.
Concerned that Watkins isn't getting separation from his defender & occupying both CBs, was key for us. Totally different output.
Working theory on what broke Villa's attack is Watkins lost a step.
Can't seem to get the separation to receive & shoot. Means he doesn't have the gravity to occupy two defenders as well, costing the 10s space.
Dropping in to compensate, maybe the Malen Watkins front 2 has legs until January.
Can't seem to get the separation to receive & shoot. Means he doesn't have the gravity to occupy two defenders as well, costing the 10s space.
Dropping in to compensate, maybe the Malen Watkins front 2 has legs until January.
November 2, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Working theory on what broke Villa's attack is Watkins lost a step.
Can't seem to get the separation to receive & shoot. Means he doesn't have the gravity to occupy two defenders as well, costing the 10s space.
Dropping in to compensate, maybe the Malen Watkins front 2 has legs until January.
Can't seem to get the separation to receive & shoot. Means he doesn't have the gravity to occupy two defenders as well, costing the 10s space.
Dropping in to compensate, maybe the Malen Watkins front 2 has legs until January.
How I expect we'll line up against Liverpool tonight. Guessand & Rogers are the key figures to attack Liverpool's problem fullbacks. Their other issue is ball winning in midfield, something ours does quite nicely.
It'll be an up & down game that I think we should lean into & trust in the pivot.
It'll be an up & down game that I think we should lean into & trust in the pivot.
November 1, 2025 at 9:28 AM
How I expect we'll line up against Liverpool tonight. Guessand & Rogers are the key figures to attack Liverpool's problem fullbacks. Their other issue is ball winning in midfield, something ours does quite nicely.
It'll be an up & down game that I think we should lean into & trust in the pivot.
It'll be an up & down game that I think we should lean into & trust in the pivot.
As the gif obscures the link Tel Aviv derby cancelled due to fan behaviour. The local Tel Aviv plods must be antisemitic too by the logic of all heads of major British political parties.
Y'known apart from Polanaki who is actually Jewish.
Y'known apart from Polanaki who is actually Jewish.
October 20, 2025 at 5:29 AM
As the gif obscures the link Tel Aviv derby cancelled due to fan behaviour. The local Tel Aviv plods must be antisemitic too by the logic of all heads of major British political parties.
Y'known apart from Polanaki who is actually Jewish.
Y'known apart from Polanaki who is actually Jewish.
How I go Vs Spurs.
They don't have any good midfield passers, apply pressure there & win the ball with Onana & Kamara. McGinn is further forward to cut out long passes into the wide players. Digne needs to cut off Kudus (he's not that quick so I back him to do this).
They don't have any good midfield passers, apply pressure there & win the ball with Onana & Kamara. McGinn is further forward to cut out long passes into the wide players. Digne needs to cut off Kudus (he's not that quick so I back him to do this).
October 19, 2025 at 11:35 AM
How I go Vs Spurs.
They don't have any good midfield passers, apply pressure there & win the ball with Onana & Kamara. McGinn is further forward to cut out long passes into the wide players. Digne needs to cut off Kudus (he's not that quick so I back him to do this).
They don't have any good midfield passers, apply pressure there & win the ball with Onana & Kamara. McGinn is further forward to cut out long passes into the wide players. Digne needs to cut off Kudus (he's not that quick so I back him to do this).
How I line up after a midweek win. Rogers & Guessand played the full 90, Roger in particular needs a rest.
Leaves us without a direct final third dribbler so my idea would be to use wide passing triangles (Digne, McGinn, Buendia/Malen, Elliot, Cash) to pull the Fulham back line apart.
Leaves us without a direct final third dribbler so my idea would be to use wide passing triangles (Digne, McGinn, Buendia/Malen, Elliot, Cash) to pull the Fulham back line apart.
September 28, 2025 at 8:56 AM
How I line up after a midweek win. Rogers & Guessand played the full 90, Roger in particular needs a rest.
Leaves us without a direct final third dribbler so my idea would be to use wide passing triangles (Digne, McGinn, Buendia/Malen, Elliot, Cash) to pull the Fulham back line apart.
Leaves us without a direct final third dribbler so my idea would be to use wide passing triangles (Digne, McGinn, Buendia/Malen, Elliot, Cash) to pull the Fulham back line apart.
Potter is good but completely mismatched to the talent at West Ham, couldn't wait until Christmas for Villa to play them. Would have fancied us to get our first shot in the 6 yard box.
Cycle continues with Nuno, an actually good appointment.
Cycle continues with Nuno, an actually good appointment.
September 27, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Potter is good but completely mismatched to the talent at West Ham, couldn't wait until Christmas for Villa to play them. Would have fancied us to get our first shot in the 6 yard box.
Cycle continues with Nuno, an actually good appointment.
Cycle continues with Nuno, an actually good appointment.
I've reversed on this now 😂. All the midtable want to win it in midfield (like Newcastle). So you either learn a new way to get into the final 3rd dangerously or take the non-dangerous route we have taken & figure it out.
Couple of good passers with a couple of good runners might be a good way.
Couple of good passers with a couple of good runners might be a good way.
September 26, 2025 at 11:50 AM
I've reversed on this now 😂. All the midtable want to win it in midfield (like Newcastle). So you either learn a new way to get into the final 3rd dangerously or take the non-dangerous route we have taken & figure it out.
Couple of good passers with a couple of good runners might be a good way.
Couple of good passers with a couple of good runners might be a good way.
On RB loanees I'd have a look at Maitland-Niles. Just a good passer from there & can do a bit of both the go up & bounce off 10s thing & the tuck in & be solid thing. Let's Garcia go out to get mins & be a solid backup next year.
Vanderson as comp 2; he would have been my transfer pick if we got CL.
Vanderson as comp 2; he would have been my transfer pick if we got CL.
September 26, 2025 at 10:57 AM
On RB loanees I'd have a look at Maitland-Niles. Just a good passer from there & can do a bit of both the go up & bounce off 10s thing & the tuck in & be solid thing. Let's Garcia go out to get mins & be a solid backup next year.
Vanderson as comp 2; he would have been my transfer pick if we got CL.
Vanderson as comp 2; he would have been my transfer pick if we got CL.
How is go in for today. Concerned about how many minutes McGinn is having to play though.
With the number of injuries there, including youth, I wonder if it's nessisary for Buendia or Elliot to sub in there. Without Pau or Tielemans Maatsen has to start for me; Digne probably starts for Unai.
With the number of injuries there, including youth, I wonder if it's nessisary for Buendia or Elliot to sub in there. Without Pau or Tielemans Maatsen has to start for me; Digne probably starts for Unai.
September 21, 2025 at 10:34 AM
How is go in for today. Concerned about how many minutes McGinn is having to play though.
With the number of injuries there, including youth, I wonder if it's nessisary for Buendia or Elliot to sub in there. Without Pau or Tielemans Maatsen has to start for me; Digne probably starts for Unai.
With the number of injuries there, including youth, I wonder if it's nessisary for Buendia or Elliot to sub in there. Without Pau or Tielemans Maatsen has to start for me; Digne probably starts for Unai.
Very glad to see some pushback against Starmer's spineless transphobe loving government from... [Checks notes]
Capitalist enterprises!?
Wow this makes the May & Johnson years look competent.
Capitalist enterprises!?
Wow this makes the May & Johnson years look competent.
September 17, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Very glad to see some pushback against Starmer's spineless transphobe loving government from... [Checks notes]
Capitalist enterprises!?
Wow this makes the May & Johnson years look competent.
Capitalist enterprises!?
Wow this makes the May & Johnson years look competent.
Maybe on the left we see Rogers get on the ball earlier, add progression for Elliott/Sancho to be high useage than Asensio was. I see Malen/Guessand doing RW cutback play with more pace, getting him shots?
I think Rogers can step up another level, producing shots every ≥4 uses if we get it right.
I think Rogers can step up another level, producing shots every ≥4 uses if we get it right.
September 10, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Maybe on the left we see Rogers get on the ball earlier, add progression for Elliott/Sancho to be high useage than Asensio was. I see Malen/Guessand doing RW cutback play with more pace, getting him shots?
I think Rogers can step up another level, producing shots every ≥4 uses if we get it right.
I think Rogers can step up another level, producing shots every ≥4 uses if we get it right.
From the useage perspective he got back to early levels though. Similar 9% useage, less overall production but efficient again.
From the left Rogers can add shots or progression to the final balls because Elliott & Sancho as passers can be the lower useage 'that guy' like Asensio.
From the left Rogers can add shots or progression to the final balls because Elliott & Sancho as passers can be the lower useage 'that guy' like Asensio.
September 10, 2025 at 9:31 AM
From the useage perspective he got back to early levels though. Similar 9% useage, less overall production but efficient again.
From the left Rogers can add shots or progression to the final balls because Elliott & Sancho as passers can be the lower useage 'that guy' like Asensio.
From the left Rogers can add shots or progression to the final balls because Elliott & Sancho as passers can be the lower useage 'that guy' like Asensio.
Asensio is an outlier in that graph, less useage but shot from 3 uses efficient.
Rogers has to progress, create, & score, better he focus on 1 or 2 of those. Being on the right changed the shape of output to only creation. More cutbacks (shot assists, xA), less shots & progression.
Rogers has to progress, create, & score, better he focus on 1 or 2 of those. Being on the right changed the shape of output to only creation. More cutbacks (shot assists, xA), less shots & progression.
September 10, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Asensio is an outlier in that graph, less useage but shot from 3 uses efficient.
Rogers has to progress, create, & score, better he focus on 1 or 2 of those. Being on the right changed the shape of output to only creation. More cutbacks (shot assists, xA), less shots & progression.
Rogers has to progress, create, & score, better he focus on 1 or 2 of those. Being on the right changed the shape of output to only creation. More cutbacks (shot assists, xA), less shots & progression.
Those top level that guy's are high useage & efficient, producing their own or a teammates shot every 3 possessions on average (image from video). Rogers is less efficient, producing shots every 5 last season, promising, not top level, but also alone; for Villa to perform, Rogers has to perform.
September 10, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Those top level that guy's are high useage & efficient, producing their own or a teammates shot every 3 possessions on average (image from video). Rogers is less efficient, producing shots every 5 last season, promising, not top level, but also alone; for Villa to perform, Rogers has to perform.
Yup, actually felt the approach was more aggressive to start off last night. I liked it & it felt like a couple of bounces going our way here and then would have changed the result. If we continue like that I think it will pay off.
September 1, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Yup, actually felt the approach was more aggressive to start off last night. I liked it & it felt like a couple of bounces going our way here and then would have changed the result. If we continue like that I think it will pay off.
Alright maybe this is the vision & the hypothesis is that he's been bad at West Ham because they are bad (lot more defensive 3rd touches, less attacking 3rd).
I can buy that, do you pay £8m/year with no resale value to test that hypothesis? Nooooooo
I can buy that, do you pay £8m/year with no resale value to test that hypothesis? Nooooooo
August 30, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Alright maybe this is the vision & the hypothesis is that he's been bad at West Ham because they are bad (lot more defensive 3rd touches, less attacking 3rd).
I can buy that, do you pay £8m/year with no resale value to test that hypothesis? Nooooooo
I can buy that, do you pay £8m/year with no resale value to test that hypothesis? Nooooooo
How I line up Vs Palace with Onana out. We've played Digne as a conservative choice against Munoz several times now & paid for it. Got to get behind him & force him back.
Rogers & last chance saloon Buendia need beat the DM to pull a outside CB out & allow Watkins/Malen to attack the space.
Rogers & last chance saloon Buendia need beat the DM to pull a outside CB out & allow Watkins/Malen to attack the space.
August 30, 2025 at 9:28 AM
How I line up Vs Palace with Onana out. We've played Digne as a conservative choice against Munoz several times now & paid for it. Got to get behind him & force him back.
Rogers & last chance saloon Buendia need beat the DM to pull a outside CB out & allow Watkins/Malen to attack the space.
Rogers & last chance saloon Buendia need beat the DM to pull a outside CB out & allow Watkins/Malen to attack the space.
So it was actually a run of 5 but they're good on the xG in that run too. About a week after that league run ended they turned Juve over 3-0 in Turin & start to focus on the CL.
August 28, 2025 at 2:56 PM
So it was actually a run of 5 but they're good on the xG in that run too. About a week after that league run ended they turned Juve over 3-0 in Turin & start to focus on the CL.
All a balancing act at this level.
Onana, do you want him as a space eating DM (min 720-1500) or to do the Luiz safe possession stuff (min 1500-1900)?
Is Tielemans' passing more valuable in attack/does he cost you in the pivot?
Can Maatsen replicate Pau's progression to bring in Mings' solidity?
Onana, do you want him as a space eating DM (min 720-1500) or to do the Luiz safe possession stuff (min 1500-1900)?
Is Tielemans' passing more valuable in attack/does he cost you in the pivot?
Can Maatsen replicate Pau's progression to bring in Mings' solidity?
August 27, 2025 at 10:15 AM
All a balancing act at this level.
Onana, do you want him as a space eating DM (min 720-1500) or to do the Luiz safe possession stuff (min 1500-1900)?
Is Tielemans' passing more valuable in attack/does he cost you in the pivot?
Can Maatsen replicate Pau's progression to bring in Mings' solidity?
Onana, do you want him as a space eating DM (min 720-1500) or to do the Luiz safe possession stuff (min 1500-1900)?
Is Tielemans' passing more valuable in attack/does he cost you in the pivot?
Can Maatsen replicate Pau's progression to bring in Mings' solidity?
The Spurs curse - slam Mings & Pau together in a lab & that player is at City or Real not Villa. Got to perform for 3 points but also develop talent. Spend €25 on 2 risks or €50m on 1 'sure thing'.
Same for players, do you want Rogers to get assists from the right or shots and central progression?
Same for players, do you want Rogers to get assists from the right or shots and central progression?
August 27, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The Spurs curse - slam Mings & Pau together in a lab & that player is at City or Real not Villa. Got to perform for 3 points but also develop talent. Spend €25 on 2 risks or €50m on 1 'sure thing'.
Same for players, do you want Rogers to get assists from the right or shots and central progression?
Same for players, do you want Rogers to get assists from the right or shots and central progression?
That means we're going have to move McGinn into the pivot & start Malen right?, Right!??
August 25, 2025 at 12:58 PM
That means we're going have to move McGinn into the pivot & start Malen right?, Right!??
Noone really liked Rogers out on the right; there some case for it however, if he's needed to create chances. He's struggling to do from the left so far.
My rolling mins KPI analysis showed drops in shots, xG, & progressive actions but increases in shot assists & xA.
bsky.app/profile/1874...
My rolling mins KPI analysis showed drops in shots, xG, & progressive actions but increases in shot assists & xA.
bsky.app/profile/1874...
August 25, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Noone really liked Rogers out on the right; there some case for it however, if he's needed to create chances. He's struggling to do from the left so far.
My rolling mins KPI analysis showed drops in shots, xG, & progressive actions but increases in shot assists & xA.
bsky.app/profile/1874...
My rolling mins KPI analysis showed drops in shots, xG, & progressive actions but increases in shot assists & xA.
bsky.app/profile/1874...
So the 2nd attacker has to come from our right width, surely Malen or Guessand have to come in with Kamara out right?
Guessand has played more RW recently, but Malen has a slightly better history of carries & take ons that will be nessisary against Guehi; get behind Sosa, force them back.
Guessand has played more RW recently, but Malen has a slightly better history of carries & take ons that will be nessisary against Guehi; get behind Sosa, force them back.
August 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
So the 2nd attacker has to come from our right width, surely Malen or Guessand have to come in with Kamara out right?
Guessand has played more RW recently, but Malen has a slightly better history of carries & take ons that will be nessisary against Guehi; get behind Sosa, force them back.
Guessand has played more RW recently, but Malen has a slightly better history of carries & take ons that will be nessisary against Guehi; get behind Sosa, force them back.