The Cottage Tactico
@cottagetactico.bsky.social
Casting a tactical eye over Marco Silva’s genius at Fulham 🖤 🤍 | Or failing that, recreating tactics in #FM24 🔗 https://linktr.ee/cottagetactico
Fulham sat off to the point of inviting Spurs back into #TOTFUL
But our subs made a difference in steadying the ship 🫡
With a quick turnaround reckon either Lukić or ESR get a start against City?
More in this week’s match thread 👇
But our subs made a difference in steadying the ship 🫡
With a quick turnaround reckon either Lukić or ESR get a start against City?
More in this week’s match thread 👇
December 1, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Fulham sat off to the point of inviting Spurs back into #TOTFUL
But our subs made a difference in steadying the ship 🫡
With a quick turnaround reckon either Lukić or ESR get a start against City?
More in this week’s match thread 👇
But our subs made a difference in steadying the ship 🫡
With a quick turnaround reckon either Lukić or ESR get a start against City?
More in this week’s match thread 👇
Kenny Tete’s (somewhat lucky) long shot to open the scoring early drew on a gameplan that had little to do with luck
By drawing Spurs numbers in, #FFC could hit space between the initial press and get onto an overloaded backline 🧠
More on the tactical battle in #TOTFUL 👇
By drawing Spurs numbers in, #FFC could hit space between the initial press and get onto an overloaded backline 🧠
More on the tactical battle in #TOTFUL 👇
November 30, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The first 25 mins or so of #TOTFUL had the exact same dynamic undoing Thomas Frank’s side over and over again 🧐
What did Marco Silva cook up to exploit this early on? And why did it then fade somewhat?
All explored in this week’s match thread 👇
What did Marco Silva cook up to exploit this early on? And why did it then fade somewhat?
All explored in this week’s match thread 👇
November 30, 2025 at 3:12 PM
The first 25 mins or so of #TOTFUL had the exact same dynamic undoing Thomas Frank’s side over and over again 🧐
What did Marco Silva cook up to exploit this early on? And why did it then fade somewhat?
All explored in this week’s match thread 👇
What did Marco Silva cook up to exploit this early on? And why did it then fade somewhat?
All explored in this week’s match thread 👇
Maybe sitting off was psychologically inevitable given how poor we’ve been away lately
But by opting for our more attack minded midfield from the start we could operate with the game state in our favour and this time didn’t melt 🫠
A huge breakthrough for Marco and the boys!
But by opting for our more attack minded midfield from the start we could operate with the game state in our favour and this time didn’t melt 🫠
A huge breakthrough for Marco and the boys!
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Maybe sitting off was psychologically inevitable given how poor we’ve been away lately
But by opting for our more attack minded midfield from the start we could operate with the game state in our favour and this time didn’t melt 🫠
A huge breakthrough for Marco and the boys!
But by opting for our more attack minded midfield from the start we could operate with the game state in our favour and this time didn’t melt 🫠
A huge breakthrough for Marco and the boys!
Our ebb and flow was summed up by Sess at LB whose engine and endurance continues to astound me. For 10 mins or so Kudus had him on toast and I worried he was fading 😬
But like the team he found a 2nd wind. Stuck to this task and found a way to see this game out
But like the team he found a 2nd wind. Stuck to this task and found a way to see this game out
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Our ebb and flow was summed up by Sess at LB whose engine and endurance continues to astound me. For 10 mins or so Kudus had him on toast and I worried he was fading 😬
But like the team he found a 2nd wind. Stuck to this task and found a way to see this game out
But like the team he found a 2nd wind. Stuck to this task and found a way to see this game out
What it made for was a backs to the wall effort to get over the line 💪
Tete (in a game that suited his tenacity) and Andersen (seemingly on the end of everything) stood out
Box defending was essential as Spurs were particularly reliant on crosses and set plays
Tete (in a game that suited his tenacity) and Andersen (seemingly on the end of everything) stood out
Box defending was essential as Spurs were particularly reliant on crosses and set plays
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
What it made for was a backs to the wall effort to get over the line 💪
Tete (in a game that suited his tenacity) and Andersen (seemingly on the end of everything) stood out
Box defending was essential as Spurs were particularly reliant on crosses and set plays
Tete (in a game that suited his tenacity) and Andersen (seemingly on the end of everything) stood out
Box defending was essential as Spurs were particularly reliant on crosses and set plays
Arguably Marco was slow to react to this. After HT, pressure built and it was clear more physicality was needed to compete in the middle of the park and on the counter
The right subs were made (Lukic for grit, ESR for a 2nd successive week of intense impact) but a touch late ⏰
The right subs were made (Lukic for grit, ESR for a 2nd successive week of intense impact) but a touch late ⏰
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Arguably Marco was slow to react to this. After HT, pressure built and it was clear more physicality was needed to compete in the middle of the park and on the counter
The right subs were made (Lukic for grit, ESR for a 2nd successive week of intense impact) but a touch late ⏰
The right subs were made (Lukic for grit, ESR for a 2nd successive week of intense impact) but a touch late ⏰
What then happened is a slow ceding of control as we dropped deeper into a 5-3-2 block
Where before sharp passing to get us out came off sloppiness took hold and we gave it away
Where we had been mopping up 2nd balls and making it stick when going direct we faded physically 🫥
Where before sharp passing to get us out came off sloppiness took hold and we gave it away
Where we had been mopping up 2nd balls and making it stick when going direct we faded physically 🫥
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
What then happened is a slow ceding of control as we dropped deeper into a 5-3-2 block
Where before sharp passing to get us out came off sloppiness took hold and we gave it away
Where we had been mopping up 2nd balls and making it stick when going direct we faded physically 🫥
Where before sharp passing to get us out came off sloppiness took hold and we gave it away
Where we had been mopping up 2nd balls and making it stick when going direct we faded physically 🫥
The same dynamics repeated time and time again in the first 20 mins
For our 2nd the run behind from Raul stretched them before Harry Wilson’s left foot then did what it does best. A magical start! 🤩
But it should have been game over with a 3rd as Thomas Frank couldn't adjust
For our 2nd the run behind from Raul stretched them before Harry Wilson’s left foot then did what it does best. A magical start! 🤩
But it should have been game over with a 3rd as Thomas Frank couldn't adjust
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
The same dynamics repeated time and time again in the first 20 mins
For our 2nd the run behind from Raul stretched them before Harry Wilson’s left foot then did what it does best. A magical start! 🤩
But it should have been game over with a 3rd as Thomas Frank couldn't adjust
For our 2nd the run behind from Raul stretched them before Harry Wilson’s left foot then did what it does best. A magical start! 🤩
But it should have been game over with a 3rd as Thomas Frank couldn't adjust
In addition to this, we also prioritised build up down our right where Andersen was in control ➡️
Wilson’s left foot coming back to goal gave us another route into that vacant middle third where clusters could then release Chukwueze to threaten (as he did for our opener)
Wilson’s left foot coming back to goal gave us another route into that vacant middle third where clusters could then release Chukwueze to threaten (as he did for our opener)
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
In addition to this, we also prioritised build up down our right where Andersen was in control ➡️
Wilson’s left foot coming back to goal gave us another route into that vacant middle third where clusters could then release Chukwueze to threaten (as he did for our opener)
Wilson’s left foot coming back to goal gave us another route into that vacant middle third where clusters could then release Chukwueze to threaten (as he did for our opener)
There was a very clear gameplan from #FFC and it was very easy to see it deliver repeatedly in the 1st half 👀
Engage Spurs in an initial man-to-man press, leave space in the middle third, draw their last line out into that space and then get runners beyond to turn them
Engage Spurs in an initial man-to-man press, leave space in the middle third, draw their last line out into that space and then get runners beyond to turn them
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
There was a very clear gameplan from #FFC and it was very easy to see it deliver repeatedly in the 1st half 👀
Engage Spurs in an initial man-to-man press, leave space in the middle third, draw their last line out into that space and then get runners beyond to turn them
Engage Spurs in an initial man-to-man press, leave space in the middle third, draw their last line out into that space and then get runners beyond to turn them
In many ways #TOTFUL was a classic Marco Silva performance, showcasing a clear plan to exploit the opposition executed by a team who were more than the sum of their parts 🤝
But why after a glorious start was it such a nervy finish?
Let's explore with some analysis 👇
🧵 1/9
But why after a glorious start was it such a nervy finish?
Let's explore with some analysis 👇
🧵 1/9
November 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
In many ways #TOTFUL was a classic Marco Silva performance, showcasing a clear plan to exploit the opposition executed by a team who were more than the sum of their parts 🤝
But why after a glorious start was it such a nervy finish?
Let's explore with some analysis 👇
🧵 1/9
But why after a glorious start was it such a nervy finish?
Let's explore with some analysis 👇
🧵 1/9
Massive win that! Probably just about deserved on the strength of the 1st half 😮💨
But actually think our management of #TOTFUL from about 30-65mins was pretty ropey
Subs solidified us and sometimes you just have to grind out the result.
Proper analysis tomorrow 🔜
But actually think our management of #TOTFUL from about 30-65mins was pretty ropey
Subs solidified us and sometimes you just have to grind out the result.
Proper analysis tomorrow 🔜
November 29, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Massive win that! Probably just about deserved on the strength of the 1st half 😮💨
But actually think our management of #TOTFUL from about 30-65mins was pretty ropey
Subs solidified us and sometimes you just have to grind out the result.
Proper analysis tomorrow 🔜
But actually think our management of #TOTFUL from about 30-65mins was pretty ropey
Subs solidified us and sometimes you just have to grind out the result.
Proper analysis tomorrow 🔜
Fulham had 24 shots in #FULSUN the most we’ve had all season 📈
Only on three occasions - Brentford (H) 24/25, Southampton (A) 24/25, Everton (H) 23/24 - have we registered more under Marco Silva in the PL
Signs of progress in attack? Read more in this week’s match thread 👇
Only on three occasions - Brentford (H) 24/25, Southampton (A) 24/25, Everton (H) 23/24 - have we registered more under Marco Silva in the PL
Signs of progress in attack? Read more in this week’s match thread 👇
November 24, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Fulham had 24 shots in #FULSUN the most we’ve had all season 📈
Only on three occasions - Brentford (H) 24/25, Southampton (A) 24/25, Everton (H) 23/24 - have we registered more under Marco Silva in the PL
Signs of progress in attack? Read more in this week’s match thread 👇
Only on three occasions - Brentford (H) 24/25, Southampton (A) 24/25, Everton (H) 23/24 - have we registered more under Marco Silva in the PL
Signs of progress in attack? Read more in this week’s match thread 👇
Did you spot the midfield tweak in the 2nd half of #FULSUN that helped Fulham build some momentum? 🧐
Berge dropping between the CBs let Alex Iwobi dictate play centrally from deep with options ahead of him
Analysis on that and much more in the thread below 👇
Berge dropping between the CBs let Alex Iwobi dictate play centrally from deep with options ahead of him
Analysis on that and much more in the thread below 👇
November 23, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Did you spot the midfield tweak in the 2nd half of #FULSUN that helped Fulham build some momentum? 🧐
Berge dropping between the CBs let Alex Iwobi dictate play centrally from deep with options ahead of him
Analysis on that and much more in the thread below 👇
Berge dropping between the CBs let Alex Iwobi dictate play centrally from deep with options ahead of him
Analysis on that and much more in the thread below 👇
The introduction of Samuel Chukwueze and Emile Smith Rowe changed the direction of #FULSUN 💪
Read this week’s match thread for more on how exactly Marco Silva utilised them 👇
Read this week’s match thread for more on how exactly Marco Silva utilised them 👇
November 23, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The introduction of Samuel Chukwueze and Emile Smith Rowe changed the direction of #FULSUN 💪
Read this week’s match thread for more on how exactly Marco Silva utilised them 👇
Read this week’s match thread for more on how exactly Marco Silva utilised them 👇
Our 2.1 xG here was the most we’ve created for 16 PL games (Southampton away last season)
But the 0.2 conceded is also reassuringly stingy
An under fire defence looked more themselves but we know bigger challenges are on the horizon on that front. Let’s hope it continues 🤞
But the 0.2 conceded is also reassuringly stingy
An under fire defence looked more themselves but we know bigger challenges are on the horizon on that front. Let’s hope it continues 🤞
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Our 2.1 xG here was the most we’ve created for 16 PL games (Southampton away last season)
But the 0.2 conceded is also reassuringly stingy
An under fire defence looked more themselves but we know bigger challenges are on the horizon on that front. Let’s hope it continues 🤞
But the 0.2 conceded is also reassuringly stingy
An under fire defence looked more themselves but we know bigger challenges are on the horizon on that front. Let’s hope it continues 🤞
Raul (who had run himself into the ground by this point) showed excellent predatory instincts to turn home a worldie of a cross
I love the man’s workrate, but playing heavy mins at 34 a bit more selfish positioning like this might save his legs and help more crosses pay off 💪
I love the man’s workrate, but playing heavy mins at 34 a bit more selfish positioning like this might save his legs and help more crosses pay off 💪
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Raul (who had run himself into the ground by this point) showed excellent predatory instincts to turn home a worldie of a cross
I love the man’s workrate, but playing heavy mins at 34 a bit more selfish positioning like this might save his legs and help more crosses pay off 💪
I love the man’s workrate, but playing heavy mins at 34 a bit more selfish positioning like this might save his legs and help more crosses pay off 💪
Plenty of wingers are explosive and agile, but few then seem to have the knack of giving themselves time to make smart decisions and execute passes that turn that into end product
Chukwueze put on a clinic in that regard in this cameo for me. And not just for our late winner 🎯
Chukwueze put on a clinic in that regard in this cameo for me. And not just for our late winner 🎯
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Plenty of wingers are explosive and agile, but few then seem to have the knack of giving themselves time to make smart decisions and execute passes that turn that into end product
Chukwueze put on a clinic in that regard in this cameo for me. And not just for our late winner 🎯
Chukwueze put on a clinic in that regard in this cameo for me. And not just for our late winner 🎯
But really it was the two way dribbling of Samuel Chukwueze that transformed this game
Playing him outside the initial block as a conventional LW was genius from Marco and his ability to hit the byline or cut inside started to pull a stubborn Sunderland block around ⚡️
Playing him outside the initial block as a conventional LW was genius from Marco and his ability to hit the byline or cut inside started to pull a stubborn Sunderland block around ⚡️
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
But really it was the two way dribbling of Samuel Chukwueze that transformed this game
Playing him outside the initial block as a conventional LW was genius from Marco and his ability to hit the byline or cut inside started to pull a stubborn Sunderland block around ⚡️
Playing him outside the initial block as a conventional LW was genius from Marco and his ability to hit the byline or cut inside started to pull a stubborn Sunderland block around ⚡️
By moving ESR to the left 10, Iwobi floated around much deeper and started to control this game. In doing so it also unlocked a reborn Sander Berge
Berge was one of our most progressive players and led us in duels. He was key in sustaining waves of attack on and off the ball 🔄
Berge was one of our most progressive players and led us in duels. He was key in sustaining waves of attack on and off the ball 🔄
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
By moving ESR to the left 10, Iwobi floated around much deeper and started to control this game. In doing so it also unlocked a reborn Sander Berge
Berge was one of our most progressive players and led us in duels. He was key in sustaining waves of attack on and off the ball 🔄
Berge was one of our most progressive players and led us in duels. He was key in sustaining waves of attack on and off the ball 🔄
Smith Rowe’s technical ability has never been in question and he had the guile to find options around him in dangerous but crowded areas
But it was his drive to run beyond and up our tempo that surprised me here. In short bursts his physicality seemingly holds up much better 🫡
But it was his drive to run beyond and up our tempo that surprised me here. In short bursts his physicality seemingly holds up much better 🫡
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Smith Rowe’s technical ability has never been in question and he had the guile to find options around him in dangerous but crowded areas
But it was his drive to run beyond and up our tempo that surprised me here. In short bursts his physicality seemingly holds up much better 🫡
But it was his drive to run beyond and up our tempo that surprised me here. In short bursts his physicality seemingly holds up much better 🫡
But let’s get to the subs. Initially I was sceptical but they offered key structural evolution rather than revolution
We looked to get our playmakers on the ball earlier and trusted small space quality and runs beyond higher up the pitch. Slowly control became pressure 🪄
We looked to get our playmakers on the ball earlier and trusted small space quality and runs beyond higher up the pitch. Slowly control became pressure 🪄
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
But let’s get to the subs. Initially I was sceptical but they offered key structural evolution rather than revolution
We looked to get our playmakers on the ball earlier and trusted small space quality and runs beyond higher up the pitch. Slowly control became pressure 🪄
We looked to get our playmakers on the ball earlier and trusted small space quality and runs beyond higher up the pitch. Slowly control became pressure 🪄
At 0-0 I feared a breakaway or set-piece would do us. But even before the subs there were signs of positivity
Fulham were more shot hungry than usual. The 24 registered here was the most we have had this season and we’ve only registered more 3 times under Silva in the PL 💥
Fulham were more shot hungry than usual. The 24 registered here was the most we have had this season and we’ve only registered more 3 times under Silva in the PL 💥
November 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
At 0-0 I feared a breakaway or set-piece would do us. But even before the subs there were signs of positivity
Fulham were more shot hungry than usual. The 24 registered here was the most we have had this season and we’ve only registered more 3 times under Silva in the PL 💥
Fulham were more shot hungry than usual. The 24 registered here was the most we have had this season and we’ve only registered more 3 times under Silva in the PL 💥