John Robertson
Latest articles by John Robertson
Football tactics and formations explained: the most common systems – and how to beat them
By John Robertson last updated
TACTICS A rock, paper, scissors guide to the most familiar tactics and formations employed by contemporary coaches
Iniesta deserves so much more credit than he gets – and here’s why
By John Robertson last updated
Andrés Iniesta The 31-year-old was ‘down’ at No.15 in the FFT100 – but John Robertson argues there are still so many reasons to consider him the world’s best central midfielder...
5 big talking points from Chelsea 2-1 West Ham: Conte, Kante and West Ham's record signing
By John Robertson published
Stats Zone Stamford Bridge was bouncing after Diego Costa stole all three points for the Blues, but what conclusions can we draw from Antonio Conte's first 90 minutes in the Premier League? John Robertson investigates using Stats Zone...
5 things from Watford 1-2 Chelsea: Smart Hornets make Blues struggle for shape
By John Robertson published
Stats Zone John Robertson was at Vicarage Road to see the Blues invert the Orns. Here's what he thought, using the award-winning Stats Zone
Why Benzema is too important to leave Real Madrid this season
By John Robertson published
Karim Benzema John Robertson highlights how Real Madrid missed Karim Benzema this past weekend and explains why the striker is essential to the performance of Bale and Ronaldo...
5 big things that went wrong for Liverpool at Watford
By John Robertson published
Stats Zone John Robertson was at Vicarage Road using Stats Zone to watch a brilliant Hornets performance against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds...
Nearly a game of two halves: 5 lessons from Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
By John Robertson published
Stats Zone Sam Allardyce has annoyed Arsene Wenger before, but his Sunderland side couldn’t hold out forever against Arsenal. John Robertson was in the Emirates pressbox using Stats Zone - FREE on iOS and Android...
Leighton Baines is playing in the wrong position to transform Everton's fortunes
By John Robertson last updated
Stats Zone The Toffees star has been one of Roberto Martinez's only creative sparks this season, but John Robertson says the England man is better employed elsewhere...
Do good defences still win titles? Sorry Fergie, not anymore...
By John Robertson published
Premier League John Robertson questions whether the popular logic of a sturdy backline being crucial to wining silverware still holds true today...
Third-gear Spurs find a way through: 5 important points from Tottenham 4-1 Sunderland
By John Robertson last updated
Stats Zone John Robertson was at White Hart Lane to see the home side go behind but roar back to see off the Black Cats...
4 ways Antonio Conte can implement his Italian style at Chelsea
By John Robertson published
Chelsea The Azzurri boss has impressed so far this summer, but how can he replicate his Euro 2016 approach at Stamford Bridge? John Robertson casts an eye to the future
How Conte liberated Hazard to make Chelsea great again
By John Robertson last updated
Stats Zone Oh, the Belgian is back – and John Robertson was at Stamford Bridge to see another virtuoso display in Chelsea's thumping 5-0 win over Everton
Has Neymar done enough to keep Messi sidelined for Barça's own good this weekend?
By John Robertson published
Neymar John Robertson ponders whether the Brazilian's recent form might well mean Luis Enrique doesn't rush his talismanic Argentine back for Saturday's Clasico...
How English clubs can improve in the Champions League
By John Robertson last updated
UEFA Champions League Only one of the Premier League's four representatives had sealed their place in the last 16 before this week's group deciders. John Robertson looks at what can be done to help...
Why Spurs are actually better off when Dele Alli plays deeper
By John Robertson last updated
Dele Alli The teenager is enjoying a spectacular debut season at White Hart Lane, but John Robertson argues that Mauricio Pochettino should keep him back to draw out his best form...
Meet Liverpool's ideal Steven Gerrard replacement
By John Robertson last updated
Stats Zone John Robertson explains why Roma's Miralem Pjanic is the ideal man to lead the Anfield side into a new era without their legendary skipper...
Do Arsenal really have the attacking balance to win major trophies?
By John Robertson last updated
Stats Zone Armed with Stats Zone, John Robertson took in Arsene Wenger's side's comfortable victory at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday
From can't to Can: How Liverpool's young utility man became vital for Rodgers
By John Robertson last updated
Stats Zone The Reds' £10 million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has finally found his true calling at Anfield, writes John Robertson...
5 key points from Tottenham 1-1 Liverpool: separate styles still lead to shared spoils
By John Robertson published
Premier League John Robertson was armed with Stats Zone at White Hart Lane, where Liverpool were the visitors and left with a point... though they'll think they deserved more
Guardiola doesn't need centre-backs – and here's why
By John Robertson last updated
Stats Zone No stoppers? No problem for Pep Guardiola, whose reaction to a shortage of centre-backs was to invent a new formation, says John Robertson...
Aaron Ramsey is the engine of Arsenal's recent success
By John Robertson published
Aaron Ramsey Santi Cazorla's injury has given the Welshman the chance to play in his favoured role. John Robertson analyses why he's thriving as a middle man...
Opinion: Why David Luiz should be everyone's guilty pleasure
By John Robertson last updated
David Luiz The Sideshow Bob lookalike may not be to everyone's taste, but John Robertson explains why the marauding Brazilian is merely misunderstood
Analysed: How Joel Campbell can still play a big part in Arsenal's title challenge
By John Robertson last updated
Joel Campbell John Robertson believes that the Costa Rican provides a different threat that could liven up Arsenal's attack from now until May...