The Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join Ali Maxwell to debate the various 'do's and dont's' for a maiden season in the top flight of English football... 
Is it better to sack or stick with the manager who brought you up? Discard the playing style and sure things up at the back? Splash the cash in the market or trust in the players who won so many games last year? The Zonal Marking team delve into the Premier League archives to find out...
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How to survive your first season in the Premier League

Hosted by Ali Maxwell, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data analytics writers to break down the tactical and technical details behind the biggest footballing stories each week - assessing the latest trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper understanding of the game.

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In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss which leagues are the most competitive in Europe.

We cast our eyes across Europe’s top five leagues, and then beyond them into the top twenty leagues across the continent, including some second tiers…

What matters most when measuring what makes a competitive league? 

Is it the finance or the depth of talent in each league year on year? Or is it how well spread both of those things are across a division? 

And should looking at how competitive a league is compared to other places influence where clubs scout for players?



HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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What's the most competitive league in Europe?

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League quarter finals; which concluded this week.

First up, Bayern Munich let their experience show by knocking out Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate at the Allianz Arena.

We then head to Manchester as reigning European champions Manchester City failed to retain their crown as they were knocked out on penalties by the perennial Kings of Europe Real Madrid. 

We also assess Paris St Germain progressing against a poorly disciplined Barcelona as well as discussing Borussia Dortmund doubling the German contingent in the semifinals with their win over Atletico Madrid.

And it’s in Germany we remain for the rest of the episode to reflect on the incredible achievement of the Bundesliga’s new champions, Bayer Leverkusen.


HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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Champions League review & how Leverkusen won the Bundesliga

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the halfway point of the Champions League quarter finals; and what to look out for when those ties conclude next week.

First up, it’s Arsenal and Bayern Munich sharing the first leg spoils by drawing 2-2 in North London.

We then head to Madrid and rule the rule over the incredible 3-3 draw between Real Madrid and reigning European champions Manchester City. 

Our third stop is Paris to decide who showed the most “Barca DNA” in Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Paris St Germain.

And finally, we return to the Spanish capital to assess whether Atheltico Madrid’s 2-1 advantage over Borussia Dortmund is enough when Diego Simeone’s side face the fierce atmosphere of the Signal Iduna Park.


HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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Champions League quarter finals first leg review

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at where the Premier League title contenders may drop precious points.

Firstly, we run the rule over the final clash between the pretenders to the crown this season. 

Was Man City vs Arsenal just really boring or were there some “tactically intriguing” aspects?

The title race remains as tight as it was when we last cast our eye over it in detail five episodes ago. 

But what’s changed since then that should alter the way we analyse who will win the league?

And finally, which teams across the league will have the biggest role to play in tripping up Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool?




HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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Where will the Premier League contenders slip up?

In this episode, The Athletic’s Jay Harris, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at specialist coaches.

From set pieces to subs to sleep and scran, elite football teams are constantly on the lookout for ways to make improvements.

One thing you will learn is why they’re NOT making marginal gains…

So which specialist coaching jobs have gone from niche to mainstream? 

How do you measure success when a coaching role is completely brand new?

And what role may be the next to evolve from non-existent to completely essential?

Produced by Steve Hankey.
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How to survive your first season in the Premier League

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