In part two of our 'History of the European Championship' series, we turn our attentions to the 1980s where the tournament expanded to eight nations with the introduction of a group stage.

This was the decade where Michel Platini produced one of the great European Championship performances as the Frenchman netted two hattricks on home soil in 1984 edition, finishing as the top goalscorer with nine as France clinched the title.

Marco van Basten was another player to shine in the European Championship during this decade as we reflect on the three tournaments which took place.

‘Reads from the Analyst’ is a production by The Analyst. Visit theanalyst.com for more data-driven storytelling or join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram.

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In part one of our 'History of the European Championship' series, we look back at the early years of the competition in the 1960s and 1970s.

Beginning as a four-team event in 1960 called the European Nations Cup, the Championship exploded into life with what is still the highest scoring game as host nation France suffered a 5-4 defeat against Yugoslavia in the opening game.

From there, the European Championship continued to break new ground in the world of football as we reflect on the first five tournaments in this podcast.

‘Reads from the Analyst’ is a production by The Analyst. Visit theanalyst.com for more data-driven storytelling or join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram.

You can subscribe to all the podcasts from The Analyst on your favourite podcast applications now to ensure you don’t miss an episode. Don’t forget to rate and review the shows whilst you are there too.

It is a goal fest as the 'Reads from the Analyst' begins by looking back at the most lopsided results in Premier League history. 

Southampton have been on the end of the biggest recent drubbings – but there is a rich history of thrashings and Matt Furniss has taken a closer look at the hall of shame, uncovering fascinating insights along the way. 

‘Reads from the Analyst’ is a production by The Analyst. Visit theanalyst.com for more data-driven storytelling or join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram

Who’s responsible for the fastest goal in Premier League history? What about the earliest left-footed strike? The fastest goal by a non-European? Who on the list has scored more than once in the opening minute of different matches? And which football club has a penchant for conceding quick goals? Here are the fastest goals scored in the competition with the facts on what makes each unique. 

‘Reads from The Analyst’ is a production by The Analyst. Visit theanalyst.com for more data-driven storytelling or join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to check out our five-part mini series that explores the history of the Premier League too.

You can subscribe to all the podcasts from The Analyst on your favourite podcast applications now to ensure you don’t miss an episode. Don’t forget to rate and review the shows whilst you are there too.

Dele Alli’s teenage introduction was one of the most remarkable we’ve witnessed with numbers through his first three Premier League seasons that put him on pace for legendary status. However, an injury-disrupted 2018-19 caused Dele’s Tottenham Hotspur career to hit the skids before grinding completely to a halt under José Mourinho in 2020-21.

As he celebrates his 25th birthday, we look back on his emergence and subsequent establishment to consider how his career has faltered and what he must do to re-establish himself and fulfil that seemingly limitless potential.

‘Reads from The Analyst’ is a production by The Analyst. Visit theanalyst.com for more data-driven storytelling or join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to check out our five-part mini series that explores the history of the Premier League too.

You can subscribe to all the podcasts from The Analyst on your favourite podcast applications now to ensure you don’t miss an episode. Don’t forget to rate and review the shows whilst you are there too.