Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Aug 22

Something a bit different here from @markcarey93.bsky.social - such a great read.

The story behind the ‘Lavolpiana build-up’ loved by Guardiola and used by Arsenal and Liverpool

It is a tactical term that has been popularised by Guardiola, but fewer people might be aware of the man who inspired it

www.nytimes.com

2 7

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Aug 22

Do you back yourself against @oliverkay.bsky.social (and an @theathleticfc.bsky.social subscriber and an algorithm and a child)? That is the question.

Premier League Predictions: Man City vs Tottenham, Newcastle vs Liverpool and the rest of Matchday 2

How did our writer get on in MD1 against a subscriber, a child and an algorithm? And what is everyone predicting for MD2?

www.nytimes.com

1 1

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Aug 20

Excellent writing from @amylawrence.bsky.social

Eberechi Eze’s return to Arsenal would be a romantic twist in their summer story

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eberechi Eze. It could make a huge impact on the pitch

www.nytimes.com

5

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jul 19

Noni Madueke to Arsenal has been one of the more controversial moves for some. Inside the deal details from @gunnerblog.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and Simon Johnson.

Inside Noni Madueke’s transfer to Arsenal: Arteta’s presentation, Chelsea’s data, Berta’s new dynamic

From Arteta's call with Madueke and his father to the role of agent Ali Barat and sporting director Berta, here's how the deal was done

www.nytimes.com

1 2

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jul 7

@thom-harris.bsky.social looks at Viktor Gyokeres and whether he fits in with #AFC’s style or whether he is the change they need. Either way, finally, a striker!

Viktor Gyokeres is a battering ram of a striker with an absurd scoring record. Is he what Arsenal need?

With Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Gyokeres, we analyse his strengths and style, and how it might work out for him in the Premier League

www.nytimes.com

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jul 6

The Martin Zubimendi transfer was confirmed today by #AFC. It was a long time coming and a long time in planning. As @gunnerblog.bsky.social explains with great detail.

Martin Zubimendi is an Arsenal player… finally

Arsenal's interest in Zubimendi goes back to 2019-20. He came close to joining last summer but 12 months on, Mikel Arteta now has his man

www.nytimes.com

2

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jul 6

Great look at Noni Madueke by @ahmed-walid.bsky.social on where and why he would fit at Arsenal. All part of squad building.

The improvements in Noni Madueke’s game that have attracted Arsenal

Madueke offers a two-footed attacking threat from the wing — but it may be his improvement out-of-possession that has caught Arteta's eye

www.nytimes.com

1 4 32

Reposted by Alex Brodie

Patrick Boyland @paddyboyland.bsky.social · Jul 3

Everton rejected a verbal offer from Tottenham for Jarrad Branthwaite in Jan. Told interested parties this summer, inc Spurs, they would not welcome bids

Deal, which sees defender's salary rise considerably, done by Hammond/Kinnear

Big early win for new #EFC setup

www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...

How Everton secured prized asset Jarrad Branthwaite on long-term deal

The left-footed centre-back has become one of the most coveted players in Europe - tying him to a five-year deal is a coup for Everton

www.nytimes.com

9 14 70

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 29

Good info here from Art De Roche on England U21s’ successful Euros campaign. The build-up, overcoming setbacks (and players pulling out) and making their own story away from 2023 victory.

Inside England’s U21 Euros win: ‘Creative’ selections, dodgeball drills and padel

England are U21 European champions for a second consecutive time - this is how they did it

www.nytimes.com

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 28

Incredibly impressive for Lee Carsley to claim a second consecutive Euro U21 title with England. Harvey Elliott the star and one of only two remaining from previous victory. Art here on the final

England beat Germany in thriller to retain Under-21 Euros title

Analysis as England survive a scare to beat Germany to win the U21 Euros for the second consecutive time

www.nytimes.com

2

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 28

Jamie Gittens slowly but surely is joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund, with agreement in principle confirmed today. @stevemadeley78.bsky.social looks at what he offers and where he'll fit in at Stamford Bridge.

Jamie Gittens will fill a left-wing gap for Chelsea and is one of Europe’s most direct dribblers

Analysis of what the England Under-21 international will bring to Stamford Bridge

www.nytimes.com

1 1 9

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 27

Great reporting and detail here from @polballus.bsky.social on what it looks like will be a pretty sad end to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s time at Barcelona.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation is complex. Where does Barcelona’s captain go from here?

Barcelona need to free up space as they are operating above their La Liga salary limit - and goalkeeper Ter Stegen is first on the exit list

www.nytimes.com

1 1

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 27

The end for Ruud Van Nistelrooy at #LCFC has finally come. @robtannerathletic.bsky.social on a terrible period that went on for several months too long.

Inside Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester demise: A damaging tenure for club and manager

How a disastrous spell in charge led to relegation, unwanted records and reputations in tatters

www.nytimes.com

2

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 27

Great detail here from @gunnerblog.bsky.social and @david-ornstein.bsky.social on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s talks over new #AFC contract.

Inside Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal contract: His role in the deal, mamba mentality and Arteta’s trust

An 18-year-old presenting to senior figures is rare - but Lewis-Skelly is a rare talent, and now one of the highest-paid teenage footballers

www.nytimes.com

1

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 27

Clubs are improving provision for released academy players, but as @colinmillar.bsky.social shows here, via a recent research paper, more needs to be done. Supply outstrips demand so substantially there has to be very careful handling of young people.

Football academies and rejection: ‘They feel they wasted 20 years of their life’

Clubs have begun to put support those let go, but research shows mental health, lack of self-worth and loss of identity are common issues

www.nytimes.com

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 26

Good discussion here from @thom-harris.bsky.social on whether #AFC could (should?) add a younger midfielder to the Zubimendi and Norgaard incomings. Includes detailed profile of Lucien Agoume.

Arsenal adding proven quality with Norgaard – could they still target a young midfielder too?

Norgaard is one of the Premier League's most trusted midfielders. But should Arsenal be planning for the future as well as the present?

www.nytimes.com

1 2

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 25

Great interview with Brooke Norton-Cuffy here from Art De Roche.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy on life after Arsenal, impressing Vieira and England ambitions

The former Arsenal full-back is loving life in Italy after leaving home - and playing his part for the Under-21s in Slovakia too

www.nytimes.com

1

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 25

Do #MUFC need to become a selling club? Or, more accurately, can they? @mjcritchley.bsky.social on selling to buy at Old Trafford.

Manchester United want to sell before they buy this summer. Will it work?

If United are to remain disciplined and invest beyond Cunha and Mbeumo, financial solutions will have to be found sooner rather than later

www.nytimes.com

2 1

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 24

@samdlee.bsky.social on the exit and future of Kevin De Bruyne, (probably) the greatest-ever Premier League midfielder. www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...

Naples, Chicago and a Liverpool chat: How Kevin De Bruyne’s post-Man City career was decided

There was an understandable clamour for the Belgian once it was known he was leaving City — here's how it played out

www.nytimes.com

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 24

The latest Transfer DealSheet from @david-ornstein.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and lots of other @theathleticfc.bsky.social writers, great work again.

The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more

Welcome to the fourth edition of The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet for the summer 2025 transfer window

www.nytimes.com

1 1

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 24

Great insight as ever from Mario in this piece on Rodrygo and his situation at Real Madrid.

What’s going on with Rodrygo at Real Madrid?

Rodrygo's future is unclear after not featuring at all in Madrid's latest Club World Cup game against Pachuca

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Alex Brodie

Chris Weatherspoon @cweatherspoon.bsky.social · Jun 21

Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules get a lot of blame for clubs having to sell when they don't want to.

But it hasn't always been this way.

And will it always now have to be?

A look for @theathleticfc.bsky.social as the end of June approaches:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...

Will PSR always lead to the transfer merry-go-round we have seen over the past year?

The existing rules encourage player sales for clubs in fear of a breach, something we have seen repeatedly in recent transfer windows

www.nytimes.com

4 8 15

Reposted by Alex Brodie

Gunnerblog @gunnerblog.bsky.social · Jun 20

🚨 Martin Zubimendi in London to meet with Arsenal officials & complete formalities of his transfer from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal putting finishing touches to signing of the 26-year-old Spain intl.

W/ @david-ornstein.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/635...

Martin Zubimendi in London to meet Arsenal officials ahead of Real Sociedad move

The Spain international, 26, has a €60million (£51.7m; $63.4m) release clause in his current contract.

www.nytimes.com

18 22 340

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 19

@dansheldon.bsky.social spoke to industry experts to see what they think of PSG’s attempts to break America. Are they more brand than football club?

PSG’s strategic ‘Paris’ branding is a masterstroke – but do they have star power to break the U.S.?

The French club has links with the NFL and Air Jordan and a store on Fifth Avenue - but experts say they have a way to go to break America

www.nytimes.com

Alex Brodie @alexjbrodie.bsky.social · Jun 19

Carlos Cuesta has bid farewell, where do Arsenal and Mikel Arteta go next? Subscribers here suggesting Wilshere, Cazorla, Lincoln.
@amylawrence.bsky.social

Carlos Cuesta’s move echoes ambition of Mikel Arteta, but what next for Arsenal?

In a perfect world, coaching changes happen when planned, with smooth transitions, but football doesn’t often work like that

www.nytimes.com