brian mcdonnell
@sixtwofourtwo.bsky.social
A business analyst working with Stats Perform - fascinated by performance analysis, the smart(er) sports story & coaching (then, now, next)
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha massively out-performed their xG last season. That's not the case this season, but that's fine (analysis via @rbenson92.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
Man Utd Knew xG Would Catch Up With Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, But That Was the Point | Opta Analyst
Ignoring their xG overperformances last season, the underlying numbers of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha always provided cause for optimism at Man Utd.
theanalyst.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha massively out-performed their xG last season. That's not the case this season, but that's fine (analysis via @rbenson92.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
Recent Premier League seasons have been prolific for teams recovering after conceding the first goal (analysis via @mattfurniss.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/pre...
theanalyst.com/articles/pre...
First Goal Wins: Just How Important is It to Open the Scoring in a Premier League Game? | Opta Analyst
Which teams score the first goal of the Premier League game the most often, and is it even important to get the opening goal?
theanalyst.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Recent Premier League seasons have been prolific for teams recovering after conceding the first goal (analysis via @mattfurniss.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/pre...
theanalyst.com/articles/pre...
After sweeping Manchester City aside, Manchester United‘s next game gives them the chance to prove to sceptics that it wasn’t just another false dawn (analysis via @rbenson92.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
‘False Dawn FC’: After Man Utd Dismantled Man City, Arsenal Are the Perfect Follow-Up Test | Opta Analyst
After sweeping Manchester City aside, Manchester United's next game gives them the chance to prove it wasn't just another false dawn.
theanalyst.com
January 21, 2026 at 8:37 PM
After sweeping Manchester City aside, Manchester United‘s next game gives them the chance to prove to sceptics that it wasn’t just another false dawn (analysis via @rbenson92.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
theanalyst.com/articles/man...
Giuliano Simeone leads all players for defensive line-breaking passes received (18), piercing the opponent’s back line an average of three times per game (analysis of the Atlético Madrid arrives courtesy of @jamiemkemp.bsky.social for the @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/giu...
theanalyst.com/articles/giu...
Giuliano Simeone: Atlético Madrid's Swiss Army Knife Who's Proved He Belongs on Merit | Opta Analyst
Halfway through his second campaign, Giuliano Simeone is proving he has the technical quality to match the grit to live up to his father’s legendary standards.
theanalyst.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Giuliano Simeone leads all players for defensive line-breaking passes received (18), piercing the opponent’s back line an average of three times per game (analysis of the Atlético Madrid arrives courtesy of @jamiemkemp.bsky.social for the @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/giu...
theanalyst.com/articles/giu...
Reposted by brian mcdonnell
It’s that time of year again: proposals are now being accepted to present at Opta Forum 2026, which is taking place in London at the end of March.
If you are interested in taking part, the submission deadline is 9th February. Full details can be found ⬇️
www.statsperform.com/resource/opt...
If you are interested in taking part, the submission deadline is 9th February. Full details can be found ⬇️
www.statsperform.com/resource/opt...
Opta Forum 2026: Call for Proposals - Stats Perform
Following the announcement of the return of the Opta Forum to London in 2026, we are pleased to confirm that submissions are now being accepted for the event’s annual data analytics competition. For o...
www.statsperform.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:33 PM
It’s that time of year again: proposals are now being accepted to present at Opta Forum 2026, which is taking place in London at the end of March.
If you are interested in taking part, the submission deadline is 9th February. Full details can be found ⬇️
www.statsperform.com/resource/opt...
If you are interested in taking part, the submission deadline is 9th February. Full details can be found ⬇️
www.statsperform.com/resource/opt...
Big-money signings Gyokeres and Sesko have come in for criticism, but should we be more sympathetic towards strikers struggling to influence the game? (analysis via @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social for @thetimes.com)
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Strikers are taking fewer touches and scoring less — this is why
Increasingly effective defensive systems have isolated forwards and created stalemates in the middle of the pitch — and no one has yet found a solution
www.thetimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Big-money signings Gyokeres and Sesko have come in for criticism, but should we be more sympathetic towards strikers struggling to influence the game? (analysis via @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social for @thetimes.com)
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
This an excellent profile of new Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior (via Philip Buckingham for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
The making of Liam Rosenior, the head coach: ‘He had a light. He was different’
Those who have worked with Chelsea's new boss explain how he got to this point - and the type of approach he will bring
www.nytimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:36 PM
This an excellent profile of new Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior (via Philip Buckingham for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Interesting stuff from @liamtharme.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Why Brentford are currently the Premier League’s most tactically influential team
Right now, it's Keith Andrews' world and the rest of us are just living in it
www.nytimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Interesting stuff from @liamtharme.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Jaw-dropping LinkedIn profiles matter more to clubs like Manchester United than coaches with ideas and energy (via @jonathanliew.bsky.social for @theguardian.com)
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Ruben Amorim’s error? Taking on Jason Wilcox and execs who are never wrong | Jonathan Liew
Jaw-dropping LinkedIn profiles matter more to clubs like Manchester United than coaches with ideas and energy
www.theguardian.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Jaw-dropping LinkedIn profiles matter more to clubs like Manchester United than coaches with ideas and energy (via @jonathanliew.bsky.social for @theguardian.com)
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Wondering how Chelsea might play under Liam Rosenior? Wonder no more, @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social has got you covered for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
What can Chelsea fans expect from Liam Rosenior?
Intricate goal-kick routines, aggressive pressing and tactical flexibility — Rosenior’s Strasbourg have impressed by playing a very similar style to Maresca
www.thetimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Wondering how Chelsea might play under Liam Rosenior? Wonder no more, @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social has got you covered for @thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Excellent from @liamtharme.bsky.social on how Arnie Slot is trying to develop a new “plan A” for Liverpool (via @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Liverpool lack a Plan A – minor tactical issues are creating a major problem
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Excellent from @liamtharme.bsky.social on how Arnie Slot is trying to develop a new “plan A” for Liverpool (via @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
This is a great listen - Omar Chaudhuri (@omarchaudhuri.bsky.social, Twenty First Group) features on the Where's The Money Gone podcast with Adrian Goldberg (@goldbergradio.bsky.social) and Charlie Methven and an adult conversation about ROI in football breaks out open.spotify.com/episode/5n91...
Return On Investment FC: How To Make Money From Football
open.spotify.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:24 PM
This is a great listen - Omar Chaudhuri (@omarchaudhuri.bsky.social, Twenty First Group) features on the Where's The Money Gone podcast with Adrian Goldberg (@goldbergradio.bsky.social) and Charlie Methven and an adult conversation about ROI in football breaks out open.spotify.com/episode/5n91...
Wondering why Spain are favourites to win the 2026 World Cup? @robbiejdunne.bsky.social explains why for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/articles/spa...
theanalyst.com/articles/spa...
Why Are Spain Favourites to Win the 2026 World Cup? | Opta Analyst
The 2026 World Cup draw takes place on Friday and the Opta supercomputer has no doubt Spain are favourites for the tournament.
theanalyst.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Wondering why Spain are favourites to win the 2026 World Cup? @robbiejdunne.bsky.social explains why for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/articles/spa...
theanalyst.com/articles/spa...
An interview with Rayo Vallecano coach Inigo Perez (via @dermotmcorrigan.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Inigo Perez interview: The ideas and ambition behind Rayo Vallecano's impressive coach
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:49 PM
An interview with Rayo Vallecano coach Inigo Perez (via @dermotmcorrigan.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
The CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland has produced a new report that lists the 100 players who should be earning most due to their talent (story via @sportingintel.bsky.social)
sportingintelligence832.substack.com/p/what-do-th...
sportingintelligence832.substack.com/p/what-do-th...
What do the world's best footballers DESERVE to earn, measured by their performance data?
The CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland has produced a new report that lists the 100 players who should be earning most due to their talent. It's great debating material
sportingintelligence832.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland has produced a new report that lists the 100 players who should be earning most due to their talent (story via @sportingintel.bsky.social)
sportingintelligence832.substack.com/p/what-do-th...
sportingintelligence832.substack.com/p/what-do-th...
Here is an outstanding piece of analysis - including smart use of @statsperform.optajoe.com data - from @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social on the tactics teams are using this season to disrupt Liverpool for @thetimes.com (*paywall).
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
How Everton set the blueprint for getting the better of Slot’s Liverpool
David Moyes’s side exposed local rival’s susceptibility to long balls in last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park — now others are copying them
www.thetimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Here is an outstanding piece of analysis - including smart use of @statsperform.optajoe.com data - from @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social on the tactics teams are using this season to disrupt Liverpool for @thetimes.com (*paywall).
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
What happens if Erling Haaland stops scoring for Manchester City? (analysis via @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social for @thetimes.com)
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Erling Haaland in unstoppable form — but are Man City too reliant on him?
Pep Guardiola has altered his tactics to make star striker Manchester City’s focal point to devastating effect, but going all-in on the Norwegian is a big risk
www.thetimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:32 PM
What happens if Erling Haaland stops scoring for Manchester City? (analysis via @hkhaliqueloonat.bsky.social for @thetimes.com)
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Football Manager is back and @rbenson92.bsky.social has identified ten FM26 Challenges to consume your life (for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/foo...
theanalyst.com/articles/foo...
Football Manager 26: 10 FM26 Challenges That Will Consume Your Life | Opta Analyst
Football Manager has returned. With FM26 Beta now out, we've identified 10 challenges that'll make leaving the house a thing of the past.
theanalyst.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Football Manager is back and @rbenson92.bsky.social has identified ten FM26 Challenges to consume your life (for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/foo...
theanalyst.com/articles/foo...
Backed by Tony Bloom’s analytics and clever player recruitment, could the Edinburgh club change the landscape of Scottish football? (analysis via @mattfurniss.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/hea...
theanalyst.com/articles/hea...
After 40 years of Old Firm Dominance, Could Tony Bloom’s Analytical Revolution at Hearts Smash Scotland's Duopoly? | Opta Analyst
Backed by Tony Bloom's analytics and clever player recruitment, could Hearts keep up their form and change the landscape of Scottish club football?
theanalyst.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Backed by Tony Bloom’s analytics and clever player recruitment, could the Edinburgh club change the landscape of Scottish football? (analysis via @mattfurniss.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/hea...
theanalyst.com/articles/hea...
Five more points will bring Mjällby their highest points total in Allsvenskan history - if the champions-elect break that record, it’s because Mjällby appear to have broken expected goals - analysis via @zonal-marking.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
How are a small club from a fishing village about to win the Swedish title?
"If you look at the underlying numbers, Mjallby have been overperforming quite a lot."
www.nytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Five more points will bring Mjällby their highest points total in Allsvenskan history - if the champions-elect break that record, it’s because Mjällby appear to have broken expected goals - analysis via @zonal-marking.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Haralabos Voulgaris bought Spanish second division side Castellón after leaving the NBA and Dallas Mavericks. Now, he is slowly building a culture of data-driven decision-making (interview via @robbiejdunne.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/har...
theanalyst.com/articles/har...
Inside Spanish Football's Most Innovative Project — Led by a Former NBA Number Cruncher | Opta Analyst
Haralabos Voulgaris bought Castellón after leaving the Dallas Mavericks and is slowly building a culture of data-driven decision-making.
theanalyst.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Haralabos Voulgaris bought Spanish second division side Castellón after leaving the NBA and Dallas Mavericks. Now, he is slowly building a culture of data-driven decision-making (interview via @robbiejdunne.bsky.social for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com)
theanalyst.com/articles/har...
theanalyst.com/articles/har...
“The amount of money that some clubs are willing to lose season upon season makes no sense to me” - Brighton owner Tony Bloom on the future of the Premier League & how his club will adapt (interview via @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Brighton owner Tony Bloom on the future of the Premier League and how his club will adapt to it
Bloom shares his views on football governance, the increasing American influence, and the possibility of league games being played overseas
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:56 PM
“The amount of money that some clubs are willing to lose season upon season makes no sense to me” - Brighton owner Tony Bloom on the future of the Premier League & how his club will adapt (interview via @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Here, @sebsb.bsky.social questions the oddity of the situation in England and in many other European leagues whereby the coach is never without a microphone in their face while the sporting directors rarely see one at all (for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Can Premier League’s silent decision-makers learn from Bundesliga sporting directors?
The Premier League is a source of absolute fascination - and yet those who make the calls which determine a club’s direction rarely speak
www.nytimes.com
October 12, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Here, @sebsb.bsky.social questions the oddity of the situation in England and in many other European leagues whereby the coach is never without a microphone in their face while the sporting directors rarely see one at all (for @theathleticfc.bsky.social)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
From Noni Madueke to Antoine Semenyo, top Premier League players are putting in the extra work with one-to-one specialists (story via @tomallnutt.bsky.social for @thetimes.com)
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
What every top Premier League star now wants: a private skills coach
From Noni Madueke to Antoine Semenyo, top players are putting in extra work with one-to-one specialists — sometimes you may even see them at your local park
www.thetimes.com
October 12, 2025 at 7:50 PM
From Noni Madueke to Antoine Semenyo, top Premier League players are putting in the extra work with one-to-one specialists (story via @tomallnutt.bsky.social for @thetimes.com)
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...