Oliver Hopkins

London

Managing Editor at The Analyst

Football writer, Managing Editor @OptaAnalyst

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Articles

Pressing, Poise and Parisian Control: The Blueprint Behind PSG’s Win Over Arsenal

2 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

PSG will take a 1-0 lead back to Paris for the second leg of their Champions League tie against Arsenal. In truth, it could have been more. We analyse how they overcame Mikel Arteta’s side. After one of their most complete performances of the season, Paris Saint-Germain will take a slender 1-0 lead back to the Parc des Princes for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. In truth, it could have been more.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man City Stats: City March Into Third Successive FA Cup Final

2 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

A 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley secured Manchester City’s place in the 2024-25 FA Cup final, where they’ll meet Crystal Palace next month. Analyse the game with the best facts and Opta data in our Nottingham Forest vs Man City stats page. Manchester City will face Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Cup final on 17 May after a controlled 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley.
Bournemouth 1-1 Man Utd Stats: Late Højlund Goal Dents Cherries European Hopes

2 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

Bournemouth’s European ambitions suffered a blow after conceding a last-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Manchester United. Re-live the game with the best facts and Opta stats in our Bournemouth vs Man Utd stats page. Bournemouth’s European ambitions suffered a blow after conceding a last-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Manchester United. The Cherries were the better side for much of the game, until Evanilson’s red card with 20 minutes remaining changed the momentum of the contest.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction: Copa del Rey Final Preview

2 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

Spanish football’s most famous rivalry comes to a head once more. Can Hansi Flick take the first step towards a remarkable treble by winning the 2025 Copa del Rey final? Find out in our Barcelona vs Real Madrid prediction and preview. Barcelona are favourites to win, beating Real Madrid inside 90 minutes in 40.7% of pre-match simulations by the Opta supercomputer. Barcelona have beaten Madrid twice this season already, by an aggregate scoreline of 9-2.
Jamie Vardy's Having a Leaving Party: The Premier League Stats Behind a Leicester Legend

2 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

Jamie Vardy, a true Leicester City and Premier League icon, has confirmed he will leave the club this summer when his contract expires. He will depart as one of the competition’s most prolific goalscorers, and we analyse the data behind his remarkable career. Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy has announced that he is leaving the club when his contract expires in the summer.
Serie A Title Predictions: Inter or Napoli To Be Crowned?

2 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

The Serie A title race is going to the wire. With Inter and Napoli level on points, is the Scudetto heading to Milan or Naples? We run through the Opta supercomputer’s Serie A title predictions. The Serie A title battle has long looked like a two-horse race between Inter and Napoli. For much of the season, Simone Inzaghi’s side have had the upper hand, often enjoying a three-point advantage over their Neapolitan rivals. But that has now vanished.
Which Players Have Never Lost While Scoring a Premier League Goal?

3 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

Logically, scoring a goal helps your team win. But who are the players that have taken that to the extreme and have never lost a Premier League game while netting? Behold, these are the league’s lucky charms. First, a quick cautionary tale. We’ll get onto the Premier League’s lucky charms in a few moments.
Vinícius Júnior Hits 10 Goal Involvements for Fourth Consecutive Champions League Season

4 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins

Vinícius Júnior has just reached double figures for goal involvements in the Champions League for the fourth consecutive season. Only one Real Madrid player has ever done it more often, and his name is Cristiano Ronaldo. With his consolation goal against Arsenal on 16 April, Vinícius Júnior took his tally to 10 goal involvements (8 goals, 2 assists) in this season’s Champions League.
Managers to Win the Premier League in Their First Season

4 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins |Ana Gonzalez |Ana González

As Arne Slot and Liverpool march towards the 2024-25 Premier League crown, we take a look at the rare group of coaches who have won the Premier League title in their first season in charge of a club. With Arne Slot potentially guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title in his very first season at the helm, attention naturally turns to the elite company he could soon join. Only a select few managers have ever lifted the Premier League trophy at the first time of asking with a single club.
Most English League Titles: Who Has Won the Most in History?

4 weeks ago | theanalyst.com | Oliver Hopkins |Ana Gonzalez |Ana González

With Liverpool’s impending Premier League glory in 2024-25, discover which clubs have won the most top-flight English league titles in history. Liverpool are closing in on a landmark moment in English football history. With the 2024-25 Premier League title now within touching distance, the Reds are set to claim their 20th top-flight crown, drawing level with Manchester United at the top of the all-time list.