Is the Meat Wall Cooked? and other early season observations

Is the Meat Wall Cooked? and other early season observations

Author: Mike Goodman and Michael Caley September 15, 2026 Duration: 41:17
We take a look at the early season data on set pieces and whether things feel different because they are different, or whether set pieces are still due for a big comeback. And then it's on to Arsenal: are they just the same? Liverpool, United and Chelsea: why aren't they good yet? And whether there's anyone in the Premier League who can take advantage of the early stumbles of some of the richest clubs. Support the show

The Double Pivot: Soccer analysis, analytics, and commentary is where hosts Mike Goodman and Michael Caley break down the beautiful game with a blend of sharp tactical observation and a deep respect for the numbers. This isn't just a recap of who won; it's a conversation about how and why. Each episode digs into the mechanisms of modern soccer, from the strategic choices that define a manager's philosophy to the underlying data that reveals what the naked eye might miss. You'll hear thoughtful discussions on team shape, pressing triggers, and the value of different chance creation methods, all grounded in the hosts' analytical expertise. Goodman and Caley have a knack for making complex concepts accessible, whether they're examining a top-tier Premier League clash or highlighting intriguing patterns in a less-heralded league. Their commentary avoids easy narratives, instead offering a more nuanced and evidence-informed perspective on the week's biggest stories and most compelling matches. For anyone who wants to move beyond the standard punditry and understand the deeper layers of strategy and performance, this podcast provides a consistently engaging and insightful listen. Tune in for a smarter take on the global game.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Double Pivot: Soccer analysis, analytics, and commentary
Podcast Episodes
World Cup Semifinals Preview: France-Spain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:57
The two best teams at this World Cup -- certainly the two teams that have played the best soccer at this World Cup -- square off. We're worried it's going to be pretty bad. Support the show
The USMNT have a bad night in Seattle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:51
The United States came up short in the round of 16, in the sense that they got boatraced by Belgium. We discuss the game, offer Rudi Garcia an apology, talk about what to say about a thoroughly bad game, and discuss the…
Round of 16 Preview, Part 3: Spain-Portugal and USA-Belgium [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:53
The Round of 16 preview extravaganza continues with the big matches on July 6. How Portugal's tactical system continues to try and fail to work around Ronaldo's limitations, what we want to see from Spain in this match,…
Bracket Breakdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:55
The dynamics of the entire bracket, from Argentina's cakewalk to the interesting but different tests for Brazil and England, to Spain's good path and their fitness and tactical issues, a little model breakdown on Colombi…
In Which We Rave About England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:19
England won 4-2 over Croatia, dominated the xG, and generally looked like a real football team and a real World Cup contender. We have some slightly different takes on the first half, we get into questions about the PADD…
How to Watch Soccer Like a Nerd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:43
Mike has written a World Cup 2026 update to his classic Grantland piece about how to watch soccer. We discuss expected goals and how to use statistics well and poorly, we talk tactics and "flex back threes" and "five guy…
USMNT 4, Paraguay 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:34
A big win for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT, pronounced us-mnt) that validated belief in Mauricio Pochettino and the system he built for these players. We get into why the xG isn't quite as impressive as o…
Champions League Final, World Cup Model, Podcast Announcements [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:21
There is so much to get to this week, and this will be the first of many podcasts. We cover the Champions League final and why we did not have much of a problem with Arsenal's defensive approach, our plans for building a…