Ted Lasso Episode 25: 4-5-1

Colin starts the episode at home with his boyfriend Michael before heading to Richmond, while Michael leaves for a trip to Dubai. AFC Richmond is then introduced to Zava, the team’s new star signing, who arrives late to the press conference but quickly impresses everyone with his confidence and unusual charisma.

Ted, Beard, and Roy immediately realize that fitting Zava into the team will require major tactical changes and benching another player. When Zava joins the squad, he suggests playing essentially by himself in attack while everyone else stays deeper, and the coaches eventually settle on a **4-5-1** formation built around making Zava the focal point of the offense. The team embraces the idea that the best way to use him is to set him up to finish chances, even if that means the rest of the lineup has to adapt around him.

Rebecca also visits her mother’s psychic, Tish, and approaches the reading skeptically. Meanwhile, Ted calls Michelle before a match, but a man answers her phone: Jacob Brianson, the former couple’s therapist. Ted pieces together from a previous conversation with Henry that Michelle and Jacob are now dating, and the realization throws him into distress and the beginning of a panic attack.

During the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Zava immediately scores from midfield, interrupting Ted’s panic attack and helping Richmond win. That goal also launches Richmond into a remarkable winning streak, which lifts the club high in the league table and frustrates both Nate and Rupert as they watch Richmond’s success continue. Jamie grows increasingly irritated too, especially when Zava takes a goal from him.

As the episode goes on, Roy offers to train Jamie, and Jamie accepts the help. Ted later runs into Sassy and opens up to her about Michelle’s relationship, showing that the discovery is still bothering him. The episode also includes a continuing look at Colin’s private life, and Trent Crimm notices something involving Colin that appears to be secret. Sam gives everyone a green matchbook to mark the opening of his restaurant, adding a small celebratory note to the episode’s end.