Welcome to The Briefing, where every Monday The Athletic discusses three of the biggest questions posed by the weekend’s Premier League action.
Darwin Nunez was the standout performer for Liverpool as they secured a crucial victory over Brentford. Meanwhile, Arsenal suffered a late collapse against Aston Villa, Manchester City reclaimed their spot in the top four, and Nottingham Forest continued to impress. However, the focus remains on Tottenham, who suffered another defeat at the hands of Everton.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Tottenham’s biggest issue lies with their manager or the man who appointed him. Despite Ange Postecoglou’s initial success at the club, a poor run of results has raised doubts about his future. The blame cannot solely be placed on the manager, as Tottenham have a history of underachievement despite their financial resources.
Chairman Daniel Levy has come under scrutiny for his handling of the managerial situation at Tottenham. While he has overseen the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium, his decision-making in the managerial department has been questionable. With fan discontent growing, it may be time for Levy to consider stepping aside and allowing fresh leadership to take the reins.
Moving on to Manchester United, the club finds themselves in a precarious position in the league. Despite their pedigree, they have struggled to find consistency this season. Manager Ruben Amorim has called for a reality check, acknowledging that United are currently a mid-table side at best. The club could learn from teams like Brighton, who have established themselves in the Premier League through smart recruitment and clear leadership.
Finally, attention turns to Bournemouth and their impressive rise under manager Andoni Iraola. Despite initial skepticism surrounding his appointment, Iraola has transformed the club’s fortunes with his tactical acumen and motivational skills. Bournemouth’s recent win over Newcastle showcased their attacking prowess and resilience, highlighting Iraola’s impact on the team.
As the week unfolds, there are several key matchups to look forward to in both domestic and European competitions. Chelsea face Wolves in a crucial clash, while Liverpool and Aston Villa feature in Champions League action. Paris Saint-Germain take on Manchester City in a high-stakes encounter, with Arsenal also in Europa League action.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from The Athletic as the football season continues to unfold.
