The Premier League Weekly: Can Arsenal rally their fans against Manchester City?
As the Premier League season nears its end, the battle for the title intensifies with Arsenal and Manchester City facing off in a crucial matchup, while teams like Liverpool and Tottenham grapple with their own challenges.
The Premier League has reached its final stretch, with the full focus being on the title race between Arsenal and Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side dominated most of the Premier League season but find themselves in a familiar spot once again with City breathing down their necks.
Liverpool will be expecting their Alexander Isak to come good after losing Hugo Ekitike for the rest of the season and well into the next one. Roberto De Zerbi got a dose of reality in his first match and will be hoping he can inspire his side and get back into the groove against his former side.
Brentford and Everton continue their push for Europe as the Premier League weekend promises to have some incredible games.
Are Arsenal scared of their supporters?
Arsenal are faltering, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are playing with a swagger of confidence and superiority. Is the familiar Arsenal curse of nervously stumbling at the end of the season happening all over again?
Football fans are often worth an extra man on the field, and Arsenal fans are no different. They are passionate and emotional, but when negativity sets in, they can also be cruel and critical. Hearing boos from sections of the crowd after the defeat to Bournemouth upset some of the players as well as Mikel Arteta. In response, during his press conference on Tuesday, he became almost emotional, saying,
“Now there’s no fear. It’s just purpose, fire, direction and conviction that we’re going to do it.”
The fans still love their team, but after a season in which the Gunners have dominated the Premier League, they are worried, concerned, and desperate that Arsenal do not lose the plot and let City sneak past them at the finishing post. This weekend’s clash between the two title contenders is arguably the most important match of the season.
Bournemouth visiting the Emirates Stadium was not a match Arsenal fans expected to lose, and I think the booing was not intended to embarrass or criticise the team. More likely, it came from shock and worry — the only way they could express themselves.
What I put to several Arsenal insiders after the game questioned Mikel Arteta’s tactics. From his experience of facing Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side, he knew they would be a high-pressing, attacking team that would allow Arsenal very little time on the ball. Despite that, he instructed his defence to play out from the back, and time and again they lost possession. Indeed, that is how Bournemouth scored their winning goal through Alex Scott. Pep Guardiola, I believe, would not have made that mistake. Arsenal have great defenders, some of the best in the game, but suddenly they look nervous and fragile.
Set pieces were Arsenal’s big strength earlier in the season, but they seem to have dried up.
They are also too slow in moving the ball upfield and fail to release it quickly enough to their wingers, such as Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. Even when they do succeed, the two talented players often hesitate, almost as if they are waiting for the crowd’s reaction.
Are the Arsenal players scared of their fans? It feels like they do not want to commit for fear of making mistakes, or they are beaten too easily and the frustrated fans howl criticism, singling players out. That did not happen earlier in the season, but as the final curtain begins to come down, this weekend’s showdown at the Etihad Stadium must see Arsenal at their fearless best — otherwise Guardiola will punish them.
Is it time for Alexander Isak’s firepower?
The big question at Anfield at the moment is: when will Liverpool finally let Alexander Isak off his leash and hopefully bring some sunshine into their inconsistent form?
Isak has been at Anfield for 224 days, and 145 of them have been spent in the medical room on the casualty list. Liverpool are in desperate need of his ability in front of goal, and the fans want to see something for the club’s £125 million investment in his talent. Hugo Ekitike has carried the weight of Liverpool’s attack on his shoulders for much of the season and now looks tired while also battling injury. Mohamed Salah scored at the weekend, but no one would argue that his best days are still ahead of him at 33 years of age. Isak is badly needed if Liverpool are to finish the season strongly.
Reality hits De Zerbi as Tottenham fail again
When Tottenham’s new coach Roberto De Zerbi walked into the club’s Hotspur Way training ground on Monday morning, a member of staff approached him and said, “Welcome to Spurs.” Whether it was sarcastic or genuinely friendly, I am not sure, but the 1-0 loss to Sunderland brought back the same old feelings for supporters and staff alike. Eleven games without a win and this famous club are now plunged deep into relegation danger.
No matter how well De Zerbi worked with his players last week — and seven days is hardly enough to turn around a season of underachievement — their failings were typified in the 11 minutes of added time, when Tottenham’s only shot on goal came from right-back Pedro Porro.
Three thousand supporters had travelled for four and a half hours to make the 270-mile trip to the Stadium of Light. Many of them left before the final whistle, facing a long, sad drive back to London, disheartened and worried.
De Zerbi’s energy during the first half could be compared to a firework — crackling, fizzing, jumping, waving his arms — and he was so loud that even fans in the 10th row could hear him. By the end, he simply stood with his hands in his pockets and a look of disbelief on his face.
Tottenham’s new manager suddenly understood why Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou had failed before him, and the enormous challenge he had taken on.
On Tuesday morning, De Zerbi sat in his office with Bruno Saltor and Marcattilio Marcattilii, who worked with him at Brighton. They were trying to work out what to do. Richarlison had squandered chances, Dominic Solanke offered little, Lucas Bergvall was replaced after only 62 minutes, and even the energetic Randal Kolo Muani could not create any clear opportunities.
De Zerbi was relatively happy with his defence, but it is Tottenham’s attack that needs urgent surgery. That has been his priority this week in training before their next home game — ironically against his old club Brighton, who have won four of their last five.
Who will replace Iraola at Bournemouth?
Bournemouth tried hard to keep their coach Andoni Iraola, but in the end, negotiations failed to meet his expectations and he will leave on June 30.
This has caused both interest and concern at several clubs, with Championship promotion contenders Ipswich closely monitoring the situation as their coach Kieran McKenna is being strongly considered for the position. Ipswich are frustrated that speculation surrounding McKenna could derail their ambition to return to the Premier League next season. He does have a £5 million release clause in his contract, but much depends on where Ipswich stand at the start of next season. It could also be argued that Bournemouth are no bigger than Ipswich, so why would McKenna head to the south coast?
Crystal Palace are also in the hunt for Iraola, with Oliver Glasner moving on at the end of the season. Several other clubs could become involved too, with managerial uncertainty at Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle, and West Ham.
In private, Iraola has said he would like to return to his native Spain and manage in La Liga, which could bring Athletic Bilbao into the picture, as their coach Ernesto Valverde is leaving in the summer.
Newcastle’s finishing has cost them 24 points this season
Another coach facing a touch of reality is Newcastle’s Eddie Howe. The passionate supporters of the Magpies have been patient all season, but sitting in 14th place in the league, there is little left to play for with only a handful of games remaining. Relegation is not a threat, and they are seven places outside qualification for even the lowest tier of European competition next season.
Eddie Howe looks tired, and there is no hint of a smile in his eyes. When it was pointed out to him minutes after the loss to Crystal Palace that Newcastle have dropped 25 points from winning positions this season, he looked shocked. Clearly, he had no idea what the supporters had recognised several games ago — Howe’s side simply cannot finish off opponents.
A 1-0 Newcastle lead at half-time was wiped out in the 80th minute, followed by a late stoppage-time penalty scored by two-goal striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Time and again, Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall have trained the players to finish strongly, but time and again they have failed to do so. Against Palace, Sandro Tonali hoofed the ball downfield straight from kick-off, and it went out of play as Newcastle tried to pressure Palace from the outset and unsettle the south London side. It did not work, and within minutes they were defending with a back five. Clearly, their 7-2 hammering at Barcelona’s Camp Nou still carries scars. Howe and his team have a lot to sort out. The club owners say they will stick with him, but he has a long summer ahead as he decides how to reshape his tactics. There has already been talk of spending some of their Saudi owners’ money to bring in one or two high-quality players.
Why haven’t Everton offered Moyes a new contract?
When David Moyes took over Everton midway through last season, they were one point above the relegation zone. Now they are fighting for a place in Europe.
Why, then, have Everton not stepped forward and offered him a long-term contract? His current deal expires in the summer, and I know several clubs are looking at tempting him away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace in June, and Moyes is definitely on their radar.
When I spoke to an Everton insider, they could not even tell me whether negotiations had started.
The Premier League has reached its final stretch, with the full focus being on the title race between Arsenal and Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side dominated most of the Premier League season but find themselves in a familiar spot once again with City breathing down their necks.
Liverpool will be expecting their Alexander Isak to come good after losing Hugo Ekitike for the rest of the season and well into the next one. Roberto De Zerbi got a dose of reality in his first match and will be hoping he can inspire his side and get back into the groove against his former side.
Brentford and Everton continue their push for Europe as the Premier League weekend promises to have some incredible games.
Are Arsenal scared of their supporters?
Arsenal are faltering, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are playing with a swagger of confidence and superiority. Is the familiar Arsenal curse of nervously stumbling at the end of the season happening all over again?
Football fans are often worth an extra man on the field, and Arsenal fans are no different. They are passionate and emotional, but when negativity sets in, they can also be cruel and critical. Hearing boos from sections of the crowd after the defeat to Bournemouth upset some of the players as well as Mikel Arteta. In response, during his press conference on Tuesday, he became almost emotional, saying,
“Now there’s no fear. It’s just purpose, fire, direction and conviction that we’re going to do it.”
The fans still love their team, but after a season in which the Gunners have dominated the Premier League, they are worried, concerned, and desperate that Arsenal do not lose the plot and let City sneak past them at the finishing post. This weekend’s clash between the two title contenders is arguably the most important match of the season.
Bournemouth visiting the Emirates Stadium was not a match Arsenal fans expected to lose, and I think the booing was not intended to embarrass or criticise the team. More likely, it came from shock and worry — the only way they could express themselves.
What I put to several Arsenal insiders after the game questioned Mikel Arteta’s tactics. From his experience of facing Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side, he knew they would be a high-pressing, attacking team that would allow Arsenal very little time on the ball. Despite that, he instructed his defence to play out from the back, and time and again they lost possession. Indeed, that is how Bournemouth scored their winning goal through Alex Scott. Pep Guardiola, I believe, would not have made that mistake. Arsenal have great defenders, some of the best in the game, but suddenly they look nervous and fragile.
Set pieces were Arsenal’s big strength earlier in the season, but they seem to have dried up.
They are also too slow in moving the ball upfield and fail to release it quickly enough to their wingers, such as Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. Even when they do succeed, the two talented players often hesitate, almost as if they are waiting for the crowd’s reaction.
Are the Arsenal players scared of their fans? It feels like they do not want to commit for fear of making mistakes, or they are beaten too easily and the frustrated fans howl criticism, singling players out. That did not happen earlier in the season, but as the final curtain begins to come down, this weekend’s showdown at the Etihad Stadium must see Arsenal at their fearless best — otherwise Guardiola will punish them.
Is it time for Alexander Isak’s firepower?
The big question at Anfield at the moment is: when will Liverpool finally let Alexander Isak off his leash and hopefully bring some sunshine into their inconsistent form?
Isak has been at Anfield for 224 days, and 145 of them have been spent in the medical room on the casualty list. Liverpool are in desperate need of his ability in front of goal, and the fans want to see something for the club’s £125 million investment in his talent. Hugo Ekitike has carried the weight of Liverpool’s attack on his shoulders for much of the season and now looks tired while also battling injury. Mohamed Salah scored at the weekend, but no one would argue that his best days are still ahead of him at 33 years of age. Isak is badly needed if Liverpool are to finish the season strongly.
Reality hits De Zerbi as Tottenham fail again
When Tottenham’s new coach Roberto De Zerbi walked into the club’s Hotspur Way training ground on Monday morning, a member of staff approached him and said, “Welcome to Spurs.” Whether it was sarcastic or genuinely friendly, I am not sure, but the 1-0 loss to Sunderland brought back the same old feelings for supporters and staff alike. Eleven games without a win and this famous club are now plunged deep into relegation danger.
No matter how well De Zerbi worked with his players last week — and seven days is hardly enough to turn around a season of underachievement — their failings were typified in the 11 minutes of added time, when Tottenham’s only shot on goal came from right-back Pedro Porro.
Three thousand supporters had travelled for four and a half hours to make the 270-mile trip to the Stadium of Light. Many of them left before the final whistle, facing a long, sad drive back to London, disheartened and worried.
De Zerbi’s energy during the first half could be compared to a firework — crackling, fizzing, jumping, waving his arms — and he was so loud that even fans in the 10th row could hear him. By the end, he simply stood with his hands in his pockets and a look of disbelief on his face.
Tottenham’s new manager suddenly understood why Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou had failed before him, and the enormous challenge he had taken on.
On Tuesday morning, De Zerbi sat in his office with Bruno Saltor and Marcattilio Marcattilii, who worked with him at Brighton. They were trying to work out what to do. Richarlison had squandered chances, Dominic Solanke offered little, Lucas Bergvall was replaced after only 62 minutes, and even the energetic Randal Kolo Muani could not create any clear opportunities.
De Zerbi was relatively happy with his defence, but it is Tottenham’s attack that needs urgent surgery. That has been his priority this week in training before their next home game — ironically against his old club Brighton, who have won four of their last five.
Who will replace Iraola at Bournemouth?
Bournemouth tried hard to keep their coach Andoni Iraola, but in the end, negotiations failed to meet his expectations and he will leave on June 30.
This has caused both interest and concern at several clubs, with Championship promotion contenders Ipswich closely monitoring the situation as their coach Kieran McKenna is being strongly considered for the position. Ipswich are frustrated that speculation surrounding McKenna could derail their ambition to return to the Premier League next season. He does have a £5 million release clause in his contract, but much depends on where Ipswich stand at the start of next season. It could also be argued that Bournemouth are no bigger than Ipswich, so why would McKenna head to the south coast?
Crystal Palace are also in the hunt for Iraola, with Oliver Glasner moving on at the end of the season. Several other clubs could become involved too, with managerial uncertainty at Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle, and West Ham.
In private, Iraola has said he would like to return to his native Spain and manage in La Liga, which could bring Athletic Bilbao into the picture, as their coach Ernesto Valverde is leaving in the summer.
Newcastle’s finishing has cost them 24 points this season
Another coach facing a touch of reality is Newcastle’s Eddie Howe. The passionate supporters of the Magpies have been patient all season, but sitting in 14th place in the league, there is little left to play for with only a handful of games remaining. Relegation is not a threat, and they are seven places outside qualification for even the lowest tier of European competition next season.
Eddie Howe looks tired, and there is no hint of a smile in his eyes. When it was pointed out to him minutes after the loss to Crystal Palace that Newcastle have dropped 25 points from winning positions this season, he looked shocked. Clearly, he had no idea what the supporters had recognised several games ago — Howe’s side simply cannot finish off opponents.
A 1-0 Newcastle lead at half-time was wiped out in the 80th minute, followed by a late stoppage-time penalty scored by two-goal striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Time and again, Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall have trained the players to finish strongly, but time and again they have failed to do so. Against Palace, Sandro Tonali hoofed the ball downfield straight from kick-off, and it went out of play as Newcastle tried to pressure Palace from the outset and unsettle the south London side. It did not work, and within minutes they were defending with a back five. Clearly, their 7-2 hammering at Barcelona’s Camp Nou still carries scars. Howe and his team have a lot to sort out. The club owners say they will stick with him, but he has a long summer ahead as he decides how to reshape his tactics. There has already been talk of spending some of their Saudi owners’ money to bring in one or two high-quality players.
Why haven’t Everton offered Moyes a new contract?
When David Moyes took over Everton midway through last season, they were one point above the relegation zone. Now they are fighting for a place in Europe.
Why, then, have Everton not stepped forward and offered him a long-term contract? His current deal expires in the summer, and I know several clubs are looking at tempting him away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace in June, and Moyes is definitely on their radar.
When I spoke to an Everton insider, they could not even tell me whether negotiations had started.
