How Brighton exposed Man City’s weakness

Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler is fast becoming one of Europe’s outstanding young managers. His ability to organise his players, give them belief and prepare them to take on the biggest clubs is remarkable. Brighton do not have Manchester City’s household names or financial resources, but their 1-0 victory at the Etihad demonstrated what intelligent planning and teamwork can achieve. It also raised an interesting question. Have teams finally worked out how to exploit the weaknesses in Enzo Maresca’s strategy?

I don’t think many managers are as tactically astute as Hürzeler. He recognised that City’s high defensive line and relentless pressing can force opponents backwards until they are almost herded like cattle in their own half. But there is an obvious weakness. Push defenders high enough and you leave acres of space behind them. Quick, athletic wingers and midfielders can exploit those spaces, and a courageous team can bypass City’s midfield with two or three forward passes.

Brighton’s winner came from a defensive mistake, punished by Yasin Ayari, but their performance was about much more than one goal. Under Pep Guardiola and now Maresca, City’s counter-pressing has been formidable. They lose possession and immediately hunt the ball down, preventing opponents from counter attacking. But beat that first press and their defenders can be horribly exposed. The secret is to pass forward immediately rather than sideways or backwards. Too many teams panic and allow City to regain their shape. Brighton showed there is another way. With City suffering successive league defeats, I suspect several managers will be studying Hürzeler’s approach very carefully.

Arsenal’s defence is almost impregnable

Have Arsenal built the best defence in the Premier League? I am beginning to think they have. Their 1-0 victory at Anfield was a statement from the champions that they remain the team to beat. Liverpool had 18 attempts at goal but failed to register a single shot on target. That is extraordinary considering they were playing in front of the Kop.

It was also Arsenal’s first Premier League victory at Anfield for 14 years. Kai Havertz took his opportunity following Declan Rice’s excellent cross, and from that moment Mikel Arteta’s team demonstrated why they are so difficult to beat.

They did not need to dominate possession or entertain supporters with spectacular football. They were disciplined, organised and determined that Liverpool would not find a way through. William Saliba and Gabriel have developed an outstanding partnership, but Arsenal’s defensive strength goes beyond their central defenders.

Rice provides tremendous protection, the full-backs understand their responsibilities and David Raya gives the entire team confidence.

What impresses me most is their game management. They know when to slow things down, when to press and how to frustrate opponents.

There was a time when Arsenal looked attractive but lacked the toughness to win the biggest matches. Nobody can seriously make that accusation now.

Arteta has built a team capable of winning without playing particularly well. That is often the hallmark of champions.

Rice’s pay rise raises an uncomfortable question

Arsenal’s highest-paid player is Bukayo Saka, but he could soon be joined by midfield powerhouse Declan Rice. Reports suggest Rice is in line for a substantial increase taking his earnings to around £350,000 a week.

Nobody can question his importance. He has become Arsenal’s heartbeat, combining energy, leadership and defensive intelligence with increasing influence going forward. He deserves to be rewarded. But I find the timing uncomfortable. Arsenal have informed staff that approximately 60 jobs are at risk as part of cost-cutting and restructuring proposals. At the same time, they are discussing a contract that could see one footballer earn in a week what many ordinary employees would struggle to earn in several years. I appreciate footballers operate in a different financial world, but there is something troubling about the contrast.

Arteta has praised Rice’s consistency and his ability to maintain extraordinarily high standards. I agree with him. I am also hearing that Kai Havertz could be next in line for improved terms, while questions remain over Martin Ødegaard’s longer-term future.

Arsenal are entitled to reward their stars, but football clubs should never forget the people behind the scenes who help make success possible.

Lavia finally shows Chelsea his quality

Roméo Lavia has endured a miserable time with injuries since joining Chelsea from Southampton in 2023, but his performance against Manchester United reminded everyone what a tremendous talent he possesses. Still only 22, the Belgian midfielder seized his opportunity when Jordan Henderson was taken ill. Lavia admitted afterwards that he had not expected to start and only discovered he was playing at the team meeting. That made his performance all the more impressive. He recovered possession 14 times, including 12 in the opposition half, and provided the assist for Morgan Rogers to score Chelsea’s opening goal in their 2-0 victory.

Those figures tell you everything about his anticipation, energy and willingness to win the ball back. I particularly liked his understanding with Moisés Caicedo. They protected the defence and allowed Chelsea’s attacking players to express themselves.

Xabi Alonso will be delighted, but the challenge is keeping Lavia fit.

For a player whose career has been interrupted so often, regular football would be a major achievement. If he stays fit, Chelsea have one of the Premier League’s most exciting young midfielders.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola strikes me as an honest football man who believes the game should be played in the right spirit.

But I understand his fury over the controversial incident involving Alexander Isak and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.

Timber clearly pulled Isak’s shirt as the striker attempted to reach the ball. Liverpool appealed for a penalty, the referee waved play on and VAR did not intervene. I have watched the incident and still cannot understand how Arsenal escaped punishment. Iraola believes Isak suffered because he stayed on his feet rather than throwing himself to the ground. Are we now encouraging footballers to exaggerate contact because referees are less likely to award penalties when players remain upright. upright. That cannot be right.

But another incident at Anfield annoyed me just as much. Alexis Mac Allister and Noni Madueke squared up to each other, their heads coming together during a confrontation. Mac Allister then threw himself to the ground in what I considered a ridiculous attempt to make the incident appear worse.

Madueke had already been booked, and another yellow card would have meant his dismissal. Fortunately, the referee was not persuaded. I have no time for that behaviour. Mac Allister is an exceptionally talented footballer, but actions like that diminish respect for a player.

Liverpool supporters may disagree, but I thought his reaction was pathetic.

And there is surely a contradiction in complaining that Isak was penalised for remaining upright while another Liverpool player appeared so eager to fall over.

Howe and Nagelsmann in the frame at United

Michael Carrick remains in charge at Manchester United, but I am hearing that Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are among the leading contenders should the club decide to replace him. There appear to be different opinions within Old Trafford about which direction to take. Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell is believed to favour Nagelsmann, whose work in German football he knows well. Director of Football Jason Wilcox is understood to prefer Howe because of his Premier League experience and ability to organise and improve a team. Both would be fascinating appointments, although neither would be straightforward to secure.

But United have been down this road many times before. They appoint a manager, promise a new beginning and discover the problems run much deeper than the man in the dugout. Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Wilcox have given Carrick more time. Sunday’s game against Aston Villa is therefore crucial.

Carrick remains popular because he is regarded as one of United’s own, but sentiment will only carry him so far. Another defeat could make discussions about his successor considerably more urgent.

Donnarumma’s mistakes are worrying City

I have long admired Gianluigi Donnarumma. For me, the Italian belongs among the world’s finest goalkeepers alongside Alisson Becker, Jordan Pickford, Thibaut Courtois and Emiliano Martínez.

But even the best experience difficult periods, and Donnarumma is certainly going through one at Manchester City. His mistake against Aston Villa, when Nicolas Jackson’s long-range effort slipped underneath him, was particularly costly. City’s defenders must be concerned when errors begin creeping into the performances of a goalkeeper on whom they depend so heavily.

Maresca has continued to back Donnarumma, and I understand why. A goalkeeper’s confidence can be fragile. But his position raises another interesting question about James Trafford.

Trafford returned to City from Burnley in 2025 believing he had a genuine opportunity to become first choice. Then Donnarumma arrived.

I have been told Trafford was extremely unhappy and would not have returned to the Etihad had he known how events would unfold. He has since moved to Leeds, where he is playing regularly. I can understand his frustration. A young England goalkeeper needs matches, not endless afternoons watching an established international from the substitutes’ bench. Donnarumma remains magnificent, but his mistakes demonstrate that even the biggest reputations guarantee nothing.

I wonder whether City might eventually regret how the Trafford situation developed.

Carrick’s loyalty to Martínez is tested

There are two distinct opinions about Lisandro Martínez among Manchester United supporters. Some believe he is an aggressive, committed defender who brings much-needed fighting spirit. Others think his temperament, disciplinary record and performances have become a liability. I can understand both arguments.

Martínez is talented and nobody questions his determination, but sometimes his aggression crosses the line. His dismissal against Chelsea was another example. Already booked, he became involved in an incident with Wesley Fofana which resulted in a second yellow card. Carrick appeared deeply frustrated as Martínez left the pitch, understandably so.

A manager under pressure needs experienced players he can trust. Martínez has also been outspoken about United’s problems, including recruitment, while Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard have questioned aspects of his performances.

Reports have linked him with Atlético Madrid, including suggestions of discussions over personal terms, although an agreement remains unconfirmed.

His contractual position adds another complication.

Carrick continues to support him, but loyalty cannot be unconditional. United desperately need defenders who are reliable, disciplined and calm when matches become heated. Martínez has the ability. The question is whether he can consistently demonstrate the judgment.

Who will be the next Premier League manager to go?

For anyone who likes a bet, one intriguing question is which Premier League manager will next lose his job. There are several candidates, and I would not feel particularly comfortable in their positions. Michael Carrick is hanging on at Manchester United. He retains goodwill because of his association with the club, but United’s position close to the relegation places is unacceptable. Carrick cannot be blamed for all their problems, but he will pay the price unless results improve.

Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa could be decisive.

Oliver Glasner is another manager under enormous pressure. He knew accepting the Nottingham Forest job meant working for Evangelos Marinakis, an owner whose patience with managers has often been limited.

Glasner’s frustration was obvious after Forest’s 2-0 defeat against Brentford. His lengthy criticism of the players’ commitment included the extraordinary suggestion that one wanted to travel home separately rather than return on the team bus.

I admire managers who demand high standards, but publicly criticising players is dangerous when a team is struggling. Forest are 19th, and Marinakis will not tolerate that indefinitely. The fact that he worked so hard to appoint Glasner may offer some protection, but results must improve.

Then there is Régis Le Bris at Sunderland. Their 3-1 defeat against Coventry was another damaging result, and their league position is alarming. The demands of competing in Europe, the Premier League and domestic cups are stretching the squad. Nine competitive matches in less than a month is an enormous burden.

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs has come under scrutiny, while players who excelled last season, including Luke O’Nien, are finding the step up difficult.

But Le Bris has credit in the bank, and the club’s hierarchy remain supportive. I would be surprised if they abandoned him without a proper opportunity to recover.

Finally, Crystal Palace. Let’s be honest, Pierre Sage cannot be remotely satisfied. Palace have been poor, particularly defensively, and their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham exposed familiar weaknesses.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s dismissal made matters worse, but the problems run deeper.

The departures of Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Muñoz have weakened the squad, while injuries have restricted Sage’s options.

Experienced managers including Sean Dyche, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna are available should Palace decide to change direction. Another defeat against Liverpool on Sunday would increase the pressure.

*Of those in trouble, I believe Carrick and Glasner have the most immediate reason to worry, although Sage cannot be far behind. Le Bris and Sunderland may be bottom, but he appears to enjoy greater support from his employers. Football is ruthless. Managers can spend months building a reputation and lose it in three or four disastrous results.

And I suspect another Premier League manager will soon discover just how quickly loyalty can disappear.