Amorim Sacked!
In the ever revolving doors of head coaches/managers, Ruben Amorim has been added to the ever-growing list of managerial casualties, as the former Man U coach was relieved of his duties. Amorim pretty much signed his own sack letter after calling out his bosses during the post-match press conference following the Leeds draw over the weekend. While I didn’t rate him much, he was ultimately fired for daring to criticise the people upstairs which tells you everything you need to know about the state of things at Old Trafford. Terrible!! Darren fletcher would handle things for a bit before Solskajer or whoever Sir Jim and co pull out on a whim. It’s a sad state of affairs over there. Even as a rival fan, the circus Manchester United has become is ridiculous. But anyway… football.
Bournemouth Review
What an evening of perfect results. City dropped points — twice in five days. Villa dropped points with a draw against Palace. Spurs lost… I know they’re not even in the conversation right now, but they still deserve pointing out. Newcastle vs Leeds was the real cracker though — Barnes with a late winner in the 12th minute of stoppage time. After doing Arsenal a favour against City at the weekend, Rosenoir got a rude welcome to the EPL. Now sitting 8th on the log, another red card for them — their fifth in the league and seventh in all competitions. Chelsea have a disciplinary problem, point blank period. You can’t make this ish up! Up the Chels (in Jason Cundy’s voice).
Anyway, let’s talk Arsenal.
City dropping points against Chelsea over the weekend gifted Arsenal a six-point lead at the top of the table — glorious. Then came the potential gift midweek with another draw, this time against Brighton. That opened the door to really turn the screw… BIG if — if we beat Liverpool.
Now to Bournemouth.
The Gunners travelled to the Vitality Stadium knowing they had to win to maintain their four-point cushion at the summit, with the belief that City would claw back points against Chelsea at the Etihad. Arsenal didn’t exactly start well. Big Gabby gifted Bournemouth the opener, and Tavernier happily said, “I’ll take that, thank you very much.”
The response was immediate though — and once again, it was Big Gabby, finishing off the ping-pong chaos created by Madueke with the precision of a striker. 1–1. The first half ended with Bournemouth shading it, but the second half saw Arsenal crank up the levers. Ødegaard and Rice combined beautifully for the second, with Gyökeres doing the dirty work by dragging defenders away, allowing Rice to slot home. Then the cavalry arrived off the bench. Saka chipped in with his now customary assist this time for Rice to grab his second. Kroupi tried to spoil the party with an absolute worldie from nowhere, but Arsenal saw it out. Declan Rice, Immese in this game help the team keep the charge going. Three massive points in a game we lost last season. Another overturned result, added to Everton, Villa and Brighton, as Arsenal continue their march toward the 2025/26 EPL title (touch wood).
Liverpool Preview
Thursday brings the current title holders, Liverpool, to the Emirates in what’s being billed as a showdown. The pressure of this being a must-win has eased slightly after City and Villa both dropped points. That’s now three straight draws for City, which is very unlike the imperious side we’ve come to know under Pep. Something is clearly off at the Etihad. Haaland not firing as usual, while the support cast of Foden, Cherki and Tijani are drawing blanks. This means they’re not killing games with that trademark ruthlessness , ala Chelsea and Now Brighton. Brighton also seems to be becoming a bogey team for City having lost to them earlier in the season. All in all, It’s uncharacteristic and honestly, a little strange. Whatever it is, Arsenal must take advantage. Simple as that.
As for Liverpool, they’ve found some form four wins in their last six but back-to-back draws have seen them sputter heading into this one. Arsenal, on the other hand, arrive on the back of five wins from five, tightening their grip on top spot. City’s third draw in a week presents yet another opportunity to strengthen that hold. It won’t be a stroll in the park. Liverpool haven’t been playing well despite the results — the Leeds and Fulham games epitomise that. Szoboszlai was quick to remind Arsenal that EPL titles aren’t handed out in January, and he’s not wrong. They are the current champions, and this game demands total focus. The midfield battle will be fascinating. Ødegaard looks like he’s rediscovering his best form, while Rice will have to snuff out either Wirtz or Szoboszlai, allowing Zubimendi to dictate from the base. Liverpool are slightly hamstrung with a half-fit Ekitike, arguably the best striker signing of the last window alongside Gakpo and Chiesa. Arsenal, meanwhile, still lack a dominant striker, with goals shared around the squad. Gyökeres looks a bit goal-shy lately, so Jesus and Martinelli will need to pick up the slack. Like I said, Liverpool haven’t been good recently — this has to be seen as an opportunity. My team sheet would look like this
#ARSLIV
