The controversy around this is ultimately about more than just an error of judgement. It's the fact that the on-field team initially came to the correct decision. If VAR wanted to ask the refereeing team to have another look and review the footage, the assistant referee involved in making that call could have been reviewing the footage alongside them. In the end, they made the wrong decision, and Manchester United now suffer as a result.
It's been four Premier League matches for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, and already, the Blues are so much more fun. They're scoring goals left, right, and centre, have the most harmonious and eye-pleasing front three in the league, and a tactically complex shape full of new faces and utter disorganization in defense. Chelsea fans might have been hoping for a slightly better start to this season, but they can be optimistic about the club's direction under Xabi Alonso. Here is an analysis of Chelsea so far this season, and what needs to change.
Matthias Jaissle has only been in charge for a month now, and Newcastle are still a work in progress. They've lost some of their most influential figureheads, and are rapidly changing their approach and identity. Instilling his philosophies across the pitch and integrating all the new faces will take time. But with so much in the Premier League also being new, Jaissle has started the campaign on an impressive unbeaten run. While it's only three matches in, Newcastle fans can be optimistic that they've found a new spark to life in the league.
The new season has sprung upon us, enlisting a host of exciting tactical tweaks to explore. Some things might not last more than a match, and that's all part of the fun of the first round of fixtures. Here is what stood out to me from Matchday 1.
Earlier this week in my Arsenal preview, I declared the Gunners as favourites for the Premier League title again in 2026-27. They’re just so complete. So well drilled. So organized. No missing components to the puzzle. It’s a really efficient side that Mikel Arteta has built, and one that can hurt opposing teams from such a vast variety of angles. To no surprise, they rolled Frank Lampard’s Coventry City over in the opening fixture of the 2026-27 season - claiming an impressive 3-0 win. All eleven players in an Arsenal shirt stood out. Tactically, two of the players deserve the most post-game commentary.
After scoring the historic goal that secured Canada's place in the Round of 16, Stephen Eustáquio will receive all of the praise and plaudits. But Eustáquio wasn't just the game winner. The 29-year-old was the best player on the pitch even without his goal, shepherding Canada to victory through his organization and leadership in midfield. Here is how Stephen Eustáquio bossed Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa.
Bruno Fernandes has been the best player in the Premier League this season, and has fully deserved his league-tying assist record. It now remains to be seen on the final matchday as to whether or not he will become the sole player to break the 20 assist barrier. Either way, Bruno deserves his 2025-26 PFA Player of the Season crown. Here is how Bruno assists so many goals.
Manchester United's narrow 2-1 win over Brentford was met with another man of the match performance from Casemiro - who continues to prove his irreplaceability. The Brazilian midfielder scored his ninth goal of the season, moving him to second for goals by a midfielder in the Premier League this season. It was his eighth headed goal of the campaign, double that of any other player.
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