Manchester United's lacklustre performance at Sunderland confirmed what many already knew: Michael Carrick's side are far from elite, and clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea should be embarrassed to trail them. It also highlights how Bruno Fernandes has shone this season, earning the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award—a thoroughly deserved honour that has sparked unwarranted outrage online.
Social media erupted after I endorsed Fernandes' win and revealed I voted for him last season too. Critics accused me of being anti-Liverpool, anti-Arsenal, anti-Manchester City, and even on United's payroll. The notion that a player must be in a winning team to be the best is flawed. Surely it's harder to excel in a struggling side than a dominant one?
Without Fernandes, United might have faced relegation last season and would not be in a Champions League spot this year. He remains a consistently excellent footballer, one of few at Old Trafford who would start for Arsenal or City. His eight Premier League goals and near-record 20 assists speak volumes.
However, the vitriol reflects how divisive social media has become, poisoning the game. The FWA award never used to be received this way. Fernandes is also favourite for the PFA award—perhaps those who play the game know what they're talking about.
Arsenal's Set-Piece Controversy
For two years, I've argued that Arsenal's corner routines—blocking, baulking, grappling—are illegal. While set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was lauded, the tactics stretched fair play to breaking point. At West Ham on Sunday, the inevitable happened: Arsenal conceded a goal from a set-piece, and the football world erupted.
West Ham's Pablo fouled goalkeeper David Raya—it was illegal. Just because officials missed Arsenal's infringements doesn't mean they should ignore this one. The Premier League and referees have ignored wrestling at corners for too long. Fouls and yellow cards were needed months ago.
Arsenal's season began with a win at Manchester United amid complaints about a corner. Now, nine months later, a decisive moment arrives with their goalkeeper on the ground. Football should have seen this coming.
Arteta's Courage Rewarded
Mikel Arteta's decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya early last season proved crucial. Raya is now among the world's best goalkeepers, while Ramsdale sits on Newcastle's bench. Arteta has made similar tough calls, moving on players like Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, and Gabriel Jesus when better options emerged.
This season, Arteta benched Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli for a must-win game at West Ham. Leandro Trossard, initially a squad player, was Arsenal's best performer. As pressure mounts, Arteta has got his big calls right.
Referee's Red Card Logic Questioned
Referee Chris Kavanagh sent off West Ham goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa after three expletives. Kavanagh explained, 'He told me to f*** off three times.' Why wait for the third offence? An f-word is an f-word regardless of repetition.
Sels Quality Wins Out
Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels seemed destined to be a victim of managerial churn. After a wobble, Forest signed Stefan Ortega, but Sels returned in March and has helped secure safety. He remains one of the best signings of the Marinakis era.
Doku Rises to Semenyo Challenge
Manchester City's signing of Antoine Semenyo seemed to threaten Jeremy Doku's place. But Doku viewed it as a challenge and has played his best football, becoming undroppable. After a match-winning show against Brentford, Pep Guardiola said, 'I am Jeremy Doku.' The Premier League knows his name; soon the world will too.
Gordon May Be a Risk
Anthony Gordon seems destined for a summer move from Newcastle, with Liverpool likely interested. But Gordon has played only five seasons of regular Premier League football and would be joining his third club. Some suitors may be put off by that, possibly leading him abroad.
Edwards Needs to Find a Mirror
Rob Edwards took over Wolves in November but has won only three of 25 Premier League games. He says players haven't been good enough and some must leave. He should also look in the mirror—nobody at Wolves has reached required levels, including the manager.
Slot on Borrowed Time
Liverpool's game with Chelsea was last on Match of the Day, reflecting both clubs' drift. Seven Liverpool players stood passively as Chelsea equalised, highlighting a lack of cohesion. Arne Slot faces growing criticism; he may survive the summer but might not make it past November.
Time for a New Cliché
Two of three promoted managers are safe from relegation, with Leeds and Sunderland bridging the gap. One of Tottenham or West Ham may need nearly 40 points to survive, compared to 26 last year. The old cliché about 40 points is outdated—time to bin it.
PS: Rochdale made it to the Football League. There is a god.
