Whale.io 🐳 | ⚽ English Premier League Season: 2025/2026

[JollyGood]

RESULTS:

Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 4-1 Aston Villa
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Fulham
Chelsea 4-0 Southampton

Aston Villa crashed at Crystal Palace, it was a disappointing loss after played well at the weekend. Congratulations to Fulham for winning away at Wolves.

Chelsea move back in to the top four after a massive win over Southampton. They are one point behind 3rd placed Nottingham Forest and just seven points behind second placed Arsenal.

[tokeweed]

^  Just shows how tough the EPL is compared to La Liga and the other top leagues in Europe.  Not even Guardiola could win it every year.  But it is what it is.  Not even Ferguson could win the EPL every year even tho United dominated England for a time.  

He won 5 in 6 years and no team could stop him when he was doing that, EPL toughest for me isn't in the title race but for the top 4 (that's where the real battle is fought). Hardly before we get the same club representing epl year after year in Europe. At the moment have some clubs we could call them underdogs occupying the position and the so called big 6 are no where to be found.

Alex Ferguson dominated EPL, he won 3 titles back to back and won 13 in his managerial career. Again it's the champions league spot that the real battle is fought and no small club in the epl, underate them and see how well they'll deal with you.

Yeah..  But what I'm trying to say is even if a manager is one of the greatest managers in the top leagues of Europe, it's impossible for him to win the EPL every year because the EPL is just so tough.  And yeah, seeing how competitive it is to get in the top 4 also shows that it's the toughest league in Europe.

Anyway thinking about Man City, let's say Guardiola quits because he doesn't feel like managing in England anymore.  Who do you guys think would replace him?  

But yeah, I don't think it happens.  Pep will likely see his contract thru until 2027 and would prolly be replaced by Mikel Arteta whose contract with Arsenal also ends in 2027.  

[CLS63]

Today there is a Tottenham - Manchester City match. I predicted it as Manchester City to win in the BSFL. It is still difficult to believe in them to be honest. Because they showed us nothing against Liverpool and Real Madrid both recently.

But as long as they continue to lose points they will even face the danger of getting away from top 4. I can't imagine them out of the Champions League. I hope to see them showing some better performances against Tottenham which are in much worse situation in the standings.

[igebotz]

Did anybody ever contemplate Manchester City would find themselves in this position after Rodri got injured? What is clear De Bruyne will leave the club at the end of the season as his impact on games is negligible, however Rodri still has a role to play if he returns from injury next season.

His overall contribution to the team is immense, they need him next season if they want to have any chance of finding success.

I don't  feel sorry for Pep- this is what happens when you build an entire game around a single player - funny as it sounds but as big as the Manchester city squad is, Rodri is the only defensive midfielder, while the rest are either central or attacking midfielders. The club failed to secure a backup DM for two consecutive summers.

The season is almost over, and they had another chance to get a good backup DM last month but focused on irrelevant positions, which hasn't helped.

Looking forward to tonight games. We won yesterday I'm happy.

[JollyGood]

Today there is a Tottenham - Manchester City match. I predicted it as Manchester City to win in the BSFL. It is still difficult to believe in them to be honest. Because they showed us nothing against Liverpool and Real Madrid both recently.

But as long as they continue to lose points they will even face the danger of getting away from top 4. I can't imagine them out of the Champions League. I hope to see them showing some better performances against Tottenham which are in much worse situation in the standings.

I forgot to add the games taking place today. Even if Tottenham win the game, Manchester City have time on their side to try to get back in to the top four and Champions League contention.

I don't  feel sorry for Pep- this is what happens when you build an entire game around a single player - funny as it sounds but as big as the Manchester city squad is, Rodri is the only defensive midfielder, while the rest are either central or attacking midfielders. The club failed to secure a backup DM for two consecutive summers.

Whether Rodri or De Bruyne, it seems as though Guardiola has lost parts of the dressing room. I think his time at Manchester City will end at the end of the season.

These are the games taking place this evening Wednesday 26th February:

Brentford vs Everton
Manchester United vs Ipswich Town
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Liverpool vs Newcastle United

RESULTS:

Brentford 1-1 Everton
Manchester United 3-2 Ipswich Town
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester City
Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle United

Everton continue their excellent form under Moyes. Liverpool beat Newcastle United at home and increase their lead as they try to win the trophy. Manchester United continue their unpredictable form against Ipswich Town but won the game.

Tottenham lost at home to Manchester City but Arsenal keep failing to stay in the running against Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. Against a over achieving Nottingham Forest a draw might be understandable but they only have themselves to blame for dropping points against West Ham United as it was a home game.

[CLS63]

Everton continue their excellent form under Moyes. Liverpool beat Newcastle United at home and increase their lead as they try to win the trophy. Manchester United continue their unpredictable form against Ipswich Town but won the game.

Tottenham lost at home to Manchester City but Arsenal keep failing to stay in the running against Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. Against a over achieving Nottingham Forest a draw might be understandable but they only have themselves to blame for dropping points against West Ham United as it was a home game.

David Moyes has really changed things at Everton since he took the job. They lost only once in the Premier League which was his first match. They haven't lost for 7 matches. It is a very impressive streak. I think they can get a better placement next season.

Manchester City won but it wasn't an easy one. I expected many goals in this match as well. When it comes to Arsenal they have already given up. They can't fight well while there is no Saka and no reliable centre-forward to make score contribution.

[JollyGood]

Moyes and Everton have a very special relationship. Has completely transformed the Everton team to the point they look a different team to the one Dyche managed. All of the players seem relaxed and are enjoying being on the pitch because they want to play for Moyes. If this momentum continues in the new season they will be looking at a top eight finish.

David Moyes has really changed things at Everton since he took the job. They lost only once in the Premier League which was his first match. They haven't lost for 7 matches. It is a very impressive streak. I think they can get a better placement next season.

Manchester City won but it wasn't an easy one. I expected many goals in this match as well. When it comes to Arsenal they have already given up. They can't fight well while there is no Saka and no reliable centre-forward to make score contribution.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

I don't  feel sorry for Pep- this is what happens when you build an entire game around a single player - funny as it sounds but as big as the Manchester city squad is, Rodri is the only defensive midfielder, while the rest are either central or attacking midfielders. The club failed to secure a backup DM for two consecutive summers.

He has being doing well without having to play Rodri in all his games, he won trophies without a DM and he can do the same again. Pep is just having one of of those bad seasons and j actually feel pity for um because when man city aren't doing well the season has always not been competitive. Imagine if Man city was in form and we were seeing a competition for the title between City, Liverpool and Arsenal. The league would been more better than when one team is just dominating the start of the season to the ending.

WestHam against Leicester is currently in the second half and so far, WestHam looks comforting with the win as there's no threat from Leicester.

[igebotz]

Whether Rodri or De Bruyne, it seems as though Guardiola has lost parts of the dressing room. I think his time at Manchester City will end at the end of the season.

To protect what he has achieved and his legacy, I believe going before everything crumbles will be the best move to avoid destroying everything he has built.

He has being doing well without having to play Rodri in all his games, he won trophies without a DM and he can do the same again. Pep is just having one of of those bad seasons and j actually feel pity for um because when man city aren't doing well the season has always not been competitive. Imagine if Man city was in form and we were seeing a competition for the title between City, Liverpool and Arsenal. The league would been more better than when one team is just dominating the start of the season to the ending.

They were 12 points behind Arsenal last season at some point and almost out of the title race until Rodri returned from injury. Manchester City did not lose a single game Rodri started for two consecutive seasons; he was the reason they won the league last season, and his absence is the reason they are out of the title race this season.

Pep builds his games on good defensive midfielders; he had Abidal at Barcelona, Alonso at Bayern- these were extraordinary DMs.

[KTChampions]

Whether Rodri or De Bruyne, it seems as though Guardiola has lost parts of the dressing room. I think his time at Manchester City will end at the end of the season.

To protect what he has achieved and his legacy, I believe going before everything crumbles will be the best move to avoid destroying everything he has built.
~

Hmm... it's too late! He's already experienced a decline that no top club has experienced in the last 20 years. How many defeats has he had in 10-11 games? Something around 9, I think. He's already set some anti-records and casts serious doubt on whether he can turn things around. He has already started making new signings and will definitely continue in the summer (he spoke about this the other day), but this is something that everyone has seen many times before - to drown all the problems with money. The image is destroyed, luck is gone.

[igebotz]

Hmm... it's too late! He's already experienced a decline that no top club has experienced in the last 20 years. How many defeats has he had in 10-11 games? Something around 9, I think. He's already set some anti-records and casts serious doubt on whether he can turn things around. He has already started making new signings and will definitely continue in the summer (he spoke about this the other day), but this is something that everyone has seen many times before - to drown all the problems with money. The image is destroyed, luck is gone.

Really?  Not even close - Jose Mourinho finished 15th with Chelsea in the 2015/2016 season. Manchester City started badly, but they are only 7 points behind second spot and are likely to finish above Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Manchester United this season.  Can you still call it a failed season if this happens? 

He still needs to move on to another challenge..his job is done here

[JollyGood]

RESULT:

West Ham United 2-0 Leicester City

Congratulations to West Ham United for beating Arsenal and now Leicester City. It is clear, Leicester City are in big trouble and will probably be one of the three teams to be relegated. Unfortunately van Nistlerooy is not having an effect on the team in the way he wanted therefore the owners will have to make a decision soon about whether the sack van Nistlerooy.

Whether Rodri or De Bruyne, it seems as though Guardiola has lost parts of the dressing room. I think his time at Manchester City will end at the end of the season.

To protect what he has achieved and his legacy, I believe going before everything crumbles will be the best move to avoid destroying everything he has built.

For the sake of his legacy he should leave but the pertinent question is what will Guardiola do if Manchester City qualify for the Champions League? Will that motivate him to stay, I doubt it.

They have the 115 breaches case still going on and now another headache because the La Liga president filed a complaint to the EU Commission stating that Manchester City are always cheating by trying to circumvent EU Competition Laws.

Hmm... it's too late! He's already experienced a decline that no top club has experienced in the last 20 years. How many defeats has he had in 10-11 games? Something around 9, I think. He's already set some anti-records and casts serious doubt on whether he can turn things around. He has already started making new signings and will definitely continue in the summer (he spoke about this the other day), but this is something that everyone has seen many times before - to drown all the problems with money. The image is destroyed, luck is gone.

I think his legacy is already tarnished. If the club is found guilty of any of the 115 charges then it means Manchester City because Premier League champions and Champions League winners by cheating. In that scenario he would have no option but to leave.

[igebotz]

For the sake of his legacy he should leave but the pertinent question is what will Guardiola do if Manchester City qualify for the Champions League? Will that motivate him to stay, I doubt it.

They have the 115 breaches case still going on and now another headache because the La Liga president filed a complaint to the EU Commission stating that Manchester City are always cheating by trying to circumvent EU Competition Laws.

If they qualify for the Champions League, he may likely stay unless PSG makes him an attractive offer.  He likes a cheque book club, and PSG is an ideal place for him.  Let us see.

He just spent almost €200m on new additions last month, which should tell you everything about the 115 charges. They will bribe their way out, get all of the players, and possibly face a two-year transfer ban. That's all.

[tokeweed]

^  Mmm...  With Ferran Soriano and Txiki at City, I don't think Guardiola leaves.  The three of them are tightly knit and leaving now during City's moment of weakness would be a d*ck move which I don't think Guardiola would do.

I think there'll be two possible outcomes...  Guardiola sees out his contract til 2027 and City poaches Arteta to join them or Guardiola leaves City after 2025/26 season on a high note by winning them the league one last time.  City gets a replacement manager for one year then they poach Arteta on 2027. 

[KTChampions]

Hmm... it's too late! He's already experienced a decline that no top club has experienced in the last 20 years. How many defeats has he had in 10-11 games? Something around 9, I think. He's already set some anti-records and casts serious doubt on whether he can turn things around. He has already started making new signings and will definitely continue in the summer (he spoke about this the other day), but this is something that everyone has seen many times before - to drown all the problems with money. The image is destroyed, luck is gone.

Really?  Not even close - Jose Mourinho finished 15th with Chelsea in the 2015/2016 season. Manchester City started badly, but they are only 7 points behind second spot and are likely to finish above Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Manchester United this season.  Can you still call it a failed season if this happens? 

He still needs to move on to another challenge..his job is done here

First of all, Chelsea finished 10th. Secondly, they went up and then they went down, nothing new, but I was talking about top clubs, right? Can you find a more relevant example? You know, these are the levels, at Bayern or Real Madrid any manager with those results would be sacked, and Pep will get a couple of billion to try to fix his mistakes.
And yes, this season will be a disgrace no matter how it ends for City.
By the way, if you look at it more globally, Pep with the dominant City (4 Premier Leagues in a row and all that) completely screwed up the confrontation with the extremely average Real: 3-1 in 4 years and it turns out that there was no rivalry.

[JollyGood]

To me it seems Guardiola knew very well the Manchester City owners were using their national finances to circumvent the fair play rules but he did not care as he chased glory. If they are found guilty of cheating, I think they should be made a serious example of and the best way to show a strong hand that works as a deterrent for other would-be cheats is to strip them of all the titles going back to 2009, give them a massive fine and relegate them to League Two.

Guardiola will have the perfect excuse to leave if the club are relegated. If they are found guilty of cheating but stay in the Premier League with a points deduction, he will have to make a decision.

If they qualify for the Champions League, he may likely stay unless PSG makes him an attractive offer.  He likes a cheque book club, and PSG is an ideal place for him.  Let us see.

He just spent almost €200m on new additions last month, which should tell you everything about the 115 charges. They will bribe their way out, get all of the players, and possibly face a two-year transfer ban. That's all.

[igebotz]

^  Mmm...  With Ferran Soriano and Txiki at City, I don't think Guardiola leaves.  The three of them are tightly knit and leaving now during City's moment of weakness would be a d*ck move which I don't think Guardiola would do.

I think there'll be two possible outcomes...  Guardiola sees out his contract til 2027 and City poaches Arteta to join them or Guardiola leaves City after 2025/26 season on a high note by winning them the league one last time.  City gets a replacement manager for one year then they poach Arteta on 2027. 

Ferran Soriano and Txiki are in bed with Pep and don't ask me how cause I don't know man! Only Pep can decide to leave I don't see any other way around it. Ferran Soriano and Txiki fully backed up Pep. Arteta is the perfect suit honestly..

To me it seems Guardiola knew very well the Manchester City owners were using their national finances to circumvent the fair play rules but he did not care as he chased glory. If they are found guilty of cheating, I think they should be made a serious example of and the best way to show a strong hand that works as a deterrent for other would-be cheats is to strip them of all the titles going back to 2009, give them a massive fine and relegate them to League Two.

Guardiola will have the perfect excuse to leave if the club are relegated. If they are found guilty of cheating but stay in the Premier League with a points deduction, he will have to make a decision.

Unfortunately, they did not fixed matches like Juventus; the best they can get with all of their top-tier lawyers in Europe is a possible points deduction and an X-season transfer ban.

Pep has already stated that he is willing to continue with Manchester City regardless of which league tier they end up in..

[KTChampions]

Hmm... it's too late! He's already experienced a decline that no top club has experienced in the last 20 years. How many defeats has he had in 10-11 games? Something around 9, I think. He's already set some anti-records and casts serious doubt on whether he can turn things around. He has already started making new signings and will definitely continue in the summer (he spoke about this the other day), but this is something that everyone has seen many times before - to drown all the problems with money. The image is destroyed, luck is gone.

I think his legacy is already tarnished. If the club is found guilty of any of the 115 charges then it means Manchester City because Premier League champions and Champions League winners by cheating. In that scenario he would have no option but to leave.

Yep, it's true. And I think, no matter what the bureaucrats decide, everyone already knows what the City's success was built on - pure fraud and deception.
As for Guardiola's legacy, it shines only for those who are far from football. If we return to the dry facts, it is a very modest (if not to say shameful) journey: inherited Rijkaard's team (Spain's golden generation) -> was kicked out by Mourinho -> inherited Heikens' Bayern (which dominated not only the Bundesliga but also Europe) -> was knocked out three times by Spanish clubs in the Champions League and kicked out of Bayern because he "turned it into a tiki-taka crap" -> ended up in a corrupt oil club and mostly disgraced himself in the Champions League.

[JollyGood]

Unfortunately, they did not fixed matches like Juventus; the best they can get with all of their top-tier lawyers in Europe is a possible points deduction and an X-season transfer ban.

Pep has already stated that he is willing to continue with Manchester City regardless of which league tier they end up in..

He might change his mind at the end of the season  

Yep, it's true. And I think, no matter what the bureaucrats decide, everyone already knows what the City's success was built on - pure fraud and deception.
As for Guardiola's legacy, it shines only for those who are far from football. If we return to the dry facts, it is a very modest (if not to say shameful) journey: inherited Rijkaard's team (Spain's golden generation) -> was kicked out by Mourinho -> inherited Heikens' Bayern (which dominated not only the Bundesliga but also Europe) -> was knocked out three times by Spanish clubs in the Champions League and kicked out of Bayern because he "turned it into a tiki-taka crap" -> ended up in a corrupt oil club and mostly disgraced himself in the Champions League.

Many people will cite jealousy at the success of Manchester City behind the claims but the reality is nobody should be cheating. If Manchester City along with other Premier League teams agreed on what the rules should be then every team should be adhering to them.

As I mentioned before, if they are found guilty of cheating they should face a punishment that works as a deterrent for other teams. Relegation to League Two and a heavy fine to compensate the teams that would have benefitted had they not cheated. Either way, it would be surprising if Guardiola stays at Manchester City when the season has ended.

[igebotz]

Unfortunately, they did not fixed matches like Juventus; the best they can get with all of their top-tier lawyers in Europe is a possible points deduction and an X-season transfer ban.

Pep has already stated that he is willing to continue with Manchester City regardless of which league tier they end up in..

He might change his mind at the end of the season 

Well, he said what every other manager would have said in his position, and I wasn't expecting him to say "I will leave city if they get relegated" to the media either. Players and managers are not different; they are all liars.