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

[igebotz]

Chelsea controlled massive amounts of possession but hardly had a shot on goal. I expected them to struggle without Palmer (because of injury) but to not cause problems for the Arsenal goalkeeper made it a pointless exercise. Chelsea looked good going forward in attack especially with Neto but most of the midfielders passed the ball back in the final third in order to keep possession.

Jolly the team were clueless, there's no need sugar coating our performance, we played a very terrible game and could have been easily down by more than 3 goals if not for those Sanchez goal line clearance. The best Chelsea highlights of the game was that Cucurella shot that almost got in and the 100s of back passes with did.

As for Tottenham, does anybody know what Postecoglou is doing? It really is time for him to be sacked before the end of the season. Congratulations to Fulham as they move to within four points of a Champions League place.

Spoke with two Tottenham fans this week and they didn't think Ange is the problem- no enough backing from Levy.

[JollyGood]

Jolly the team were clueless, there's no need sugar coating our performance, we played a very terrible game and could have been easily down by more than 3 goals if not for those Sanchez goal line clearance. The best Chelsea highlights of the game was that Cucurella shot that almost got in and the 100s of back passes with did.

I watched some of the game but missed the Merino goal and cannot recall Cucurella taking a shot (clearly I missed that part of the match when away from the screen). What you highlighted as the hundreds of back passes was a major problem. They kept more possession overall but failed to make it count.

I am sure all Chelsea fans such as you yourself will be asking why Chelsea keep dropping points immediately after Manchester City draw or lose games instead of trying to create a bigger gap between the two sides.

Spoke with two Tottenham fans this week and they didn't think Ange is the problem- no enough backing from Levy.

Tottenham should be challenging for the Premier League every season. They are a big club with a huge fan base and have a world class stadium therefore funds should be flowing in the club. They sold Kane at the age of 30 years old for £86 million to Bayern Munich therefore their CEO knows how to make deals. They spent over €200 million on signing new players last season and over €150 million this season. Levy is part of the problem but Postecoglou as a manager is not good enough.

[Juicyhome]

RESULTS:

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Fulham 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City 0-3 Manchester United

Chelsea controlled massive amounts of possession but hardly had a shot on goal. I expected them to struggle without Palmer (because of injury) but to not cause problems for the Arsenal goalkeeper made it a pointless exercise. Chelsea looked good going forward in attack especially with Neto but most of the midfielders passed the ball back in the final third in order to keep possession.

I did not see anything spectacular from Arsenal that suggests they are guaranteed to finish as runners-up. Nottingham Forest will push them until the last game and could even overtake them.

Manchester United had a big win away at Leicester City. Hojlund and Garnacho scored a goal each after going many games without scoring, Fernandes scored the other goal. Their performances have been very good recently but Leicester City are facing relegation.

As for Tottenham, does anybody know what Postecoglou is doing? It really is time for him to be sacked before the end of the season. Congratulations to Fulham as they move to within four points of a Champions League place.

Tottenham has been a  mess for this season losing important matches every week. Its tiring for the fans supporting a club that's not progressive. I never expected them to lose against Fulham the worse the fans expected was a draw. Losing to Fulham by 2 goals to nil is embarrassing for a club like Tottenham, they have to find their fit and get back to their form to make the fans happy again.

Arsenal Vs Chelsea, I think Chelsea was even good enough to conceded only 1 goal in the match,the Chelsea defense was solid but their attacking force without palmer looks weak. Arsenal made so many attempts on goal but couldn't find the net. It was an Interesting game to watch but Arse dominated the game for both halves.

Leicester vs Manchester United, both team have met three time this season and Manchester United has defeated them on the three games. Manchester United was favourite to win the game , Leicester is struggling for relegation zone.

[igebotz]

I am sure all Chelsea fans such as you yourself will be asking why Chelsea keep dropping points immediately after Manchester City draw or lose games instead of trying to create a bigger gap between the two sides.

The only reason we're still in Top 4 contention this season with our current form is because our only challengers are City and Newcastle who also not consistent. Honestly we don't deserve to play CL football next season.

Levy is part of the problem but Postecoglou as a manager is not good enough.

We should not forget the injury crisis too- Ange is not a top manager, but he's not a terrible manager, and I'm sure he would do a better job at Chelsea than Enzo has done.

Leicester vs Manchester United, both team have met three time this season and Manchester United has defeated them on the three games. Manchester United was favourite to win the game , Leicester is struggling for relegation zone.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy Karma....

[JollyGood]

The next Premier League games will take place on 1st April. Until then, this is how the current Premier League table stands:

Honestly we don't deserve to play CL football next season.

On current form that is true but if they produce excellent performances in the remaining games of the season they will make a case to play in the Champions League on merit.

They are good enough to earn their place rather than Newcastle United and Manchester City (as well as Bournemouth, Fulham and Brighton) being unable to catch them because of their inconsistent form but they have to improve.

[tokeweed]

I think Guardiola is done with City after his current contract.  

Manchester City could enter a decline after he leaves because trying to bring a formidable manager to replace him (and one the team will accept to play under) will be almost impossible.

There's some possibility, sure like any club...  But I wouldn't worry too much about them as they seem to have their back room in order better than most clubs.  Replacing Guardiola would be a pain but that doesn't mean they won't get their stride back and start winning trophies again.  Ferran Soriano and Txiki ain't no slouches. 

And take a look at Liverpool.  Everybody thought that the club would have a hard time after Klopp but now they're leading the league in points.

[JollyGood]

When Ferguson left Manchester United, his successor Moyes inherited an aging team with inexperienced squad players and over a decade later they are still trying to recover from his departure (even many managers and coaches). I am certain Manchester City will go in decline when Guardiola departs and without a doubt they are in a decline this season therefore the most he might be able to do is to slow it down but the decline has started.

I think Liverpool found success under Slot because he did not buy players pre-season. He worked with a blend of talented and experienced young players that Klopp nurtured alongside established players. Salah has been outstanding and that was the main reason for their success, we all thought they would never win the Premier League but they will do it and congratulations to Slot for the achievement. Liverpool will take years to win another Premier League if Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk leave the club at the end of the season.

There's some possibility, sure like any club...  But I wouldn't worry too much about them as they seem to have their back room in order better than most clubs.  Replacing Guardiola would be a pain but that doesn't mean they won't get their stride back and start winning trophies again.  Ferran Soriano and Txiki ain't no slouches.  

And take a look at Liverpool.  Everybody thought that the club would have a hard time after Klopp but now they're leading the league in points.

[CLS63]

When Ferguson left Manchester United, his successor Moyes inherited an aging team with inexperienced squad players and over a decade later they are still trying to recover from his departure (even many managers and coaches). I am certain Manchester City will go in decline when Guardiola departs and without a doubt they are in a decline this season therefore the most he might be able to do is to slow it down but the decline has started.

I think Liverpool found success under Slot because he did not buy players pre-season. He worked with a blend of talented and experienced young players that Klopp nurtured alongside established players. Salah has been outstanding and that was the main reason for their success, we all thought they would never win the Premier League but they will do it and congratulations to Slot for the achievement. Liverpool will take years to win another Premier League if Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk leave the club at the end of the season.

You have a good point about Manchester City. When Guardiola leaves the team their future will be really ambiguous. Because he has built the whole squad according to his system. The next manager to come can have a completely different aspect and this can make things more complicated at the team.

Arne Slot was criticized a lot before the start of the season. But even though there isn't much of a new transfer now Liverpool are about to win the Premier League title. I'm also wondering what will happen this summer. They say Salah could still extend his contract but I remember his official statement to leave the team at the end of the season.

[igebotz]

Honestly we don't deserve to play CL football next season.

On current form that is true but if they produce excellent performances in the remaining games of the season they will make a case to play in the Champions League on merit.

They are good enough to earn their place rather than Newcastle United and Manchester City (as well as Bournemouth, Fulham and Brighton) being unable to catch them because of their inconsistent form but they have to improve.

We were meant to be in title contention this season, not dragging Top 4 positions with Nottingham, City, and Newcastle United - I don't care how we finish at right now. we're only 5 points below Nottingham, and Enzo Mascara must ensure we finish ahead of them at the end of the season.  That should be the team's target. Only way I can forgive him.

You have a good point about Manchester City. When Guardiola leaves the team their future will be really ambiguous. Because he has built the whole squad according to his system. The next manager to come can have a completely different aspect and this can make things more complicated at the team.

City's manager transition was great; from Mancini to Pellegrini to Pep - all excellent appointments, and I'm confident the new manager after Pep will continue to improve and win league titles with them.  They need to replace the players who have won everything at the club with young players who are hungry and willing to win titles.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

I think Liverpool found success under Slot because he did not buy players pre-season. He worked with a blend of talented and experienced young players that Klopp nurtured alongside established players. Salah has been outstanding and that was the main reason for their success, we all thought they would never win the Premier League but they will do it and congratulations to Slot for the achievement. Liverpool will take years to win another Premier League if Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk leave the club at the end of the season.

Yeah and I also think what contributed to Liverpool winning the league was because of the poor form of the other big teams. Just imagine if the likes of Chelsea, man united and Arsenal were as good as other seasons this season, it won't had been an easy campaign for Liverpool but the rest clubs made it so easy that Liverpool didn't have to fight their way to the trophy. This is one of the easiest title race that I have seen in a long time that even the second position is nowhere near the first position.

[7juju]

When Ferguson left Manchester United, his successor Moyes inherited an aging team with inexperienced squad players and over a decade later they are still trying to recover from his departure (even many managers and coaches). I am certain Manchester City will go in decline when Guardiola departs and without a doubt they are in a decline this season therefore the most he might be able to do is to slow it down but the decline has started.

I think Liverpool found success under Slot because he did not buy players pre-season. He worked with a blend of talented and experienced young players that Klopp nurtured alongside established players. Salah has been outstanding and that was the main reason for their success, we all thought they would never win the Premier League but they will do it and congratulations to Slot for the achievement. Liverpool will take years to win another Premier League if Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk leave the club at the end of the season.

You have a good point about Manchester City. When Guardiola leaves the team their future will be really ambiguous. Because he has built the whole squad according to his system. The next manager to come can have a completely different aspect and this can make things more complicated at the team.

Whenever Pep Guardiola decides to leave Manchester city, I believe he is going to have a say in who will succeed him as the next Manchester city manager. We are going to see a similar thing that happened when Jürgen klopp wanted to leave Liverpool. He was part of the process and he made sure it was someone who his football philosophy aligned with his pattern of play. He introduced the Man to the fans and asked them to support him, and we all saw how that has played out very well for Liverpool. Liverpool did one of the best transition in recent years. Something similar will happen with Manchester city when Pep Guardiola era will be over.

Arne Slot was criticized a lot before the start of the season. But even though there isn't much of a new transfer now Liverpool are about to win the Premier League title. I'm also wondering what will happen this summer. They say Salah could still extend his contract but I remember his official statement to leave the team at the end of the season.

Yes Arne Slot received a fair criticism before the start of the season, because he was coming from the Dutch league and he haven't coached in a big league as the premier league and he was going to a big club as Liverpool. So people were just wondering if he could continue the legacies that Klopp has left in the club. I believe at this point those criticisms won't come up again, because he has exceeded expectations. Salah is leaving Liverpool, they are just saying he will sign new contract just to calm the fans. If Salah would sign another contract he would have done it by now.

[JollyGood]

You have a good point about Manchester City. When Guardiola leaves the team their future will be really ambiguous. Because he has built the whole squad according to his system. The next manager to come can have a completely different aspect and this can make things more complicated at the team.

The next manager will have his own ideas about training and formation therefore the player will have to adjust to fit in to his plans and structure. Guardiola will not win another trophy with Manchester City, it is just a matter of time before he quits. As soon as he signed his contract extension, the club started losing games and momentum. I cannot see him continuing as their manager.

We were meant to be in title contention this season, not dragging Top 4 positions with Nottingham, City, and Newcastle United - I don't care how we finish at right now. we're only 5 points below Nottingham, and Enzo Mascara must ensure we finish ahead of them at the end of the season.  That should be the team's target. Only way I can forgive him.

That means you would be happy if Chelsea finished 3rd (behind leaders Liverpool and runners up Arsenal) in any position as long as Chelsea finish above Nottingham Forest?

Yeah and I also think what contributed to Liverpool winning the league was because of the poor form of the other big teams. Just imagine if the likes of Chelsea, man united and Arsenal were as good as other seasons this season, it won't had been an easy campaign for Liverpool but the rest clubs made it so easy that Liverpool didn't have to fight their way to the trophy. This is one of the easiest title race that I have seen in a long time that even the second position is nowhere near the first position.

If Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United had been on brilliant form, I think Liverpool were still going to win because they have been the best Premier League team this season. It is one of the easiest title races for a long time, hopefully next season will be more competitive.

Whenever Pep Guardiola decides to leave Manchester city, I believe he is going to have a say in who will succeed him as the next Manchester city manager. We are going to see a similar thing that happened when Jürgen klopp wanted to leave Liverpool. He was part of the process and he made sure it was someone who his football philosophy aligned with his pattern of play. He introduced the Man to the fans and asked them to support him, and we all saw how that has played out very well for Liverpool. Liverpool did one of the best transition in recent years. Something similar will happen with Manchester city when Pep Guardiola era will be over.

Welcome to the thread  

I believe that will not happen. In my opinion Guardiola will not assist in finding and appointing a successor because when Ferguson did it with Moyes it did not work. When Guardiola leaves Manchester City he will probably be glad his time there was over and would not want to be blamed for something after he left.

[igebotz]

That means you would be happy if Chelsea finished 3rd (behind leaders Liverpool and runners up Arsenal) in any position as long as Chelsea finish above Nottingham Forest?

Yes- can't imagine us finishing below Nottingham forest, I can do with Arsenal but not Notty

Whenever Pep Guardiola decides to leave Manchester city, I believe he is going to have a say in who will succeed him as the next Manchester city manager.

No manager wants to be in a situation where fans and club will blame them if their recommended replacement turns out to be an ass. We saw how everyone was blaming Ferguson for taking the club on the wrong with his final decision after he retired. Cost him his job on the Manutd board many years later. City scouts will get a good replacement, they're good at that.

[7juju]

Whenever Pep Guardiola decides to leave Manchester city, I believe he is going to have a say in who will succeed him as the next Manchester city manager. We are going to see a similar thing that happened when Jürgen klopp wanted to leave Liverpool. He was part of the process and he made sure it was someone who his football philosophy aligned with his pattern of play. He introduced the Man to the fans and asked them to support him, and we all saw how that has played out very well for Liverpool. Liverpool did one of the best transition in recent years. Something similar will happen with Manchester city when Pep Guardiola era will be over.

Welcome to the thread  

I believe that will not happen. In my opinion Guardiola will not assist in finding and appointing a successor because when Ferguson did it with Moyes it did not work. When Guardiola leaves Manchester City he will probably be glad his time there was over and would not want to be blamed for something after he left.

Thanks for warm welcome 🤗

Well the issue of Manchester United I think will be a bit different from this one. Manchester United didn't handle their own properly. Had it been they appointed someone who came through the rank and mentorship of Alex Ferguson, things wouldn't have been that ugly for them the way it turned out. Pep is someone who has mentored so many young coaches and today they are all doing well. Manchester United appointed a coach with no proven record of success when Ferguson was leaving. Manchester city I believe will not go outside of Pep Guardiola prodigies when the time comes. This is one area I think Pep Guardiola is already helping and making sure that the future of the club will be safe. Pep Guardiola prodigies are all in a top club right now and playing in europe and gaining great experiences. Manchester United own was more like political. Ferguson wanted his fellow country Man to take over, without considering the future of the club. And when favouritism takes the place of credibility, bad results will be inevitable. Before Pep will leave, Vincent Kompany will be ripe to takeover from Etihad, and that will come through Pep Guardiola recommendation, let's watch and see. The fans will approve that because they all know Kompany very well. Liverpool didn't politics with their's and it's working out for them.

[tokeweed]

When Ferguson left Manchester United, his successor Moyes inherited an aging team with inexperienced squad players and over a decade later they are still trying to recover from his departure (even many managers and coaches). I am certain Manchester City will go in decline when Guardiola departs and without a doubt they are in a decline this season therefore the most he might be able to do is to slow it down but the decline has started.

I think Liverpool found success under Slot because he did not buy players pre-season. He worked with a blend of talented and experienced young players that Klopp nurtured alongside established players. Salah has been outstanding and that was the main reason for their success, we all thought they would never win the Premier League but they will do it and congratulations to Slot for the achievement. Liverpool will take years to win another Premier League if Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk leave the club at the end of the season.

As I said before, Man City has set up their back room better than most clubs.  Man United and the likes of Chelsea hasn't.  And even Liverpool too had their struggles after their dominant stint during the 1980's because their back room wasn't in order. 

But yeah the decline could happen but then again it might not...  We'll just have to see but I think the chance of that happening is surely lower than Man United after Ferguson.

[JollyGood]

Yes- can't imagine us finishing below Nottingham forest, I can do with Arsenal but not Notty

I am certain Nottingham Forest will finish either second or third therefore it will be an interesting finale to the season for Chelsea (especially after your strong views on forgiving or not forgiving Maresca) 

Before Pep will leave, Vincent Kompany will be ripe to takeover from Etihad, and that will come through Pep Guardiola recommendation, let's watch and see. The fans will approve that because they all know Kompany very well. Liverpool didn't politics with their's and it's working out for them.

Guardiola will risk further damage to his legacy if he recommends a successor. As for Kompany, he is not a suitable match for Manchester City just as he is not suitable for Bayern Munich. He might find momentary success with Bayern Munich because of the brilliant squad he inherited from Tuchel but in the long term I doubt he has managerial credentials at the highest levels of European football.

As I said before, Man City has set up their back room better than most clubs.  Man United and the likes of Chelsea hasn't.  And even Liverpool too had their struggles after their dominant stint during the 1980's because their back room wasn't in order. 

But yeah the decline could happen but then again it might not...  We'll just have to see but I think the chance of that happening is surely lower than Man United after Ferguson.

David Gill left Manchester United at the same time as Sir Alex Ferguson and it contributed to the decline of the club.

If Manchester City keep the main personnel of their board of directors, they might avoid a decline but a new manager will bring his own playing style and it will not suit all of the players. Some players have moved on, some are old and some are unhappy therefore all of this means Manchester City have probably entered the period of decline. We have to wait for the season to finish to evaluate their position in the Premier League table.

[7juju]

Before Pep will leave, Vincent Kompany will be ripe to takeover from Etihad, and that will come through Pep Guardiola recommendation, let's watch and see. The fans will approve that because they all know Kompany very well. Liverpool didn't politics with their's and it's working out for them.

Guardiola will risk further damage to his legacy if he recommends a successor. As for Kompany, he is not a suitable match for Manchester City just as he is not suitable for Bayern Munich. He might find momentary success with Bayern Munich because of the brilliant squad he inherited from Tuchel but in the long term I doubt he has managerial credentials at the highest levels of European football.

Of course I didn't even expect Kompany to have achieved as much as he has done in his first season at a top club like Bayern Munich. Kompany is making Xabi Alonso Bayer Leverkusen look like their are not working hard enough. This is Kompany that is still very young and has only Managed Anderlecht and He guided Burnley from the champions to the premier league and stayed one year in the premier league. His tactics were okay, but Burnley management couldn't afford quality players. Kompany has exceeded my expectations as Bayern coach, because he has been able to utilise a squad that a world class coach like Thomas Tuchel couldn't manage very well. He is doing well in his inaugural season. And gradually he will learn everything he needs to know in due time. At least Guardiola is not leaving this season. He is likely to stay two two seasons before he will leave. So before that time, Kompany must have gained all necessary experiences.

[igebotz]

Yes- can't imagine us finishing below Nottingham forest, I can do with Arsenal but not Notty

I am certain Nottingham Forest will finish either second or third therefore it will be an interesting finale to the season for Chelsea (especially after your strong views on forgiving or not forgiving Maresca) 

There's another interesting market I'm looking up to at the moment; Brighton to finish in TOP6 is 11/1 odd, they're only a point behind Newcastle and would be an interesting battle to see who secures the Europa league spot at the end of the season.

If Manchester City keep the main personnel of their board of directors, they might avoid a decline but a new manager will bring his own playing style and it will not suit all of the players. Some players have moved on, some are old and some are unhappy therefore all of this means Manchester City have probably entered the period of decline. We have to wait for the season to finish to evaluate their position in the Premier League table.

Why overhaul the team when they can bring in someone who shares Pep's ideology but has a different mentality?  Pep is a possession-based manager, and there are many other good managers in Europe who share this concept.  Getting someone with a different mentality would force the club to have another hectic summer to get new players fit for the new system, which is how Chelsea and Manchester United lost their way.

[CLS63]

Chelsea is still continuing to sign new players. Even while they aren't in a transfer window they still don't stop. Chelsea is signing 2 players from Sporting seemingly.



These are players I don't even know of to be honest. Chelsea has been doing this for a long time. They are signing not much known players by paying a really good sum for each one of them. I don't even know how many players they will have in their squad with these transfers. Do you think this is a good transfer policy? I don't find it very good. I think this team was managed better in the Abramovich era.

[tokeweed]

As I said before, Man City has set up their back room better than most clubs.  Man United and the likes of Chelsea hasn't.  And even Liverpool too had their struggles after their dominant stint during the 1980's because their back room wasn't in order. 

But yeah the decline could happen but then again it might not...  We'll just have to see but I think the chance of that happening is surely lower than Man United after Ferguson.

David Gill left Manchester United at the same time as Sir Alex Ferguson and it contributed to the decline of the club.

If Manchester City keep the main personnel of their board of directors, they might avoid a decline but a new manager will bring his own playing style and it will not suit all of the players. Some players have moved on, some are old and some are unhappy therefore all of this means Manchester City have probably entered the period of decline. We have to wait for the season to finish to evaluate their position in the Premier League table.

Define decline...  With how sorted things are, yeah there could be some decline but it wouldn't be as bad as Man United and Liverpool's decline which lasted more than 10 years.  City could be 'in decline' for a couple of seasons then they'll be back in order.

I think Guardiola's replacement might be Arteta.  Both their contracts are ending on 2027.  If Guardiola decides to leave City a year early on 2026, City will prolly try to lure Xabi Alonso.  But that's kinda a long shot.  Liverpool would be more likely for him in the EPL.