The Athletic FC Podcast

Weekend Preview: Arsenal’s Anfield test and 2023 in review

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview the last set of games before Christmas.</p><br><p>First up, a Christmas cracker at the top of the table, with Arsenal visiting Anfield. The Gunners lead the league but are without a win away to Liverpool in over a decade.</p><br><p>Elsewhere West Ham host Man United, where they have a chance to overtake the Red Devils in the table, while guest Jon Mackenzie shares his controversial take on David Moyes. </p><br><p>Other storylines ahead of this weekend include Everton going for 5 wins in a row versus Spurs and a debut at Nottingham Forest for Nuno Espirito Santo.</p><br><p>And finally, for our last show of 2023, we look back on our best and worst moments of the year, and make some Christmas wishes for 2024.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, Tim Spiers</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are Liverpool 2.0 ready to win the Premier League?

<p>They were frustrated by Man United last weekend, sensational against West Ham last night... Liverpool’s last two games sum up the predicament many fans find themselves in when trying to assess whether Klopp’s <em>Liverpool 2.0</em> are really ready to win the Premier League this season.</p><p>Do they need to strengthen in January, are they still over-reliant on talisman Mo Salah and will Arsenal this weekend provide a definitive acid-test? </p><p>Plus, how the club have reacted to Thursday's big news that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) attempts to block a potential European Super League were “unlawful”.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce to discuss.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Cooper & Marinakis reach breaking point: Good luck Nuno…

<p>Even as Nuno Espirito Santo becomes Nottingham Forest's new manager, the fanbase continues to mourn the departure of Steve Cooper - a coach widely regarded as their best since legendary club figure Brian Clough...</p><p>This is a story that will resonate with fans all over the world - why there is no room for sentiment in modern football.</p><p>So, does Evangelos Marinakis have a plan, or are this just the latest example of a Premier League side run entirely on the impulses of their wealthy owner? </p><br><p>Produced by Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Xavi losing his grip on the Barcelona job?

<p>Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid aren’t the only team upstaging the mighty Barcelona this season… </p><p>The Catalans are already nine points behind league leaders <strong><em>Girona</em></strong> - and the goals have dried up for star striker Robert Lewandowski too.</p><p>So, is Xavi on borrowed time in the dugout. Why is Barca president Joan Laporta interfering in team selection?</p><p>And if they were to make a change - would they have to look further than the long-list of talented coaches all to emerge from the Spanish region of San Sebastian?</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How Dyche got Everton out of trouble

<p>Four weeks on from being hit with a record Premier league points deduction, Everton's fighting spirit is undeniable...</p><p>After four wins on the bounce, the Toffees already clear of the drop-zone - and in fact - if their appeal was successful they'd be firmly in the race for European football.</p><p>So how has Sean Dyche masterminded their escape, and with a takeover and the January transfer window looming - are they out of trouble just yet?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jacob Whitehead and Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland to discuss.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: More Anfield pain for Man United?

<p>Adam Levethal returns to preview Matchweek 17 of the Premier League!</p><p>The weekend is headlined by table-topping Liverpool taking on Manchester United. Will Jurge Klopp’s side dish out another 7-0 thumping to The Red Devils at a slightly larger Anfield?</p><p>Then we switch our minds to the Dyche derby as Everton’s manager returns to Turf Moor. Will the in-form Toffees come unstuck at Vincent Kompany’s Clarets?</p><p>And finally a whistle stop of other interesting storylines - will Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United win back to back games? Why are Chelsea the worst team not to be relegated in the Premier League in the past 12 months? How do Newcastle Utd refocus after their draining European exit against a re-energised Fulham?</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Jacob Whitehead, Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie.</p><p>Producers: Adam Jones &amp; Steve Hankey</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What now for Newcastle?

<p>Newcastle United's dreams of Champions League progress ended in failure as AC Milan mounted a second half comeback to knock them out.</p><p>Newcastle's focus will now be to get back into the competition via the Premier League despite missing key players due to injury as well as Sandro Tonali, the player they signed from AC Milan, suspended until next season.</p><p>Why did Newcastle’s European campaign fail, what’s happening with Tonali and what room for manoeuvre do they have in January?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Newcastle United writer - and Pod on the Tyne regular - Chris Waugh and our Italian Football writer James Horncastle.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Man United are unlikely to sack Ten Hag – yet

<p>Man United are out of Europe, 10 points off top spot in the Premier League and it’s not even Christmas… </p><p>In normal circumstances, any Manchester United manager would be under almost unbearable pressure… </p><p>So why aren’t the club going to sack Erik ten Hag just yet? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Man United writer Laurie Whitwell and our German football writer Raphael Honigstein</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can Chelsea afford another January spending spree?

<p>Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino may want to spend MORE money this January… </p><p>So, after almost a billion pounds in transfer fees already, could there really be another spending spree?</p><p>And how much progress has actually been made at Chelsea under Pochettino? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton &amp; our Chelsea writer Liam Twomey - also a regular on our Chelsea podcast ‘Straight Outta Cobham’ </p><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Has Emery made Aston Villa title contenders?

<p>After beating Man City on Wednesday night, Aston Villa backed that up against Arsenal on Saturday, seeing off Mikel Arteta's side 1-0 at Villa Park.</p><p>Having won 15 games in a row at home, Unai Emery has now taken Villa to within two points of the Premier League summit.</p><p>So what is possible for Aston Villa this season and should they be considered title contenders?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Data Writer Thom Harris to discuss Villa's remarkable transformation under Emery.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALLand get on your way to being your best self</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Can Arsenal end Villa's streak?

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview Matchweek 16 of the Premier League!</p><p>The weekend is headlined by a clash between table-topping Arsenal and surprise-package Aston Villa. Can Villa extend their winning run at home to 15 games?</p><p>Then we ask what's going wrong at Manchester City? The Champions are without a win in four matches and have only managed three in their last nine. </p><p>And finally it's a tour of some other interesting storylines - will Manchester United continue their mini-renaissance vs Bournemouth? Will Steve Cooper still have a job by Monday? And how high can Everton climb even with their points penalty? </p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Joey D'Urso, Oli Kay</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What's wrong with Man City?

<p>After Manchester City fell to defeat at Villa Park on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola's side slipped to fourth in the Premier League and six points off pace-setters Arsenal.</p><p>So what is going wrong at City, is it a glitch in the matrix or are their problems more serious?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Mark Critchley, Pol Ballus and Thom Harris to explore and examine City's winless run as it stretched to four games in the Premier League.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Kompany’s iconic status buying him more time?

<p>Despite a 5-0 win over Sheffield United on the weekend, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley were beaten again this week &amp; remain in Premier League relegation zone...</p><p>Kompany has revolutionised their playing style, but does a ‘stubborn’ commitment to one way of playing hold back too many managers in the Premier league?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, Andy Jones and journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to discuss.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Jorginho interview: Arteta's plan, 'unbelievable' Havertz & penalties

<p>In this exclusive interview for The Athletic, Arsenal and Italy midfielder Jorginho joins host Ayo Akinwolere, to talk about the Gunners' Premier League title charge, 'misunderstood' Kai Havertz and more...</p><p>What's it <em>really</em> like to play for Mikel Arteta and why deep-lying central midfielders have become so expensive in the transfer market.</p><p>Jorginho also opens up about the abuse he's suffered having missed penalties for Italy, why dual-nationality can be a gift and a curse in football, and working his way back into the squad for Euro 2024.</p><p>Plus, if Bukayo Saka is playing too much football and his work to help young players manage their money better.</p><p><em>Jorginho is founding Investor and Ambassador at</em><a href="https://gatherinvesting.com/"><em> Gather</em></a></p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can a rebooted Trent lead Liverpool to the title?

<p>Trent Alexander-Arnold is flying in the Premier League…</p><p>A year on from playing a bit-part role in Qatar and struggling for form at home, Trent is now excelling for club &amp; country in a bespoke hybrid role..</p><p>So is unlocking his immense talent the key to Liverpool’s title challenge &amp; has he finally convinced Gareth Southghate that he has to find a starting place for him for England..</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Liverpool writer James Pearce, Senior Football writer Oli Kay and Data Analyst Mark Carey.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Will Angeball bounce back at Man City?

<p>Adam Leventhal hosts Luke Bosher, Tim Spiers, and Nick Miller to preview matchweek 14 in the Premier League. </p><p>First on the docket is the Man City vs Tottenham, with the away side looking to live up to their reputation as the champion's 'bogey team', with Spurs having won 5 of the last 7 matchups. </p><p>Then it's a trip to Tyneside for Newcastle vs Man United. With both teams having had emotionally exhausting midweek games, who will come out on top?</p><p>And there's also time for a discussion of basement battle Burnley vs Sheffield United, league leaders Arsenal vs Wolves, and Chelsea vs Brighton. </p><p>Producer: John Rogers</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Onana really to blame?

<p>Bottom of the group having conceded 14 goals in only 5 group stage games, Man United now stand on the brink of Champions League elimination...</p><p>But despite some costly individual errors, is it really all goalkeeper Andre Onana’s fault? </p><p> Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Man United writer Carl Anka and our Italian football writer James Horncastle.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Will Ancelotti leave Real Madrid for Brazil?

<p>The lure of Real Madrid has proven almost irresistible to the world’s best players and coaches for decades...</p><p>Success feels like a virtual guarantee these days with Jude Bellingham at the heart of one of the most exciting young teams on earth - So why would anyone want to leave?</p><p>The Soap Opera of ‘Don’ Carlo Ancelotti’s future continues…</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos and La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Will Newcastle really sign players from the Saudi League?

<p>Eddie Howe has questioned why all the focus seemed to be on Newcastle, following the Premier Leagues effort to block ‘related-party loans’…</p><p>So are they actually going to sign Ruben Neves in January? Or anyone else from the Saudi Pro League for that matter? </p><p>And why is the richest club in the world, turning to a 17 year-old midfielder amid an injury crisis? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, plus Jacob Whitehead &amp; Chris Waugh.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Havertz suits evolving Arsenal

<p>Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly hit the ground running but could his late-winner at Brentford mean lift-off for his Arsenal career? </p><p>And with the best defence in the division - are Arsenal a better <em>team</em> than last season - if not quite as fun to watch? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal writer Amy Lawrence and German football writer Raphael Honigstein. </p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Liverpool head to Man City as top two clash

<p>Manchester City host title rivals Liverpool in the first game of the weekend, as the Premier League returns from the final international break of the year, with the visitors looking to lay down a marker.</p><p>Sunday sees Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park fresh from their 10-point deduction while Tottenham take on Aston Villa in a battle of fourth versus fifth.</p><p>Newcastle welcome Chelsea to Tyneside to round off the heavyweight clashes, while Sheffield United and Bournemouth play out a relegation 6-pointer. </p><p>All that and more, as Adam Leventhal hosts Colin Millar, Thom Harris, and Reuben Pinder.</p><p>Produced by John Rogers</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to <strong>coorslight.com/athleticfootball</strong></p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lyon and the danger of multi-club ownership

<p>After seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the early 2000s, we’d forgive you for thinking Lyon are still firmly a part of European football’s aristocracy </p><p>But after 11 games this season - they’re bottom of the table, their world-famous pool of academy talent seems to have dried up, and after losing one of the most influential football executives of this century could a genuine 'legacy club' soon be a second-division side?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined one final time this week by The Athletic’s Matt Slater &amp; Adam Crafton, plus our German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins in to connect the dots with our fifth club, Hertha Berlin.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>**</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to <strong>coorslight.com/athleticfootball</strong></p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Inter Milan: Winning titles, losing money

<p>It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Inter Milan. Ticking along nicely in the Champions League and top of Serie A as they chase silverware for a fourth consecutive season… </p><p>Behind the scenes however, the picture isn’t quite as rosy. Despite increased revenues, profits are low and debts are sky-high. Add to that an outdated stadium, an ageing squad and some high-profile departures.</p><p>So, is it enough for them to just be successful on the pitch and if a takeover is the solution, are they, or any Italian club, attractive enough to buy? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater &amp; our Italian football writer James Horncastle.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>**</p><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to <strong>coorslight.com/athleticfootball</strong></p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Barcelona 'bet the house' on their future - will it work?

<p>It doesn’t seem<strong> </strong>that long ago, that Pep’s Barcelona were the epitome of a well-run football club.</p><p>Moving on from Messi &amp; co was always going to be difficult, but a series of failings on and off the pitch, led to a fall from grace. Only last month however, President Joan Laporta proclaimed the crisis he ‘inherited’ was over.</p><p>But, as the reigning La Liga Champions’, net debt climbs to almost £1.2bn - is everything quite as it seems at Barca? </p><p>In the second part of our series ‘Crisis Clubs’, examining the financial states of five European football clubs, Ayo Akinwolere, Matt Slater &amp; Dermot Corrigan dig into the numbers and plot a potential way out for Barcelona.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to <strong>coorslight.com/athleticfootball</strong></p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What Everton’s punishment could mean for Man City & Chelsea

<p>On Friday came the news that Everton have been hit with an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.</p><p>Leaving Everton with only four points, and in the relegation zone, despite an up-turn in recent form on the pitch… </p><p>So today, we’ll explain why Everton have been punished, what happens next &amp; what it might mean for clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater, Football Correspondent David Ornstein &amp; Everton writer Patrick Boyland.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p><strong><em>***</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball</em></strong></p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Premier League roundtable: The season so far

<p>An international break gives Adam Leventhal and co a chance to sit down and reflect on the 12 gameweeks of Premier League action so far. </p><p>With the help of Nick Miller, Jay Harris, and Caoimhe O’Neill, we start by asking whether Man City can be beaten to the title this season, with Liverpool and Arsenal looking like the key contenders.</p><p>Then it's a trip to the foot of the table, and wondering whether the three promoted clubs - Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton - can escape instant relegation. </p><p>And finally, it's a tour of our moments of the season so far, featuring our favourite goals, matches, players, signings, and more!</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Man United’s leadership limbo: Arnold’s departure explained

<p>After the news that Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down to be replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, and with billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS set to buy a 25 per cent stake in United, does this move represent the start of a change of direction after a difficult 12 months at the club? </p><p>And can United live up to the claim they made to investors, that with the right support they can enjoy billion pound revenues?</p><p> Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton &amp; Dan Sheldon.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Napoli: From champions to chaos in six months

<p>Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia after just 16 matches in charge…</p><p>Walter Mazzarri is the surprise replacement having previously been in charge of the club in 2013..</p><p>So how have Napoli gone from winning their first league title in 33 years to sacking their manager just six months later?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Xabi Alonso: Europe's next 'super coach'

<p>Having taken Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga within 13 months of taking charge, Xabi Alonso has made a meteoric start to his managerial career.</p><p>After playing under some of the biggest names in coaching during his playing career, including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Alonso has already begun to forge an impressive reputation for himself.</p><p>The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Thom Harris join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Alonso's start in coaching at Leverkusen, which influences have shown within his side as well as assessing what could come next for the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Raheem Sterling’s England career over?

<p>Amongst the chaos at Stamford Bridge yesterday there was a top draw performance from one of the usual suspects in Raheem Sterling.</p><p>But despite being one of the best players on the pitch in Chelsea’s four four draw with Manchester City, Sterling has - once again - not made the latest England squad.</p><p>So is Sterling being unfairly overlooked or has Gareth Southgate moved on with new faces, such as Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Chelsea writer Simon Johnson as well as Oli Kay.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead </p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>