Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring Brentford’s push for Europe, Nicolas Jackson’s red mist, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sad Anfield exit.

Thomas Frank working miracles at Brentford

Arne Slot and Nuno Espirito Santo are the likeliest winners of the Manager of the Season award, but Thomas Frank deserves a mention. Brentford climbed to eighth in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Ipswich Town, a position that could lead to a maiden qualification for Europe. It would be a phenomenal feat for Brentford, who boast the second-lowest wage budget in the division behind relegated Ipswich.

Since promotion to the Premier League, the Bees rank 18th in English football for overall expenditure and 15th for net spend. Despite resources and investment that are dwarfed by rival teams, Brentford find themselves on the cusp of Europe and ahead of teams including Manchester United, Everton, Spurs and West Ham in the table. Such has been their success, it’s largely been forgotten that the talismanic Ivan Toney was sold last summer. Frank has kept Brentford punching far above their weight.

Jackson red-mist could cost Chelsea

How costly could Nicolas Jackson’s red card at Newcastle prove to be? The Senegal striker was dismissed after catching Sven Botman with a wayward elbow. He will miss the rest of the season as a result.

The defeat at Newcastle leaves Chelsea clinging on to a place in the top five, ahead of clashes with Manchester United and Champions League rivals Nottingham Forest to finish the season. With Christopher Nkunku sidelined, Chelsea look light in attack.

“No doubt, 100%, Nico has to learn,” Enzo Maresca said at full-time.

“He will be suspended for the rest of the season now, and he has to learn for the future. It’s not the moment for me to speak to Nico. In the next day we’ll speak to him. This season is finished for him and he’s our No 9, our striker. We will need to find a different solution for the last two games. We have to avoid these kind of things because we need all our squad available.”

Sorry Spurs and Manchester United fully focused elsewhere

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have not quite downed tools, but their performances in the Premier League have been pretty pathetic of late. Their seasons hinge on who wins the Europa League final between the sides later this month, in a winner-takes-all shootout that, quite clearly, is the priority.

Manchester United lost for the ninth time at Old Trafford this season against West Ham. It’s an unwanted joint-record for the club, while only Leicester have conceded the first goal at home in more games than Ruben Amorim’s side. Such has been their torrid form, Amorim admitted afterwards that his job is far from safe.

Ange Postecoglou’s position is also riding on Europe. A second-string Spurs were picked apart by Crystal Palace, as the Eagles secured their first-ever league double over their capital rivals.

The teams are now 16th and 17th in the Premier League table. Even Europa League success can’t paper over that.

Marinakis madness disrespects Nuno feat

Evangelos Marinakis is never afraid to speak his mind, but few envisioned it happening on the City Ground pitch. Disappointed by Nottingham Forest’s draw with Leicester, the Greek owner confronted Nuno Espirito Santo.

It was a bizarre moment from the Forest owner, who has watched Nuno lead the side to unexpected heights this season. An end-of-season wobble has dented hopes of Champions League football, but this weekend confirmed European football for the first time in 30 years.

It’s been a miraculous feat from Nuno, who deserved better than to be berated in front of the watching world. Marinakis did not need to voice his frustration so publicly, in a display of disrespect to a head coach who has turned his team around this season.

Alexander-Arnold anger expected – but Anfield exit is sad

Trent Alexander-Arnold does not seem set for a fairytale farewell at Liverpool. The mixed reaction to the news of his imminent exit was loud and clear at Anfield, as the right-back was greeted by boos upon his introduction.

There is a large section of Liverpool fans unhappy with Alexander-Arnold, a homegrown hero who has decided to leave. This is a Liverpool side on top, winning trophies, and with an exciting future. Alexander-Arnold’s exit has confused and angered.

A boyhood fan, this was his dream and that of almost everyone in attendance at Anfield. How could he walk away?

But Alexander-Arnold is ambitious. Earlier this year, he discussed a desire to become the first full-back to win the Ballon d’Or, and a transfer to Real Madrid makes that bold target a little likelier. A new challenge, culture, league, life and language have tempted Alexander-Arnold away, keen to challenge himself out of his Anfield comfort zone. Even given the enormity of Liverpool, there is no higher-pressure environment than Real Madrid.

Anger, upset, and frustration are all valid feelings for Liverpool fans. But it can be simultaneously true that Alexander-Arnold does not need to be vilified for his decision. This is a footballer who has brought so much to the fanbase, who, in some sections, have turned. It’s a sad end to what should be an unforgettable chapter.

Read – Premier League Awards: Marinakis meltdown, Cash clears

See more – Premier League Team of the Week: Eze, Burn, Wieffer

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