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Slot Under Pressure
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure following a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, a result that compounded the club’s poor run of form. Slot fielded a largely youthful team to protect key players ahead of crucial matches against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
"If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, you know the pressure is there," Slot admitted.
Five matches into the season, Liverpool led Villa by 12 points, but the two sides now meet level on goal difference. Villa have revived their campaign with four consecutive wins, including victories over Tottenham and City, while Liverpool’s title defense has faltered. The Reds have not kept a clean sheet in 10 games, struggling to integrate new signings and cope with the departures of stars such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz. Former defender Jamie Carragher described the situation as a “crisis” for the club.
Bournemouth’s Unbeaten Run Tested
Bournemouth will face a stern challenge at the Etihad on Sunday as they attempt to continue their unbeaten streak, the longest in the league, against Manchester City. The Cherries have not lost since the opening night of the season at Liverpool and are aiming for a historic European qualification.
City, six points behind Arsenal after a 1-0 defeat at Villa last weekend, are increasingly reliant on Erling Haaland, the club’s top scorer. Injured players Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki returned midweek with goals in a 3-1 League Cup win over Swansea, offering Pep Guardiola additional attacking options.
Tottenham Seek Home Stability
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has made progress addressing the team’s struggles away from home, but home form remains a concern. Of Spurs’ 17 points from nine games, 13 have been secured on the road, highlighting the need to establish a “fortress” at their stadium. Frank stressed the importance of combining fan support with player energy to achieve consistent performances at home.
 
                         
            
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