Monday is here again, which means it’s time for ‘Morning Mix’ – our weekly football column with a bit of music thrown in for good measure.
We look at two talking points from the past seven days and point you in the direction of some of the best football stories elsewhere on the internet.
We also offer a top tune recommendation to get you in the mood for the week ahead and what to watch out for over the coming days. Let’s get stuck in!
Relentless Man City dig deep
Joao Cancelo’s first-half dismissal against Fulham created an unwanted tactical headache for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Sunday.
However, despite playing nearly three-quarters of the game with 10 men, City dominated possession and eventually broke Fulham’s resistance.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Guardiola ensured his team kept the London outfit on the back foot. His wild celebrations for the winning goal were wholly justified.
Bournemouth are doomed
Newly-promoted Bournemouth were in the top half of the Premier League in the middle of October, sparking talk they could avoid being dragged into the relegation battle.
Four successive defeats have sent the Cherries into freefall in recent weeks and they are now just one point above the relegation zone.
They have conceded 32 goals in 14 games this season – the worst defensive record in the top flight. An immediate return to the Championship beckons.
The week that was
Are you looking for the best football stories from the past seven days? Check these out:
- From family steak house to Wolves: Lopetegui’s journey and love for attacking football.
- Qatar calling its critics racist opens a debate that may be worth having.
- Why is Manuel Pellegrini one of the best – and most underrated – coaches in the world?
Today’s top tune
Blink-182 recently dropped their new single, marking the first time Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have released music together in almost 10 years.
For people of a certain age, the band’s catchy punk-pop was the soundtrack to a time when they could still stand up without their knees creaking. Welcome back!
What to watch this week
Mark Hughes knows a thing or two about playing in derby games. He was once asked how Burnley versus Blackburn Rovers compared to other local rivalries.
“Good God,” he replied. “That one’s mad.” The bitter Lancashire rivals meet at Turf Moor next Sunday in what should be a cracking Championship encounter.
If you watch nothing else next weekend, watch these two teams lock horns. Fireworks are guaranteed!
A final Morning Mix thought
At a club not renowned for patience with managers, is it too soon to suggest Graham Potter might not see the season out at Chelsea?
