Where Were We?

Oh right.  Newcastle were winless with two goals in three matches and were saying goodbye to 27 goal scorer Alexander Isak.  Things can only get better?

Can't Get No Respect

Frankly, this is ridiculous.  Nottingham Forest sacked Nuno Espirito Santo just three matches into the 2025/26 season.  His relationship with the owner was already strained and Santo was fairly public that he didn't think much of Edu Gaspar, Forest's new "Head of Global Football."  Probably not ideal but I must ask if the relationship with the owner was so strained, why the eff did Santo get a new three-year contract in June 2025?

The Rodney Dangerfield of EPL Managers?

Santo's record as an EPL manager is pretty clear.  He got Wolves promoted to the Premier League in 17/18, led them to consecutive seventh place finishes in 18/19 and 19/20 and 13th place in 20/21.  He "left "after that season.  His next stop was Spurs.  They got off to a good start for the 21/22 season but Santo was sacked after just 17 matches; Spurs were 8-2-7 at the time but the seven losses were consecutive.  Still, other managers have gotten way more leeway.  After a brief stint in the Saudi Pro League, he returned to the EPL in December 2023 as manager of Nottingham Forest.  Arguably, he saved Forest from relegation that season.  In 24/25, he lead them to a seventh place finish and qualification for UEFA competition for the first time in 30 years.    

Opta has a great article here highlighting how Santo was able to achieve success at Forest.  

Is the guy just unlikeable?  This article from the NYT suggests not.  

I am comforted by the fact that he will be paid by Forest for three years but this is nuts.

But the Levy Was Dry (apologies to Don McLean)

In the category of departures that might be more deserved, Spurs announced last week that Daniel Levy was removed as Tottenham Board Chair.  Details can be had here.  The following two paragraphs offer a good summary of why there was mostly rejoicing from Spurs fan base:

Despite the club routinely challenging in the top half of the table Levy has come under heavy criticism from the fanbase, and last season, multiple protests were held outside of games about the way he has run the club.

Supporters have been frustrated by the wage bill, which is much lower than their biggest rivals, and the constant cycle of head coaches. Frank was the 14th and final permanent manager to work under Levy.

This is likely as big for Spurs as was the departure of Mike Ashley from Newcastle.  

Conversation That Most Definitely Took Place

Michael:  Here's the World Cup draw for the US:

Steve: I thought it was Ukraine and not Russia

Michael: Russia eliminated them in the qualifiers

Steve: But Russians were offside, clearly in Ukrainian territory behind the last defenders

Michael: True but Trump was the ref

Back on the Horse

A packed Saturday 10 am schedule means you will need to choose wisely.

Ange Postecoglou will get an early test at Nottingham Forest as they take on Arsenal at The Emirates Saturday at 7:30; that's on USA.   Five to choose from at 10 am.  We'll be hoping that Newcastle get their first win as they face last place Wolves.  Dennis will be looking for the same as they face Everton;  Opta says that one might be tougher than they'd like .  Both of those are on Peacock as curiously USA chose Fulham - Leeds.  Brighton - Bournemouth or Crystal Palace - Sunderland are your other options.

The 12:30 NBC feature match is a London derby with West Ham hosting Spurs.  There's a bonus 3 pm Saturday match between Brentford and Chelsea on USA.

Just two on Sunday - Burnley Liverpool at 9 on USA and the Manchester derby at 11:30 on Peacock.  This might be a derby in name only as Opta doesn't see much hope for United, giving them just a 16% chance of winning compared to City at 66%.

The Union are out in Vancouver Saturday with a 9:35 start. They are third in the west so this is not a easy fixture.