Premier League

**Solanke's Brace Powers Spurs to Dominant Victory Over Aston Villa** Witness the evolution of Ange Postecoglou's tactical approach, as Tottenham Hotspur showcased a more resilient and slightly pragmatic style of play. The manager's strategic decisions, including the impactful runs of Pape Matar Sarr in midfield and his motivational prowess at halftime, proved effective in securing a convincing win against Aston Villa. Initially, the match appeared to be heading in a troubling direction for Spurs when Villa took the lead through Morgan Rogers, putting them in a position to climb to third in the league. However, Tottenham responded emphatically in the second half, displaying a commanding performance that left Villa reeling. James Maddison, who came off the bench, capped off the scoring with a fourth goal in stoppage time. Brennan Johnson played a crucial role by netting the equalizer, while Dejan Kulusevski's deft assist set up Dominic Solanke for his first of two quick goals. Unai Emery, who had managed to stifle Spurs' momentum in the first half, could only watch in disbelief as his team succumbed to a relentless Spurs side that ultimately deserved their victory.

**Manchester United vs Chelsea: Premier League – Live Updates** - Updates from Old Trafford (Kick-off at 4:30 PM GMT) - Share your thoughts: Email Rob at rob.smyth@theguardian.com **Pre-Match Insights from Ruud van Nistelrooy** This week has been a whirlwind of emotions with Erik's departure and the transition to new management. I've been informed that I will be in charge until next Sunday, after which the new manager will take over. This allows us to concentrate on winning our next three matches. Reflecting on a past League Cup encounter, it was a memorable clash, particularly for the stark contrast between elegance and aggression on the pitch. Ron Harris, known for his tough style, was anything but subtle. One of his most infamous moments involved a brutal tackle on George Best, showcasing a raw form of physicality. Despite the ferocity of the challenge, Best managed to maintain his balance and continue his run, a testament to his skill and resilience. Stay tuned for live updates as the match unfolds!

Marc Guéhi's late goal for Crystal Palace denied Wolverhampton Wanderers their first league win of the season, leaving Gary O’Neil still searching for that elusive victory. Wolves initially took the lead with a goal from Trevoh Chalobah, but they squandered their advantage in the second half. Jorgen Strand Larsen and João Gomes scored in quick succession, turning the match in Wolves' favor. However, it seemed they may have relaxed too soon, believing the hard work was done. Wolves struggled to maintain their momentum, and the decision to part ways with their set-piece coach last month loomed large as both of Palace's goals came from set pieces. Guéhi managed to evade his marker, substitute Gonçalo Guedes, to score from a corner, ultimately securing a point for Palace. In a dramatic finish, O’Neil was relieved when VAR upheld referee Anthony Taylor's decision to disallow a last-minute goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta due to a foul on goalkeeper José Sá. However, the result may have cost O’Neil some support from the home fans.

Nottingham Forest are riding high after a thrilling victory over West Ham, with fans playfully chanting “We’re going to win the league” as a testament to their current form. This win marks Forest's third consecutive Premier League victory, a feat they haven't achieved in over 25 years, propelling them into third place in the league standings. Despite head coach Nuno Espírito Santo being banned from the touchline and owner Evangelos Marinakis unable to attend the match, the team has shown remarkable resilience. Forest boasts the second-best defense in the league, having conceded just seven goals, and they also feature one of the league's top strikers in Chris Wood. Wood, along with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina, played pivotal roles in securing the win against a West Ham side that was reduced to 10 men after Edson Álvarez received a red card in the first half.

Antoine Semenyo shone brightly as Bournemouth secured a stunning victory over Manchester City, bringing an end to City's remarkable 32-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League. The match highlighted the struggles of an aging City side, whose tired legs were unable to keep pace with a vibrant Bournemouth team brimming with energy and confidence. Bournemouth's performance was nothing short of exceptional, and their win was fully merited. Semenyo was particularly impressive, leaving City captain Kyle Walker in a difficult position as he outmaneuvered him with skill and agility. This defeat marked a rare moment of vulnerability for the reigning champions, who found themselves unable to cope with the relentless pressure from their opponents.

Alexander Isak's header secured a crucial victory for Newcastle, dealing a significant blow to Arsenal's title aspirations. Declan Rice exited the pitch visibly frustrated, shaking his head and muttering to himself. Arsenal had just squandered vital points in the Premier League title race, leaving manager Mikel Arteta looking increasingly despondent. Rice appeared bewildered by his team's inability to gain control in midfield. Newcastle capitalized on Arsenal's defensive frailties, with Anthony Gordon and the impressive match-winner Alexander Isak shining throughout the game. Arsenal's performance was marred by a series of uncharacteristic mistakes, allowing Eddie Howe's side to display their streetwise approach and earn a well-deserved victory. After a challenging stretch of five Premier League matches without a win, Newcastle is now looking to regain momentum and climb the league table.

Liverpool is set to face Brighton, while Bournemouth will take on Manchester City in an exciting day of football action. Fans can stay updated with all the latest developments from these matches and the FA Cup first round. In the Bournemouth lineup, the players include Travers, Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez, Cook, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier, and Evanilson. Stay tuned for live updates and scores throughout the day!

David Squires on … Arteta’s Halloween Costume and the United Coaching Carousel Our resident cartoonist reflects on the weekend’s Premier League action, including Mikel Arteta’s Halloween outfit and the ongoing developments at Manchester United. In this week’s cartoon, Squires captures the essence of the latest football happenings with his signature humor and wit. From Arteta’s festive attire to the swirling rumors surrounding United’s managerial situation, he provides a lighthearted take on the current state of the league. For those interested in Squires’ work, copies of his cartoons are available for purchase, and his new book, "Chaos in the Box," is now available for order. Stay tuned for more insights and laughs from our talented cartoonist as he continues to comment on the ever-evolving world of football.

City Takes the Lead After Arsenal and Liverpool Share Points – Football Weekly Podcast Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Dan Bardell, and Troy Townsend to discuss the thrilling 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool. In today's episode, the panel reflects on an exciting match at the Emirates Stadium, pondering whether Arsenal or Liverpool can be considered serious title contenders. Arsenal, facing a number of injuries and suspensions, may feel they were unlucky not to secure a victory, especially after some contentious refereeing decisions went against them. Tune in for insights and analysis on this captivating encounter and more from the world of football. Don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast on your favorite platforms, and join the conversation on social media or via email.

**Tired of Excuses: Manchester United's Patience with Ten Hag Finally Runs Out** The tipping point for Manchester United came after a disappointing defeat to West Ham, leading the club's hierarchy to part ways with Erik ten Hag. Over the past 14 months, there were numerous occasions when sacking the Dutch manager would have seemed justified. However, the club held on, hoping he could turn the situation around. Ultimately, their patience and willingness to accept excuses came to an end following yet another lackluster performance. The loss at West Ham left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, raising concerns about the possibility of missing out on Champions League football for another season. This defeat marked the third consecutive loss for the team in east London, which proved to be the final straw for the club's senior officials. They convened to discuss the termination of Ten Hag's contract, as confidence in securing a top-four finish had dwindled. While the decision to dismiss him could have been made at various points in recent weeks, the performance against West Ham was particularly telling of the team's struggles. A series of mistakes on the pitch contributed to yet another disappointing result, prompting a unanimous decision from the club's leadership. On Monday, Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth delivered the news to Ten Hag at Carrington, marking the end of his tenure at the club.