Key Highlights
- Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-2 draw against Burnley, extending their winless league start to five matches.
- West Ham United recorded back-to-back wins, moving closer to safety in the relegation zone.
- Manchester City won 2-0 against Wolves with Erling Haaland benched.
- Tottenham’s form and February fixtures raise fears of a potential relegation battle.
Spurs Struggle Continues: Draw at Burnley Puts Pressure on Manager
The ongoing struggle for Tottenham Hotspur was on full display as they secured a 2-2 draw against Burnley, extending their winless league start to five matches. This latest result has not only intensified the pressure on manager Thomas Frank but also raised concerns that the team could be dragged into a relegation battle.
Despite being just 10 points above the drop zone at the start of January, Tottenham’s form has been abysmal. They managed to snatch a last-minute equaliser against bottom-side Burnley in their latest match, yet it is clear that their recent performances have not satisfied the fanbase or the bookmakers.
According to a Sky Sports poll, 65% of users believe Tottenham are currently in a relegation battle.
Additionally, the odds for Tottenham’s relegation continue to drop, with the price now at 20/1. This situation is made even more daunting by their upcoming fixtures, which include matches against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, and Arsenal – all top-half sides.
Moreover, Tottenham’s fans have shown their displeasure with Frank at Turf Moor, adding to the pressure on him as he navigates a challenging season. The winter of discontent is likely to become even more pronounced if Tottenham fail to secure any wins in the coming matches.
West Ham Rejuvenated: Back-to-Back Wins Keep Survival Bid Alive
On the other side of the coin, West Ham United have managed to breathe new life into their survival bid with back-to-back victories. Their latest match saw them secure a 3-1 win over Sunderland at the London Stadium.
West Ham’s skipper Jarrod Bowen played a pivotal role in this victory, creating the key opener for Crysencio Summerville and then scoring from the spot himself. His all-action display was praised by Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who described Bowen as a “captain who leads by example.” This performance cemented Bowen’s growing stature at West Ham, with him now having scored and assisted in 11 different Premier League games for the club.
West Ham’s rejuvenation is crucial not only because they are currently fighting for their survival but also because it serves as a reminder of the potential hidden within the team. With Bowen leading from the front, there is hope that West Ham can continue to surprise and maintain a place in the league.
Manchester City Clinch Victory with Substitute’s Goal
Manchester City demonstrated their depth by securing a 2-0 win against Wolves despite Erling Haaland being rested for the match. The Norwegian star had scored only once in his previous eight appearances and was showing signs of exhaustion, prompting his rotation.
Despite Haaland’s absence, Manchester City managed to find the net early through substitute Omar Marmoush, who scored the opening goal. This came as a surprise given that Marmoush often plays as a wide forward mirroring Antoine Semenyo’s position.
His first Premier League goal of the season was crucial in setting up City’s victory.
City’s victory not only maintained their strong form but also showcased their ability to perform without their star striker. This depth is likely to be important during the back end of the season, especially as they aim to compete across multiple competitions including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
Man City 2-0 Wolves – Match report & highlights
The performance against Wolves laid bare a growing problem under manager Arne Slot: Liverpool had the ball but lacked purpose. Despite having 14 shots, their efforts amounted to just 0.83 expected goals, highlighting their struggles in creating chances and maintaining belief in their play.
