Premier League

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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The announcement by the Tottenham board is viewed by individuals close to the matter as largely a formality.

Market regulations require formal statements following speculation of such potential buyouts.

It has been claimed to BBC Sport that Brooklyn Earick was approached to issue the statement to the London Stock Exchange following a report in a national newspaper that claimed he was spearheading a takeover bid.

However, it was eventually left to Tottenham and Enic to publicly address the speculation, despite the fact Earick has been posting on social media about the reported takeover bid on Friday morning.

The seriousness of Earick's advances will become much clearer in the coming weeks. But what is clear is Spurs is viewed as a club that is purchasable.

Of course, the key catalyst of the recent flurry of interest from parties interested in taking over at Tottenham is the departure of long-serving executive chairman Daniel Levy.

Levy's exit has been taken by some as a clear sign that the Lewis family, who ultimately own the club, are preparing to sell.

However, the soundings - publicly and privately - are in complete contrast to the belief from some industry figures that the club is on the market.

The Lewis family are maintaining that Tottenham is simply not for sale. But that isn't preventing groups from testing the water.

Indeed, in addition to Earick's interest, a consortium involving Amanda Staveley has been among a number of parties not to have been dissuaded from pursuing a Spurs buyout despite the Lewis' family's stance.

If Earick is serious, then we may be about to find out how staunch the Lewis family are about leading Tottenham into the post-Levy era.

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Manchester United need to "take notice" of the data if they are to improve this season, says former defender Rio Ferdinand.

The Reds Devils have won two games so far this Premier League campaign and sit 11th in the table. And with a goal difference of minus two, consistently finding the back of the net has been a challenge.

However, statistics have previously suggested that Ruben Amorim's side have been playing better than their results suggest.

"I don't get strung along by data, but when there is data that's punching you in the nose, you've got to take notice of it," Ferdinand told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"When you look at all of the data around chances created and shots – in that element of the game Manchester United are really thriving. The only key area – the most important data – which isn't functioning and firing is the actual ball hitting back of the net.

"We're getting ourselves in the right positions to do that, but we just haven't executed. That has got to change. That has got to be an uplift - 100%.

"Before a ball was kicked this season, I was hopeful of change. I'm still probably in the hopeful situation right now, so that's not great. And only consistent results and a change in that area is going to change the way Manchester United fans feel about the team."

With his reluctance to move away from his three-at-the-back style, boss Amorim has already come under scrutiny with United's slow start to the season.

Asked whether he still sees the Portuguese being in charge in by January, Ferdinand responded: "I can, yeah - if results start improving and becoming more consistent in a positive way.

"The guys at Ineos are sensible guys. They are not knee-jerk reaction guys that are going to make a decision off the back of one result.

"It's a holistic approach. You can't give a manager a huge windfall of money to spend and then go and sack him after five or six games."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

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Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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A lot has changed at Newcastle United.

It is approaching four years since Eddie Howe took charge of his first game on the touchline against Arsenal.

There is likely to only be one survivor from his starting line-up that afternoon when the teams meet on Sunday - and that is Joelinton, who has since been reborn as a combative midfielder.

As well as an overhaul in personnel, there has been a real shift in mentality - not least in this fixture.

Newcastle previously had an awful record against Arsenal, but Howe's team have won five of the past nine meetings and often found a way to get under the skin of Mikel Arteta's side.

There has been needle in these matches and rather than downplaying that edge, Howe has long told his players they play better when they hit that "sweet spot".

Newcastle will certainly need to be aggressive at St James' Park on Sunday.

"It's always been competitive against Arsenal in the games that I've been here," said Howe.

"There has been an edge to those games because both teams are desperate to win. We encourage that. The more competitive we are, the better we play - so we need to bring that side of our game.

"We have players that really respond to that type of game."

It would, therefore, be a surprise if veterans Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn did not come back into the side after the pair were rotated midweek, while Jacob Murphy is also in contention to feature as he continues to manage an Achilles issue.

The trio are among those who know what it takes to get a result against Arsenal – and Newcastle will certainly need that know-how at the weekend.

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Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Morgan Rogers must play his way back into form and ignore the jeers, says Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.

The England international endured another disappointing display, despite Villa's 1-0 Europa League win over Bologna.

He completed just 10 of 24 attempted passes, a success rate of just under 42%, and won only four of his 12 duels.

Villa fans directed ironic cheers towards Rogers after he completed a pass late on as the hosts won their first game of the season.

"The fans have to show their emotions," Emery said. "We have to accept it. They applaud us and sometimes not.

"Morgan is young and needs time for experiences. I kept him on the field because I wanted his reaction, how he was accepting everything and he did it.

"He didn't play well and didn't be clinical in the attacking third to do the last assist, but I wanted to keep him because, firstly he's always doing his task.

"He was working for the team, but he was not being clinical offensively. He needs to take experiences, not playing very well, the crowd not being happy with him and him getting his experiences and grow up through it."

Hear more from Emery on BBC Sounds

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We asked how excited you are by Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha signing a professional contract and what advice you would give him.

Here are some of your comments:

Callum: I am over the moon with this. He is such an exciting young talent with such a high ceiling. If we give him the game time needed then he will be England's next left winger and Liverpool's.

Neil: Don't compare yourself against anyone, young man. Just be humble, hard working and listen to the leaders in the club. Trust that they will develop you and don't think too far ahead. Good luck - you have a lot of potential, but that is all it is at the moment.

Dave: Too much may be expected of him but I know that he will be coached correctly. I hope that he is allowed to live his life undisturbed.

Jim: You are hugely talented but keep grounded. Listen to you manager, coaches and team-mates, but remember that your spontaneity has its place too. It's about being great consistently not just in the odd game. Lastly, just remember that it's all about your team and not just about you.

Mike: Rio has an exceptional talent, is a joy to watch and an exciting prospect. All I would say to him is: stay relaxed, keep it fun and enjoy the journey.

Joe: Lots of attackers are quick and a lot are incredibly skilled too. Ngumoah has the rarest of the skills needed to be a great attacker - he's assured. He appears to have more time on the ball than most. I wouldn't dare to give him any advice. He clearly sees the game better than a lot of professionals, never mind amateurs like me. I'm simply going to watch and enjoy.

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Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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The mood around Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca appears to be gradually shifting.

Last season, the Italian expressed his affection for the squad he inherited upon taking the job with the Blues.

However, he has now openly voiced dissatisfaction over the failure to sign a central defender following Levi Colwill's injury, and young players like Marc Guiu and Josh Acheampong are not getting opportunities under his management.

Additionally, last week, he praised Liverpool's transfer business, stating: "If they continue this way, I think it is impossible to catch them."

These comments preceded a challenging week in which the team went winless in three away matches before narrowly securing a victory against League One Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.

We may be approaching a crossroads in Maresca's tenure, so it will be intriguing to see whether the team unites or if divisions emerge behind the scenes at Chelsea.

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport football statistician

Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland have taken a combined 19 points from their opening five games, making it the best start to a Premier League season by the promoted sides since 2017-18.

In fact, only four times in Premier League history have the promoted sides made a better start to a season.

So why have this season's trio started so much better than Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton last campaign?

Because they've been much more successful at keeping Premier League opposition at bay, conceding six fewer goals and giving up 31 fewer chances between them.

Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland haven't actually been much better in attack.

While they've scored four more goals than the promoted sides did at this stage last season, they've taken a similar number of shots and generated fewer expected goals between them, so there's still room for improvement going forward.

Burnley left-back Quilindschy Hartman has been speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire about his time with the Clarets since his move from Feyenoord in the summer, having featured in all five Premier League games so far this season.

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Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw at Real Betis may ultimately prove a positive result, given the Spaniards are among the favourites for this season's Europa League, but it means new boss Ange Postecoglou has failed to win any of his first four games in charge.

Frustratingly for the Australian, Forest have gone ahead in the past three of those matches but have been unable to hang on to their advantage.

That lack of resilience was a recurring problem during Postecoglou's reign at Tottenham. His Spurs side dropped 29 Premier League points from winning positions last term - more than any other side.

That tally rises to 49 points across his two seasons in north London. The only club with a worse record during that period were Brentford – then managed by Postecoglou's successor at Spurs, Thomas Frank.

To be fair to Postecoglou, Forest's weakness at protecting leads predates his arrival, with 44 points dropped in the past two campaigns despite a more counter-attacking style under Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo.

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Federico Chiesa says manager Arne Slot can likely see he is "better physically and mentally" compared to last season, creating an enhanced trust in what he can deliver.

Chiesa was instrumental as Liverpool saw off Southampton in Carabao Cup competition on Wednesday, delivering two assists in the 2-1 win.

It means he has scored one league goal in a total of 51 minutes on the pitch this season, while contributing with his brace of assists in his only cup outing of the campaign.

Asked about a contrast to last season, where Chiesa played only 108 league minutes throughout the campaign, the Italian said: "I do feel better, in terms of physical ability. I think I have played more this season than last season combined I think. So I am happy and have to continue on this path.

"It was really difficult but I think I wasn't at the level that the coach wanted me to play. I understood his choices last year. This year is different, I feel better physically and mentally. The coach I think sees that and has given me more opportunities.

"I am glad I have made contributions in the Premier League. That is what the coach wants and what the other players want. To play for Liverpool you have to make the difference. I have to keep on working hard to get more chances in the future."

Chiesa struck a key goal from the bench on the opening night of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign to nudge Liverpool past Bournemouth.

It sparked wild scenes on The Kop, where the Italian is frequently serenaded with one of the catchiest songs in recent memory at Anfield.

Asked about the song and support, he replied: "Since last year I wanted to give something back. I want to keep on giving them something back. The support they gave to me every match is fantastic. I like the chant. I have to give them back more because the support is just amazing.

"Of course I can play more in the Carabao Cup but I want to show the manager I can also play in the Premier League. In the first games he gave me chances and I think I showed I can help the team.

"I play for a top club. Maybe top three in the world. It's Liverpool, of course they are going to buy top players and the competition is high. If I didn't want competition I would go and play in another team but here there is competition and I want to play here. I think competition at the end of the day helps you be a better player."

Listen to Chiesa speak to reporters here

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We asked for your views on Hugo Ekitike's red card against Southampton and Arne Slot's comments on the incident.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Philip: I agree with Slot, but we're all human and we saw Slot lose his emotions last season on a memorable occasion. Just a bizarre celebration, caught up in the emotion I guess and forgot about the first card which was equally stupid. Pressure of Isak perhaps?

Michael: That is one of the stupidest acts I've seen from a player. He was on a booking for being petulant and knowing he was on a booking carried out an unnecessary and stupid act and picked up a second yellow. The club should fine him for that.

Anthony: It was in the moment. We all do stuff that we regret moments after doing it - his happened to be in front of thousands and millions on the TV. I hope he has learnt a valuable lesson in an environment where it hopefully has no lasting impact.

Liam: Ekitike has let himself down massively but I don't feel the pressure of signing Isak has played any part in it at all. I agree with the comments from Slot and Robbo and I do feel he'll learn from this. A poor judgement from Hugo which took the sparkle off another reliable performance in attack for Liverpool.

Paul: I totally agree with Arne. Ekitike showed an incredible immaturity and lack of control. He is a fine player who works hard for the team but this action lets the team down. He should be fined by the club and reminded that what he does on the field is often copied by the young kids who watch him!

Carl: Ekitike has shown with a few of his celebrations that he wants to make sure people know his name because Isak is there and being talked about. Quite immature and possibly a bad character trait. Worrying.

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Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Filip Jorgensen "just didn't convince" in Chelsea's 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Lincoln and Robert Sanchez "will stay the number one".

Jorgensen had an opportunity to deputise for the suspended Sanchez on Tuesday evening but repeatedly struggled with aerial deliveries.

"He flapped at a lot of things," Sutton told Radio 5 Live.

"A large part of football is having to take your opportunities when they come along.

"It was a big game for him, especially when you know what Lincoln are going to do - they're going to be about long throws and set-plays into the box. He just didn't convince. It wasn't once - it was three, four, five times where he looked indecisive and that was the biggest things.

"You want a goalkeeper who is steady and makes good decisions, they don't have to be remarkable and Superman. The way he was coming for crosses and not getting there - he was lucky where he mis-punched a ball in the first half. It was the same in the second half.

"In that respect it's a nightmare for Enzo Maresca. The goalkeeping situation was an issue last season - Chelsea fans were not convinced by Sanchez. Maresca has stuck with him but there is a chance for the number two when he has made mistakes.

"Sanchez will stay the number one."

Former Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff added: "The goalkeeper was all over the place. Whenever the ball went into the box he was nowhere near it, missing punches. He was very unconvincing."

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Tottenham might just stay in the conversation this time.

They dropped points at Brighton but were dominant on the day. They have their mojo back under Thomas Frank and, of the players he inherited, Lucas Bergvall has arguably made the biggest leap forward.

Some players just need to know the manager believes in them to suddenly become an even better player and a more forceful presence. Spurs have won three and drawn one when Bergvall has started - losing the two when he did not.

Problems still exist. That dangerous high defensive line deployed by Ange Postecoglou is also part of the new regime's method, so work needs to be done there.

Richarlison scored, worked hard and showed some quality moments, but Spurs lost a goal when he went down following a fairly innocuous challenge.

When you are not given the foul and it is not a head knock, you must try to get up and help the team by hobbling back into position, if you possibly can. He did not and they lost a goal.

I have watched a few others doing the same thing this season and it is very dangerous for the team if you do not get back up quickly.

Spurs could not complain, as they won possession back and still did not put it out of play, which they would have if they really thought their mate needed treatment.

I suspect Thomas Frank will have a quiet word in private with his striker!

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Former Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff was unimpressed with Hugo Ekitike after the Liverpool forward was shown a second yellow card for taking his shirt off in celebrating the winning goal against Southampton:

"Absolutely ridiculous - everybody knows the rules by now," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm all for emotion and passion and getting caught up in the moment but that wasn't really it.

"It's a pretty routine goal - the ball gets laid across the box to him and it's a really simple finish. "I just don't know what has gone through his head to take his shirt off and then hold it up to the crowd.

"It's a really poor decision from him."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton was even less cagey with his criticism, branding the action "sheer stupidity".

"Everybody knows if you take your shirt off you get a yellow card so to get a second yellow card for doing that is just sheer stupidity," he said.

"He's been such an important player - what a start to his Liverpool career with important goals - but it's not great for Arne Slot and the team that he's now sitting out at the weekend."

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Manchester United have started work to expand their safe standing capacity at Old Trafford by 6,000.

The rail seats will be installed in Tier 2 of the Stretford End and will make the stadium one of the Premier League's leading venues for safe standing.

It means around one sixth of Old Trafford will be covered by safe standing space when the work is complete.

The club said a first phase of the new seats will be in place for the upcoming fixture against Sunderland but the safe standing section will need to be formally approved by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority prior to the new section being certified as safe standing in full.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.

"This latest development reflects the club's ongoing investment in enhancing the matchday experience, with safe standing widely recognised for boosting atmosphere while also improving safety," the club said.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Aston Villa should have got more value for money from their transfer dealings under Monchi, according to Supporters' Trust chairman Mo Razzaq.

Villa are expected to replace president of football operations Monchi with Roberto Olabe, with a deal for former Real Sociedad sporting director Olabe close.

It comes with Villa 18th in the Premier League having failed to win their opening five league matches. They were also knocked out of the EFL Cup by Brentford on penalties last week.

Sunday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland saw just two players - Morgan Rogers and Evann Guessand - start who were signed by Unai Emery and Monchi.

Villa broke their transfer record to sign Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m last year but injury has meant he made just 22 starts in the league last season and the midfielder is currently out with a hamstring problem.

Left-back Ian Maatsen joined from Chelsea for £37.5m but has struggled to hold down a regular role while Donyell Malen has made just five starts since moving from Borussia Dortmund for an initial £21m in January.

"Considering the outlay and in terms of signing on fees and wages we pay, we'd probably expect a better return," said Razzaq.

"So if we look at our successes: Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Pau Torres.

"But last season, we signed Onana from Everton, when he plays his form is good but he spends a lot of time out injured.

"Then last January we spent a lot on (Axel) Disasi, (Marcus) Rashford and (Marco) Asensio in terms of their wages. So if that gamble pays off, then you're into the Champions League.

"Because we didn't you look at the issues around player wages and the ratio to revenue and things then look a bit tougher.

"If we want to be competing at the top, then we need to have a better success rate. We've taken a few gambles and they've not paid off."

What do you think about Monchi's exit? Tell us

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Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says Pep Guardiola is seemingly intent on pursuing an alternative style to that which the Premier League has become accustomed.

City were pegged back late on in Sunday's trip to Arsenal. So far this season, his side have had 52% of the ball in league games - having enjoyed possession of 60% or over in each of the last eight campaigns.

"It says a lot about how Guardiola wants to build-up and sees games going," said Hart on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "Ederson was only a vital player when they absolutely dominated and had 70% of the ball - no matter what.

"They used to see 1-0 as a score line that they could kick on from.

"Nowadays, the Premier League has caught up with them, in terms of the strength of Arsenal and Liverpool. Even the games against Newcastle and Chelsea are going to be tight.

"Guardiola realises that there will be moments now where they have to close the front and back door. Erling Haaland even dropped to play deep after 65 minutes and was defending with his team.

"I think Guardiola is looking at different ways of doing it and bringing in Gianluigi Donnarumma was a statement to say they are not playing with 11 outfield players anymore."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Five league games. 54 shots. Three goals.

You do not have to look too far to see where Newcastle United need to improve.

As solid as Newcastle have been at the back – only champions Liverpool have scored against them in the top-flight this season - the Magpies have yet to click in the final third.

Eddie Howe was the first to recognise his side were missing an "X factor" - but there is context.

First, the Alexander Isak saga rumbled on until deadline day, leaving Newcastle light on options in the opening three league games of the season, after the Swede went on strike in a bid to force through his British record move to Liverpool.

Secondly, the club recruited a proven Premier League goalscorer in Yoane Wissa in the final throes of the window, but the former Brentford forward will be sidelined until after the international break next month with a knee injury.

And finally, record arrival Nick Woltemade will require time to adapt to the physicality of the English top flight having never played outside his native Germany before.

Newcastle are clearly going to need others to chip in to help ease the burden - just as they did in the previous campaign.

Harvey Barnes (nine), Anthony Gordon (nine), Jacob Murphy (nine), Sandro Tonali (six), Fabian Schar (six), Bruno Guimaraes (five) and Joelinton (four) all popped up with valuable goals in all competitions last season.

And the Carabao Cup holders will need a spread of goals if they are to go deep into the competition again as they begin the defence of their trophy against Bradford City on Wednesday.

"I'm excited by the team we can be," Howe said.

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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The timing is unfortunate for Noni Madueke.

His Arsenal career has got off to a very promising start, while his England performances are going from strength to strength.

So with that in mind, the knee issue that will keep him sidelined for up to eight weeks comes at the worst possible time for Madueke from a personal perspective.

His signing from Chelsea was met with derision from sections of the Arsenal fanbase, but the attacker has quickly won those doubters over.

Of course, it is a blow for Mikel Arteta, too. Madueke has been a regular in his team so far this season.

That said, Bukayo Saka's return from a hamstring injury lessens the damage caused by Madueke's injury.

And with a myriad of attacking options - including Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard - at Arteta's disposal, the Gunners can cope without Madueke.

Not that that makes it any easier to swallow for Madueke.

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Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

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Wolves' struggles this season boil down to one thing: change. Too much of it, too fast.

First, the summer churn. Seven key departures and six arrivals is a high turnover in any industry, let alone football. The nucleus was ripped out. You can't fast-track chemistry. New players need time to understand roles, standards, and each other. Right now, it looks like a rebuild without rhythm.

Second, the starting XI keeps changing. We haven't had a settled team to build patterns, trust, and cohesion. Even Vítor Pereira admitted in his post-match press conference that he doesn't know his best XI. If the manager is still searching, the players will be too. That uncertainty shows in the mistakes and the game management.

Where are the leaders? Right now, the silence is deafening.

We lost strong voices and characters on the pitch and didn't replace them. Toti is the new captain, but the extra responsibility seems to have unsettled his usual play.

Then there is the change we need. Agbadou has made critical errors that have cost goals and points. The defence looks fragile, shipping three at home to Leeds, a side that hadn't scored from open play this season. We spent £30m on a central defender in Ladislav Krejci and have played him in midfield. He is a seasoned leader and could help shore up the back line. That adjustment feels overdue.

Finally, the fans want change. The unrest is growing, clear in the chants aimed at Fosun: "You've sold the team, now sell the club." Supporters can accept a rebuild, but they want a plan, clarity, and visible progress, instead Wolves seem to regress year on year as we consistently sell our best players.

Wolves don't need new ideas. Vitor needs to know his best team. Settle the XI, restore leadership, fix the back line, and stick to it. Stability is the first step to points.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

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Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

Chris asked: It does not matter if West Ham appointed Jurgen Klopp as the manager, the owners would keep on selling the family silver, getting free transfers and injury-prone and sub-standard players. They have sold us down the river with the stadium move. What's your take on this?

Phil answered: It would matter a lot if Klopp was appointed as West Ham United manager, but I take your overall point.

I can see exactly why fans are disappointed with the stadium because, in truth, it is an athletics stadium and does not work as a football arena. It is as far away from Upton Park for atmosphere as you can get. I have been to Everton's new home by the Mersey waterfront twice and that is a magnificent, purpose-built football stadium. I have noticed many Hammers supporters pointing out the difference.

West Ham have also been hit by so many poor football decisions, such as managerial choices and signings.

As someone who went to Upton Park so many times and absolutely loved it, I feel your pain.

Graham Potter is clearly in real peril, but you do feel it will take more than just a change of manager (again) to transform West Ham's fortunes.

Read more of the Q&A here

Meanwhile, West Ham's troubles were a topic of discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart saying it has been "hard for the club to find a direction"...

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Alex Turk
Fan writer

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Whether you are growing your hair until Manchester United win five matches in a row or not, there is new reason for optimism.

United's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea has birthed an opportunity to build momentum and ease the pressure on Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese head coach has won back-to-back Premier League home games for the first time since he took charge.

A trip to 17th-place Brentford on Saturday presents a chance for his maiden consecutive league wins, as shocking as that fact is.

Sunderland's visit to Old Trafford follows. Not as straightforward as one may have expected before the season, but certainly favourable.

Amorim must prove he can string some wins together as United boss, rather than a welcome victory becoming soured by a morale-busting defeat one week later.

The Red Devils' productivity and intensity with a one-man advantage for much of the first half against Chelsea was hugely encouraging.

The defensive resilience and threat on the counter-attack after Casemiro's dismissal was just as impressive. This is not a squad that hasn't bought into its head coach's philosophy.

United are three points off second place before the meetings with Brentford and Sunderland, but sit in 11th after five games.

Amorim will ultimately be judged on whether he can guide the club back to European football this season.

He should pay with his job if he cannot, and he will not meet that target if his side do not start winning games more consistently.

A rollercoaster of results is better than the drastic dive of last season, but success will never be linear.

Amorim needs to leave the theme park and, instead, ensure the theme of United's season is more performances like against Chelsea.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

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Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Monchi and Unai Emery have tried to reshape Aston Villa, spending big on defensive midfielder Amadou Onana, signed for £50m in 2024, and attacker Moussa Diaby, who arrived in 2023 for £43m.

But Diaby was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad after just one season, while Onana has struggled with injury.

The imposing Belgium international made just 22 league starts last season after his club record move from Everton, and he is currently out with a hamstring injury having played just twice this term.

In the past 18 months Villa's spending has been restricted because of Profit and Sustainability restrictions imposed by both the Premier League and Uefa.

In July, Villa were fined £9.5m by European football's governing body for breaching financial rules.

They needed to sell Douglas Luiz in 2024 to balance the books, with the midfielder joining Juventus for £42m. He made just three Serie A starts last season and joined Nottingham Forest on loan last month.

The sales of Omari Kellyman to Chelsea for £19m and Tim Iroegbunam to Everton for £9m last year also generated important profit, while Jacob Ramsey was sold to Newcastle for £40m last month, with all three having come through the club's academy.

Just two of the starting XI in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland - Morgan Rogers and striker Evann Guessand - were signed by Emery and Monchi.

This summer, Villa signed goalkeeper Marco Bizot from Brest and Guessand from Nice for £30m, before the deadline day arrivals of Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho and Victor Lindelof.

England Under-21 international Elliott joined on loan from Liverpool with a £35m obligation to buy, while Sancho moved on loan from Manchester United and his former Old Trafford team-mate Lindelof joined on a free transfer.

Rogers, signed from Middlesbrough for an initial £8m in 2024, and free transfer Youri Tielemans have been successes, with Rogers becoming an England international.

Meanwhile, before the news that Monchi is set to leave the club, Villa's financial management was a topic of discussion between former Premier League striker Chris Sutton and The Observer's Rory Smith on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, with Smith arguing that they "have spent really badly"...

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West Ham fan Gary Killington from Hammers United says "ambition is missing" at the club and the problems this season are part of a "gradual decline".

The Hammers sit in the relegation zone with three points from 15 games, leaving Graham Potter's job is under threat, while fans have voiced their frustration at owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady in recent protests.

"This is about the gradual decline of the club which has happened since winning the Conference League," Killington told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "Immediately after that they put Declan Rice up for sale and we have had a broken midfield since.

"The protests are about 15 years of mismanagement. Up until 2010, we'd had 11 managers in our entire history of 110 years. We could now be looking at our ninth manager in 15 years - if you count the two times we had David Moyes.

"It is unacceptable and shows there is no forward planning. They are making it up as they go along and at the moment we are stuck.

"Even if you look back at the sacking of Julen Lopetegui last season, they hesitated over doing it for six weeks, even though we all knew we were going nowhere as a club.

"Potter was offered a six-month contract - which he declined - before being offered a two-year deal.

"It is always about a short-term fix. But it is also about a whole raft of things when you add in players and the stadium.

"They have taken West Ham and destroyed it.

"Potter's football is turgid. Your home should be a fortress but it is not. There's no atmosphere because the stands are too far away from the pitch.

"There never used to be a quiet home game against the likes of Tottenham or Chelsea - but now it is awful.

"Success for the board is staying up. The ambition is missing."

Watch the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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