United crisis deepens as Arsenal move level and Tottenham revive

Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday left Michael Carrick facing mounting uncertainty over his future, as the club’s winless run reached eight games. Elsewhere in the Premier League weekend, Arsenal drew level on points with leaders Manchester City and Tottenham won 2-0 at Chelsea.

Bournemouth have now won 3-0 at Old Trafford three times in four seasons. United’s latest defeat followed a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como on Wednesday, after which Carrick dropped captain Bruno Fernandes over his public criticism of the manager’s tactics.

Carrick under pressure at Old Trafford

Fernandes had not matched his player-of-the-season performances from last term, but United struggled without him against Bournemouth. Mistakes by Leny Yoro and Senne Lammens led to the visitors’ second and third goals, while the home side showed little collective response.

Carrick received the home crowd’s biggest ovation as he headed down the tunnel. His exit appeared inevitable after the defeat.

Arsenal rediscover a set-piece route

Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with Ezri Konsa opening the scoring after a Martin Odegaard corner. It was the champions’ first goal from a set play in eight league games this season, following a title-winning campaign in which they scored 29 times from corners, free-kicks and penalties.

“We hadn’t scored from a set-piece, which we were disappointed with because we had generated so many chances as well,” manager Mikel Arteta said. He believes the goal can strengthen his players’ confidence in their set-piece work.

The victory took Arsenal level on points with Manchester City. City’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa ended their perfect start to the top-flight season.

Tottenham build on their recovery

Tottenham continued their revival with a rare Premier League win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders’ own goal put the visitors ahead before Mathys Tel scored a solo effort to complete the 2-0 result.

Jan Paul van Hecke, who played in central defence, said the win was “fully deserved” and praised manager Roberto De Zerbi. “He’s loved,” Van Hecke said. “I love him as well. He’s a top manager and everyone’s really happy here.”

Tottenham had made a slow start after signing 10 players for a combined £380 million. De Zerbi’s side beat Coventry to end their winless start to the league season before defeating Chelsea. Arsenal moved level on points with Manchester City after their win, while United’s winless run reached eight games.