Five takeaways from Premier League weekend: Manchester United on the charge, Tottenham sinking
With all the chaos surrounding European football right now, and the threats of leagues being suspended because of the COVID-19 virus, fans are trying to enjoy whatever football they can watch right now.
This past weekend in the Premier League had some enjoyable moments for some fan bases, while others look to be in the final months of top flight status.
Here are five takeaways from the weekend:
Bruno Fernandes has completely changed the Manchester United dynamic.
Manchester United has gone 10 games unbeaten in all competitions for the first time in over a year, since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was first appointed interim manager. Is it all down to Fernandes?
No, but the player has galvanized the squad with his training and mentality. Manchester United has become a dangerous team, as witnessed by its stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester City Sunday. The Red Devils have allowed just two goals over that 10-game span, and with Nemanja Matic shielding the back four (or three, or five), this team finally looks like it has an identity.
Anthony Martial has been outstanding as well, with goals in both wins over City in the league this season.
Leicester City will hold on to a UEFA Champions League spot.
The Foxes wobbled for two months, but a 4-0 win Monday over Aston Villa has Leicester City eight points ahead of fifth place Manchester United. Jamie Vardy returned from injury to score twice, as did Harvey Barnes.
Where will Leicester City finish? Probably third.
Aston Villa is in trouble
The Villains drew 1-1 and won 2-1 against Leicester City in January to move on to the Carabao Cup final, where they lost 2-1 to Manchester City in a valiant effort.
But that effort was nowhere to be seen Monday, as Aston Villa fell 4-0 to Leicester City. While Villa is just two points behind three teams ahead of it in the table with a game in hand, its goal difference (minus-22) is the second worst in the league, and its run-in schedule is absolutely brutal.
Villa's next four games are Chelsea, Wolverhampton, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Look for Villa to head back to the EFL Championship.
Tottenham is falling apart
Who could have guessed there would be problems with Tottenham this season, especially after Jose Mourinho took over the job?
The Spurs made the UEFA Champions League final last season, but were in poor form for months before that. The squad is thin, there are a lot of injuries, some of the players are not up to it, and there are questions about how much money the owner wants to spend after building the new stadium.
Strap in Spurs fans: it could be an interesting few years.
Can Burnley make a run at European football?
The Clarets have 39 points after a poor start to the season, and sit just four points out of sixth place after a 1-1 draw with Tottenham.
With a decent schedule, and the headaches this team causes its opposition, Burnley could make a run at a Europa League spot.