The Big 6 Review: How Carrick shot himself in the foot in GW8

At the end of the 2025/26 season, no one would have expected Manchester United to be the first club looking for a new manager. Now, it’s just a matter of when, not if.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs took maximum points from their games, while the Red Devils are looking increasingly worse for wear.

Man City remained at the summit despite losing, while Chelsea dropped just one place. Man United are currently 16th and within touching distance of every team below them.

With that, let’s get into the Big 6 Review for GW8.

Manchester United: Carrick went for Fernandes… and missed

I’ve said several times that Man United are overly reliant on Bruno Fernandes. Michael Carrick clearly disagreed, because he thought benching him for footballing reasons was something he could get away with.

Fernandes had explicitly criticised the coaching staff after the 4-1 drubbing at Como. This was something Carrick clearly felt he had to react to. The issue is that, with Man Utd already in piss-poor form, the manager’s thoughts should have been focused on more important issues.

The result was a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth that was, perhaps, avoidable.

Liverpool: A win sponsored by resilience

On a day when Liverpool needed to hold their line, they did. Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk have generally been solid this season.

Brighton actually played well, which feels funny to say considering they lost 2-0. Fabian Hurzeler’s men weren’t helped by the own goal in the 17th minute.

Isak has been great this season, having scored six goals in seven games.

Chelsea: Eyesore

Someone count how many times I’ve used this word in this series.

The Blues’ performance against Spurs was in direct contrast to their previous league game. Cole Palmer was irresponsible and should have been sent off earlier.

Xabi Alonso was also poor, playing Morgan Rogers out of position and deploying Jorrel Hato at left wing-back. The Blues were rubbish in all aspects of the game.

Tottenham: Picking up momentum?

Tottenham have now won two games in a row, which Roberto De Zerbi will appreciate more than anyone else. Spurs were disciplined, efficient and knew exactly where to hurt Chelsea.

De Zerbi pressed Chelsea so well that only three outfield players even attempted long balls, and they didn’t enjoy much success.

Tottenham started the season poorly, but after eight games, things seem to be falling into place. That may be speaking too soon, though.

Man City: First loss, still top

Aston Villa have always loved their Man City fixtures. The Cityzens were unlucky against Unai Emery’s men, but you make your own luck.

One issue was that 50% of City’s chances fell to a centre-back playing at left-back. Haaland is the only one who can hold his head high.

Arsenal: Centre-back party

Arsenal’s joy came primarily from the backline against Everton. Unsurprisingly, as Mikel Arteta’s men have always been great at set pieces, but this one was something else.

Arsenal created four big chances and took just four shots on target from 20 attempts. Two of those big chances and three of the shots on target fell to centre-backs.

That said, the Gunners kept a clean sheet, won the game and are now level on points with Man City.

Manchester United’s result leaves Carrick on the verge of being sacked, as the club searches for a replacement, even if it is only temporary.

Chelsea fans are rightly frustrated after losing to Tottenham at home for only the second time in 36 years. Spurs will hope to continue this vein of form, while Liverpool need to start playing better, even though they are currently winning.