The weekend of November 4-5, 2025, brought a mix of triumphs and challenges for several top European football clubs. Notably, Tottenham Hotspur faced significant difficulties in their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, while Manchester City celebrated a commanding 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, propelled by star striker Erling Haaland, who scored twice.
Tottenham’s struggles raise questions about their form and future aspirations. Despite sitting fifth in the Premier League table, their performance has been underwhelming. Since mid-September, Spurs have secured only three wins, one being against Doncaster Rovers, a team from a lower division. Their other two victories came from narrowly edged matches with deflected goals. On Saturday, the encounter against Chelsea showcased a stark contrast; Tottenham managed a mere three shots on goal, all from Mohamed Kudus, with an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.10. In comparison, Chelsea’s dominating display resulted in an xG of 3.68, highlighting Spurs’ severe attacking deficiencies.
The result has cast doubt over whether Tottenham can meet the ambitions set by manager Thomas Frank. His tactical decisions, which worked effectively in previous roles, have not translated well at Spurs. Frank’s post-match comments reflected his frustration, particularly after players ignored his attempts to engage with the fans. The team’s morale and response to adversity will be critical as they navigate a challenging season ahead.
Manchester City and Haaland Excel
Meanwhile, Manchester City continued their pursuit of the Premier League title with a decisive win against Bournemouth. The team, now in second place, displayed a blend of direct play and strategic execution under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola. Haaland’s two goals brought his total to an astonishing 26 for the season, including international fixtures with Norway.
City’s approach against Bournemouth was marked by efficiency rather than possession, with only 48% of the ball. Their ability to exploit Bournemouth’s vulnerabilities, particularly their high defensive line, was evident as they broke through with swift counter-attacks. Haaland’s contributions were pivotal, but it was also a testament to the team’s overall adaptability, showcasing how Guardiola has evolved his tactics over the years.
Bournemouth’s consolation goal, which caused frustration for Guardiola, raised questions about refereeing decisions during set pieces, prompting discussions about the consistency of officiating in the league.
Griezmann’s Milestone and Juventus’ New Era
In other notable action, Antoine Griezmann marked a significant milestone in his career by scoring his 200th top-flight goal during Atletico Madrid’s 3-0 victory, keeping them in the hunt for a Champions League spot. His achievement underscores his enduring impact at the club and places him 11th on the all-time scoring list in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Luciano Spalletti made a promising debut as Juventus manager with a 2-1 victory over Cremonese. His tactical decisions, including employing two strikers and utilizing key players effectively, set a positive tone for his tenure. Despite only one training session with the team prior to the match, Spalletti’s influence was evident as Juventus controlled the game and sought to extend their lead.
The weekend’s matches also saw Arsenal maintain their strong position at the top of the Premier League, while Paris Saint-Germain narrowly secured a win against Nice, reinforcing their spot at the summit of Ligue 1. The dynamics of these matches illustrate the high stakes and competitive nature of European football as clubs strive for success in their respective leagues.
As the season progresses, the performances of these teams will be scrutinized closely, particularly for Tottenham, who must find a way to regain their form and confidence amid growing concerns about their trajectory.
