Newcastle United’s start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has been one of promise mixed with frustration.

Eddie Howe’s side opened with a cagey 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, a match in which they dominated large periods but lacked a cutting edge.

Their second fixture produced drama at St James’ Park.

Coming from 2-0 down against Liverpool, Newcastle looked set to have completed the comeback before Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute strike condemned them to a 3-2 defeat.

The pattern continued away at Leeds, another 0-0 stalemate where chances were few.

It wasn’t until the fourth game that Newcastle finally claimed three points, grinding out a laboured 1-0 home victory over Wolves.

That was followed by another goalless encounter, this time away at Bournemouth – a match that underlined both Howe’s tactical experiments and the team’s ongoing attacking malaise.

In those two goalless games against Leeds and Bournemouth, Howe trialled different variations of a back three.

Yet, the results suggest the system still requires tweaking, with Newcastle struggling for rhythm in possession and fluency in the final third.

Newcastle stifled by the system against Bournemouth

Against Bournemouth, Howe’s team took to the field in a 3-4-2-1, aiming to nullify the hosts’ high-pressing 4-2-3-1.

Nick Woltemade, the record signing, led the line.

The German forward showed neat touches and even had a penalty appeal waved away, but he still appeared to be adjusting to the physical demands of English football.

In midfield, Howe rotated heavily. Lewis Miley and Joe Willock replaced Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, but neither was able to stamp authority on proceedings.

Newcastle’s lack of thrust was reflected in the numbers: just 0.14 expected goals (xG) compared to Bournemouth’s 0.46.

Defensively, there were nervy moments.

Tino Livramento was caught at the back post, allowing David Brooks to score what looked like the opening goal before it was ruled out for offside.

Malick Thiaw also rode his luck, avoiding what could have been a second-half red card.

The raw statistics painted a bleak picture for Newcastle: 4 shots to Bournemouth’s 11 and 390 completed passes to the Cherries’ 498.

One positive came in the form of Lewis Hall, who looked composed on his return to the starting XI after a lengthy injury layoff.

The former Chelsea man provided balance on the left flank and showed glimpses of the technical security Newcastle have been missing in recent weeks. The same can’t be said of one of his teammates, however…

Bournemouth draw the latest example of Willock’s decline

Amid Newcastle’s struggles, the spotlight inevitably fell on Joe Willock.

The midfielder was handed his first league start of the season at Bournemouth, but his subdued display was another reminder of how far his career has drifted from the explosive start he made at St James’ Park.

Willock first arrived on loan from Arsenal in February 2021, tasked with helping Steve Bruce’s side escape relegation.

He wasted no time, scoring on his debut in a 3-2 win over Southampton before embarking on a remarkable run of goals in seven consecutive matches – equalling Alan Shearer’s long-standing record from 1996.

By the end of that season, Willock had eight goals in 14 games, second only to Callum Wilson despite arriving mid-season.

Bruce urged the board to make the move permanent, and in the summer, Newcastle obliged with a £25m deal.

Willock went on to contribute significantly in Howe’s first full campaign, helping Newcastle secure a fourth-place finish and a return to the Champions League.

But since then, injuries have derailed his progress.

Hamstring Injury

12 matches missed

Achilles Tendon Injury

18 matches missed

Achilles Tendon Injury

8 matches missed

Thigh Injury

2 matches missed

Muscle Injury

1 match missed

Calf Injury

2 matches missed

He missed 38 matches in 2023/24 and another seven last season, with one content creator on X remarking that the “explosive bursts of pace” once central to his game have all but disappeared.

The Bournemouth match showed the scale of his struggles.

In the 62 minutes before being replaced by Harvey Barnes, Willock registered no shots, 32 touches, and just 12 successful passes from 15 attempts (80%), as per Sofascore.

Defensively, he was combative, winning six of nine ground duels, but he lost both of his aerial contests and offered little drive going forward.

His match rating of 6.8 reflected an industrious but uninspiring performance.

For a player once hailed as Newcastle’s answer to Shearer in terms of clutch goalscoring, his trajectory has become symbolic of the team’s own attacking issues.

Howe will hope that minutes in the upcoming League Cup clash against Bradford can help Willock rediscover some rhythm, but at present, he looks far from the dynamic midfielder who carried Newcastle to safety just four years ago.

Fewer touches than Pope: 4/10 Newcastle flop is on borrowed time under Howe

This Newcastle United flop is now on borrowed time on Tyneside after struggling against AFC Bournemouth.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 22, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo informou nesta quinta-feira (10) que os ingressos para sua torcida na partida contra o Internacional estão esgotados. Este será o quarto jogo seguido com mando do Glorioso no qual a equipe contará com apoio maciço dos botafoguenses no Nilton Santos.

A partida é válida pela 19ª rodadado Campeonato Brasileiro.

+ Próximos jogos do Botafogo: veja calendário com datas, horários e onde assistir às partidas

A CASA ALVINEGRA VAI FERVER! ????

Ingressos esgotados para o jogo com o Internacional, neste sábado, no Nilton Santos. Vamos com tudo por mais uma vitória no Brasileirão! ???????????? #VouTeApoiarAtéOFinal pic.twitter.com/94MJ6VySjZ

— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) August 10, 2023

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Líder!

Os botafoguenses lotaram o Nilton Santos nas partidas contra Vasco (38.798 presentes), Red Bull Bragantino (37.036) e Coritiba (43.071, recorde de público presente desde a inauguração). Para a partida de sábado à noite, restam ingressos apenas para a torcida do Internacional, que ficará no setor Sul. Os valores são R$ 100 (inteira) e R$ 50 (meia).

Villarreal have unveiled plans to fly fans to Miami for their La Liga clash against Barcelona, offering free travel for supporters attending the December 20 fixture. CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles defended the controversial move, insisting the game is “about image and the future, not business,” as UEFA reluctantly approved Spain’s first-ever domestic match staged abroad.

Villarreal confirm Miami clash amid controversy

Villarreal’s CEO has defended the club’s decision to play their La Liga fixture against Barcelona in Miami on December 20. Speaking from Rome during European Club Association meetings, Roig Negueroles emphasised that the move is not motivated by money as he stressed the club won't earn "a single euro" from the game. The decision marks the first time a domestic European league match will be staged in a foreign country, with UEFA granting approval on an exceptional basis despite its longstanding opposition.

AdvertisementAFPVillarreal chief on fan access and club strategy

Aware of the logistical challenges, Villarreal have sought to mitigate inconvenience for fans, the chief executive announced that those able to travel will be offered free flights and tickets, while season-ticket holders unable to attend will receive a refund of 25-30 per cent of their season pass. He stressed the move aims to expand Spanish football’s international presence, telling that the initiative will be a "positive" for the nation's game.

CEO responds to criticism and financial concerns

Critics and fans have questioned whether playing abroad undermines competitive integrity or prioritises profit. Roig Negueroles, though, was clear that Villarreal will not receive direct financial compensation for the match, ensuring that any gains benefit fans. 

"I don't think it's a bad thing; I think it's opening up Spanish football to other countries, to other markets, and that's a positive thing," he said. "Villarreal will not receive anything for playing a match in Miami. We prefer that all available money go to season ticket holders. It's about image and future. We have schools in the United States, and we believe that any growth we can make there will benefit Spanish football."

He added: "The competition isn't manipulated when you play at a different stadium. Two years ago, we played seven matches at Levante's stadium and nothing happened."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyUEFA reluctantly approves La Liga abroad

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin admitted the decision to stage matches abroad was “regrettable” but justified it as an exceptional measure under current regulatory gaps. Similar approval was granted to Italy’s Serie A for AC Milan’s fixture in Perth. Ceferin warned the approvals should not set a precedent, maintaining that domestic matches should ideally remain on home soil. FIFA’s ongoing review of international match regulations influenced UEFA’s exceptional consent, illustrating the evolving landscape of European football governance.

While his time at the club didn’t end in the way many hoped it would, it’s impossible to overstate the impact Arsène Wenger had at Arsenal.

The Professor, as he was often referred to, helped turn the club into an international powerhouse during his 22 years at the helm, winning three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and seven Community Shields.

He also brought some of the best international players the league had ever seen to North London, including Thierry Henry, Robert Pirès, and Cesc Fàbregas.

The young Spaniard was sensational during his time at the club, and it looks like Mikel Arteta could have found his own version, and we aren’t talking about Martin Zubimendi.

Fàbregas' early Arsenal career

Arsenal agreed to pay Barcelona around £2m to sign Fàbregas in the summer of 2003, and while that now looks like a bargain, you have to remember he was still just 16 years old at the time.

He made his full first-team debut just a few months later, starting a League Cup game against Rotherham United in October, although he would finish that season with just three appearances and a goal to his name.

The following campaign would be very different indeed, though, as he would go on to make 46 appearances for the side, with 33 coming in the league.

Moreover, despite not even being 20 years old, the tremendously exciting Spaniard played a key role in the Gunners’ FA Cup triumph that year, making six appearances, five of which were starts and playing 86 minutes of the final against Manchester United.

By this point, it was crystal clear that the North Londoners had got their hands on a truly world-class player, and talent scout Jacke Kulig would later put it, he was “one of the best U21s in Premier League history.”

The following season saw him help the club reach their first Champions League final, and while they lost 2-1 to his former club, the Arenys de Mar-born ace played 74 minutes, even though he was still just 19.

In recognition of his ability and importance to the team, the mercurial midfielder was named captain in November 2008.

Appearances

303

Starts

266

Minutes

23847′

Goals

57

Assists

95

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

156.88

Points per Game

1.99

However, much to the disappointment of the Emirates faithful, he would eventually push for a move back to Barça in the summer of 2011, with a tally of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 games for the club.

In all, Fàbregas remains one of the most exciting young players to have ever played for Arsenal, but there is someone in the current squad who could also be in line for similar praise a few years from now, and we aren’t talking about fellow Spaniard Zubimendi.

Arsenal's new Fàbregas

Now, there is certainly an argument to be made that Zubimendi could be looked upon as the ‘new’ Fàbregas due to his technical skill and the fact that he’s a midfielder.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, in this instance, the player is a little more left-field: Cristhian Mosquera.

Yes, we know that he plays in a totally different position and, therefore, style to the former Arsenal star, but there remain a few key similarities between the pair.

First and foremost, like the Gunners’ former midfield maestro, the impressive centre-back has moved to the North Londoners at a very young age.

Granted, at 19, he is three years older than Cesc was, but as centre-backs tend to hit their peak two years later than midfielders, they are at a fairly similar point development-wise.

Moreover, even though he’s made the move while still being just a teenager, the former Valencia ace already looks utterly at ease in the Premier League and Champions League.

For example, he didn’t look remotely out of place when he came on for the injured William Saliba at Anfield.

Then, in the games against Nottingham Forest and Athletic Bilbao, he helped to keep two clean sheets while completing a staggering 75 passes in both games.

In fact, the 6 foot 3 “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, has adapted to life in North London so well that one Arsenal content creator has gone as far as labelling him the “signing of the summer.”

In other words, we expect the Alicante-born titan to become a key member of the squad very quickly despite his age, much in the same way that Fàbregas did when he joined over 20 years ago.

Then, there are also the other, more surface-level similarities, such as both being Spanish and making the move to England from La Liga sides.

Ultimately, Arsenal look like they have hit the jackpot with Mosquera, and we would not be surprised to see him develop into a player as important to the club as Fàbregas once was.

Arsenal fans gave £60m ace the Madueke treatment all summer, now he's set to star

The Arsenal star could be in for a career revival this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 19, 2025

Big afternoon stand is bookended by collapses against both new balls on topsy-turvy day in Cardiff

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-May-2025Glamorgan were unable to make their mid-innings dominance of Middlesex count, as hundreds from Sam Northeast and Kiran Carlson were offset by the loss of seven wickets on a balanced day one at Sophia Gardens.The captain and vice-captain’s 228-run partnership lifted the hosts to 280 for 3 after three early wickets fell for 52, but they finished on 334 for 7 at the close with Toby Roland-Jones dependable as ever for Middlesex with 4 for 73.Northeast and Carlson both fell within 10 overs for 122 and 109 respectively to give Middlesex a chance to fight back with the new ball towards the end of the day, with Ryan Higgins also taking 3 for 44.Middlesex won the toss and elected to bowl on a green surface at Sophia Gardens with uncertainty of how the lush ground would play following heavy rainfall in south Wales for the first time this season.The visitors got off to a strong start with restrictions on runs initially before the series of plays and misses turned to wickets thanks to the experience and skillset of Middlesex veteran Roland-Jones.Marnus Labuschagne’s woes were improved on last week’s four runs across two innings but he still didn’t look comfortable. The Australian added 23, including a gifted four from a bizarre Luke Hollman overthrow on a certain dot ball.Glamorgan’s new pair combined their red- and white-ball captains, but the bowlers were still on top going into the second session with Northeast scoring cagily at first against a prominent attack which includes three Test internationals.As has been the case for this pair this season, Carlson eventually got his strokes to come together to increase the scoring rate, with typical Carlson backfoot punches and cuts, including against the novice Naavya Sharma in his second match. Meanwhile, Northeast churned out his runs, ambitious to beat his previous season best of 67 in 11 innings. Between them, they produced Glamorgan’s first unbroken session partnership of the season.The pair went at four an over for the afternoon, with a six from the captain moving him to 99 and Carlson surviving an edge evading slip’s head off Hollman on 96 before they both passed three figures.The new ball brought the change in fortune for the visitors in the final 16 overs of the day as the momentum shifted. Carlson was in disbelief to be given out in the 81st over and Tom Bevan following shortly afterwards in his first game of the season, in place for the absent student, Ben Kellaway.Higgins was soon in on the action, bowling Northeast for 122 as four wickets fell for 39 runs. Andy Gorvin was required to survive the night alongside Chris Cooke, who never looked fazed for his unbeaten 32.

Thierry Henry has named an “outstanding” Liverpool star as the signing of the summer, having been left very impressed with his performances so far this season.

Arsenal close gap to Liverpool after dramatic victory at Newcastle

Back in August, the Reds sent out a statement by picking up a dramatic 3-2 victory at Newcastle United, with teenager Rio Ngumoha scoring a stoppage-time winner, and Arsenal managed to win in similar style on Sunday.

With a little over five minutes to play, the Gunners were trailing against Eddie Howe’s side, but Mikel Merino and Gabriel were the saviours, and a late double ensured Mikel Arteta’s side closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just two points.

Speaking after the match, Gary Neville was under no illusions as to just how seismic the north Londoners’ victory could be, with the former Manchester United man insisting that Liverpool and Arsenal are the only teams that stand a chance of winning the league.

Arteta’s side may be starting to believe this is the season they can go all the way, having recruited well in the summer transfer window, strengthening the spine of the team by bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Martin Zubimendi.

However, Henry has since made it clear that one of Liverpool’s new additions has caught his eye to a greater extent in the early stages of the campaign.

As relayed by WalkOn, when asked which new Premier League arrival he’s been most impressed by, the Frenchman said: “It’s Ekitike. People will say it’s an obvious one, but credit is due – nobody thought he was going to arrive and perform like that.”

"Outstanding" Ekitike could play pivotal role in title race

Hugo Ekitike will be very frustrated that he ruled himself out of contention for Liverpool’s defeat at Crystal Palace, after being shown a second yellow card for taking his shirt off during his celebration against Southampton.

However, the Frenchman has otherwise made a near-perfect start to life at Anfield, chipping in with five goals and one assist in all competitions.

It is not the first time Henry has singled out his compatriot for high praise, with the Arsenal legend describing the former Eintracht Frankfurt man as “outstanding” back in August, and the start he’s made to life at Anfield suggests he could play a pivotal role in the title race.

As such, Arne Slot will no doubt be pleased to have Ekitike back available for selection, despite criticising the “stupid” celebration against Southampton.

علّق المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، على الإنجاز الذي حققه النجم المصري محمد صلاح في مباراة يوم السبت في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضد أستون فيلا.

وحقق ليفربول فوزًا ثمينًا على أستون فيلا، بهدفين دون رد على ملعب “الأنفيلد” في الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

اقرأ أيضًا.. شبكة إنجليزية عن أداء محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وأستون فيلا: استعاد شيئًا ما

وتمكن محمد صلاح من تسجيل الهدف الأول لصالح ليفربول، ليصل إلى هدفه رقم 250 مع الريدز في مختلف المسابقات.

وعن ذلك، قال سلوت في تصريحات نشرها الصحفي الشهير “لويس ستيل” بعد المباراة: “إنه إنجاز هائل، أمر لا يصدق، تسجيل 250 هدفًا لنادِ واحد، إذا سجلت 250 هدفًا فإن ذلك أمر لا يُصدق بالفعل، ناهيك عن تسجيله مع فريق واحد، يكاد من المستحيل تصديق ذلك الإنجاز”.

واختتم: “لم نعد نرى هذا كثيرًا في كرة القدم، لقد قدّم أداءً رائعًا ضد أستون فيلا، بغض النظر عن الهدف الذي سجله، من المميز له أن يسجل هدفه رقم 250، ولكن تسجيله ليس بالأمر المميز لأننا نعلم أنه سيفعل ذلك دائمًا”.

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their preparations for this week's Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, after the aircraft taking them to Germany was hit with a "technical issue", meaning that Arne Slot will not be able to conduct a press conference before the encounter in midweek. The Reds are aiming to break a streak of four successive defeats after their weekend loss to Manchester United at Anfield.

Travel disruption for Liverpool

Liverpool face Frankfurt on Wednesday and were set to fly to the German city on Tuesday, with head coach Slot to address the media in the early evening. However, due to "technical issues" with the aircraft, the flight was delayed, and the meeting between the manager and the media has been postponed. It will also likely affect the club's pre-match plans, although the club did train at their AXA base on Tuesday morning.

A statement from the Reds read: "Our pre-match press conference for the clash with Eintracht Frankfurt has been cancelled. A delay in the squad's scheduled flight out to Frankfurt, due to technical issues with the aircraft, means the briefing will now not be able to take place."

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesReds in desperate need of a result

While the Reds did win their opening Champions League game, a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, they were beaten by Galatasaray in their most recent European outing. They have also lost three Premier League games in a row, going down to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and, most gallingly of all, United at Anfield. Slot has accepted that there is pressure on him, and pundit, and Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher has urged the Dutchman to drop Mohamed Salah ahead of the encounter.

He said: "I don't think Salah should be like a Virgil van Dijk where it's like 'first name on the teamsheet'. Liverpool have got two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt and then they go to Brentford. I don't think Salah should start both of those games.

"He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool will be on top, around the edge of the box and more often than not he scores in those situations today. But I do think in the away games and helping your full-back, I don't think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he's in."

He added: "Would he be OK with that? Probably not. But when you get to a certain age you have to understand that, especially when you're not playing well, where's your argument?

"It's different if you're banging in the goals and your manager makes a tactical decision and you're frustrated. I don't think Mo Salah's in any position to complain if he was left out of one of the next two away games."

Frankfurt in middling form

Frankfurt have also endured a difficult start to the season in Germany, winning three, losing three, and drawing one of their opening seven games. Their last European outing resulted in a thrashing, as they were beaten 5-1 by Atletico Madrid in Spain. They also recently lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, meaning they are in dire need of a result, much like their opposition. 

Liverpool have already been dealt a serious headache, with Ryan Gravenberch missing training before the midweek clash; it is unclear if the Dutchman will be able to slot into midfield once again for the Reds against their German opposition. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWhat now for Liverpool?

Liverpool have not lost five games in succession since the 1950s, and have not endured a run of four successive defeats since Brendan Rodgers was manager. 

Slot has already spoken of the fact that he felt the Reds were hard done by against United, but he will be well aware of the need for three points on Wednesday. 

He siad: "The result (is what went wrong). And the fact that we went 1-0 down so early. If you play United, with so many quality players they have – [and] brought in a few new ones this summer – and if they come to us in a low block, playing so many long balls, then the last thing you would want is going 1-0 down. Because that gives them even more belief. If you would have told me we are 1-0 down against a United team that played in the style they did, and you would have told me that we would create eight, nine, 10 open chances, then I would have said to you that I don't think that is possible. But it was possible.

"So, the second thing that went wrong is that from all the chances we got, we only scored one goal. I have said it in Holland many times and maybe I've said it here as well, it's almost impossible to win a big game of football – and Liverpool v United is a big game with so many quality players on the pitch – to win it with a negative set-piece balance. We conceded another one and that led to us losing the game."

Liverpool are reportedly “confident” of signing Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer, and FSG also want to snap up an £87m-rated star.

Liverpool preparing for trip to Burnley

The international break seems to have lasted a lifetime, but the Reds aren’t too far away from their return to Premier League action this weekend.

Arne Slot’s champions make the trip to Burnley on Sunday afternoon, looking to continue their 100% winning start to the season, and while the Clarets are a newly-promoted team with far less quality than Liverpool, Turf Moor can be a tricky place to visit.

Slot has some key decisions to make with his personnel, not least with Alexander Isak, as he weighs up whether to start the Reds’ new record signing or use him from the substitutes’ bench.

Meanwhile, both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley could be in the mix to start at right-back, but Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb form in that role may mean that he keeps his place, having flourished in a role that is relatively alien to him.

Liverpool linked with double transfer swoop

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Liverpool and FSG are “confident” of completing the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi next summer, with the 25-year-old out of contract at the end of this season. This is despite rumours of Real Madrid showing an interest in the centre-back.

He showcased his quality once again on Tuesday evening, scoring in England’s 5-0 win away to Serbia and producing an immaculate all-round performance.

Elsewhere, Guehi’s former Palace teammate Michael Olise is also a rumoured target for Liverpool, with the £87m-rated Bayern Munich winger being looked at as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

If Liverpool were able to sign both Guehi and Olise at the end of the current campaign, it would feel like another huge step in the right direction.

Appearances

34

Starts

28

Minutes played

2348

Goals

12

Assists

15

Key passes per game

2.7

Shots per game

2.5

Dribbles per game

2.1

It is common knowledge that Guehi had all but sealed a move to Anfield on deadline day, only for Palace to pull the plug, but it is vital that their interest in him remains strong, with England manager Thomas Tuchel lauding him earlier this week.

“He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has had a good couple of weeks behind him on the performance side. He has continued like that in camp and he handles it [the transfer situation] with respect and with a brilliant attitude.”

As for the £87m-rated Olise, he feels like a perfect Salah replacement once the Egyptian’s world-class quality has waned, possessing his ability to cut inside from the right flank and wreak havoc.

Liverpool lead race for "breakout star" with £34m+ release clause in 2026

The Reds have positioned themselves nicely to land his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 11, 2025

If Liverpool could sign both, and Palace youngster Adam Wharton, it would be another great summer transfer window, making this one to watch.

A new report has shared how Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis now feels about his decision to sack Nuno Espírito Santo, with the Greek billionaire also said to be considering a surprise replacement for Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou under serious Nottingham Forest pressure

A run of zero wins from his opening seven matches in charge at the City Ground, which includes five defeats, has plunged Postecoglou’s long-term Forest future into serious doubt.

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Newcastle 2-0 Forest

Premier League

While Forest are yet to pull the plug on the Australian, despite credible media sources suggesting he could be sacked if Forest lose to Newcastle, Marinakis is not afraid to make a ruthless decision and call time on Postecoglou’s short reign if results continue in this manner (Sky Sports).

The former Tottenham boss, if he’s handed his P45 in the coming days, could become the shortest reigning Premier League manager in history.

Postecoglou already has an unwanted record, having made the worst start of any new Forest boss for 100 years, but the 60-year-old sent a defiant message about his struggles to make a good start at the City Ground.

In terms of who could replace Postecoglou if Marinakis decides to call time, it is believed that Oliver Glasner could emerge as a top candidate for the Forest job, and they have a long-standing interest in Fulham’s Marco Silva (The Mail).

The tacticians are both doing excellent jobs at their respective clubs with limited resources, so it’s hardly a surprise to see them mentioned, but it is now rumoured that Marinakis has another “shock” candidate in mind.

Nottingham Forest internally discuss Graham Potter as a replacement for Ange

That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim that former West Ham boss Graham Potter, who was sacked by the Hammers over a fortnight ago, is being considered.

The Englishman recorded the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history, behind only Avram Grant, who relegated the Hammers in 2011, yet his name has apparently come up behind-the-scenes.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

TT claim that Forest are internally discussing the possibility of appointing Potter, and Marinakis feels personally accountable for the club’s current situation after his bold move to axe Nuno.

The chief is said to be furious over Forest’s form and the state of affairs right now, with Marinakis “on the verge” of sacking Postecoglou.

Hiring Potter would be a very controversial move, to say the least, following his torrid time at the London Stadium.

Even if West Ham players were fans of the tactician and gave him their full backing (The Telegraph), it would arguably be yet another backwards step for the Tricky Trees.

Elsewhere, Marinakis was spotted in close proximity to Rafael Benitez last week, who’s keen on returning to England, and the Spaniard could be a much better option than Potter.

The option that stands out among all the rest, though, is Glasner.

That being said, even though his contract expires in 2026, it could be very difficult to convince the Austrian to move there mid-season amid Forest’s current predicament.