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This was published 9 months ago

Bosnich: Guardiola's stroke of genius flipping title race; Can United maintain the rage under Carrick?

Mark Bosnich
Mark Bosnich

Updated . First published at

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Tottenham Hotspur's home record in the Premier League has been shocking this season.

Spurs have only won two of 11 games at home and so it is little wonder that they are sitting 14th and manager Thomas Frank is under the pump.

I think they're at a real crossroads. The weird thing is their Champions League form has been very good, finishing fourth in the first phase.

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Richarlison of Tottenham looks dejected after Leandro Trossard of Arsenal scores.

Richarlison of Tottenham looks dejected after Leandro Trossard of Arsenal scores. Getty

But they haven't been able to replicate that in the domestic competition and now they have Manchester City coming to town and smelling blood.

Spurs did beat City 2-0 way back in August so they won't be overawed. If you did a home table, they're in 19th position.

They've got to be a bit careful because they're only eight points out of the relegation zone. You don't want to be sucked into that fight.

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Gary Lineker speaks to Pep Guardiola after Manchester City's victory.

Gary Lineker speaks to Pep Guardiola after Manchester City's victory. Getty

Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, will be very happy with City's progress.

We understood that that was a rebuilding phase for them this season, but they're now only four points behind Arsenal.

That Arsenal result, losing to Manchester United, will give them extra impetus to keep that pressure on.

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NEW PODCAST! Robbie Slater and Tommy Oar join Added Time as a rejuvenated Manchester United blow the title race wide open

We all know Arsenal's history of fading at the end of the season and both City and Aston Villa have now got a real chance at the title.

Their new signings, Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, have been fantastic already and that invigorates the team.

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Semenyo's been unbelievable for both Bournemouth and for City.

Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City celebrates scoring.

Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City celebrates scoring. Getty

He's a genuine Player of the Year contender. If they go on and win the title those two signings will be looked back upon as a stroke of genius from Pep and his team.

I can't see anything else but a City win here. But I don't think Spurs will sack Frank before the end of the season.

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They will wait like they did with Ange Postecoglou and their European form is keeping him afloat.

Thomas Frank of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans.

Thomas Frank of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans. Getty

I know people say - and I agree with it to an extent - you can't keep sacking managers. But when managers keep losing, sometimes you give the powers that be no choice as well.

When you start with a new manager, you've got to be patient enough to know that it'll take at least until their second season until they start to hit their stride. But at the so-called bigger clubs, sometimes you leave them with no choice.

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I can see City taking Arsenal down and winning the title. But I can't see them winning the Champions League.

CAN UNITED MAINTAIN THE RAGE UNDER CARRICK?

Manchester United's revival has been inspirational since Ruben Amorim got the sack and Michael Carrick took over.

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It's been really enjoyable to watch and let's hope they can continue it now against Fulham.

Fulham are in seventh place and only four points behind United. Their manager, Marco Silva, has been absolutely outstanding and they've only lost one of their last five.

I thought they were rather fortunate on the weekend against Brighton. Brighton had goals disallowed, they had the majority of play, and then at the last minute Harry Wilson scored again, from a free kick.

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That's the Welsh wizard's 11th goal involvement since November. The only one who's had more is Erling Haaland.

This will be a different test for United because Fulham will be able to sit back and say 'you come at us.'

Whereas City and Arsenal were trying to dominate United and United showed their prowess on the counter.

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Be wary of Fulham. They are the perennial underdog and in Marco Silva, they've got somebody who knows how to prepare teams to go to places like Old Trafford and get a result. They've done that for quite some time.

I love the simple changes Carrick has made. Bruno Fernandes is now being played in a position that brings out his strengths and allows others to fit in around him. He thrives with that responsibility.

HATS OFF TO EXTRAORDINARY GOALKEEPER'S GOAL

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I have to finish with a special mention for the goalkeeper's union.

Anatoliy Trubin's 98th minute winner for Benfica vs Real Madrid was absolutely extraordinary. What a finish!

The one thing that we wanted more of, when UEFA changed into a league system, was more jeopardy in those last games.

 Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin of SL Benfica celebrates his goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estádio da Luz on January 28, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin of Benfica celebrates his goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estádio da Luz on January 28, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.  Getty

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And boy did we get it! Anatoliy goes up and scores an amazing header, amazing scenes, and qualifies Benfica for the knockout stages. It was unreal.

I went up a couple of times in my career. I headed a good one against Blackburn's title-winning side but it didn't go in.

That was a brilliant header from Anatoliy.

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