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On October 22, 2024, John Brewin reflected on the unpredictability of season previews in a piece that captures the essence of fleeting hopes and harsh realities. He recalls the summer optimism surrounding Oliver Glasner, who was celebrated as a master tactician after leading his team, Crystal Palace, to a Big Vase victory. Yet, as the season unfolds, that initial excitement has faded. The firing power of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise was expected to create magic on the field, but things have taken a turn.
As Brewin noted, Adam Wharton was seen as the next Paul Scholes, the beacon of promise for fans. However, injuries have stalled his momentum, and he hasn’t found his place in Lee Carsley’s experimental England squad. Olise’s transfer to Bayern Munich has left Eze to carry the weight alone, while Mateta, who had established a reputation as a goal-scorer, has also struggled with fitness. After a disheartening loss to Nottingham Forest, the mood at Palace is grim. Glasner, usually a vibrant figure on the sidelines, has been reduced to sideline conversations with his trusted assistant, Michael Angerschmid.
As it stands, Crystal Palace is still searching for their first win, and the mood among the Holmesdale Ultras is restless. Brewin highlights a concerning trend in the league: four teams are yet to secure a win. Starting at the bottom, Wolves, managed by Gary O’Neil, are still fuming over a VAR decision that denied them a fair shot against Manchester City. O’Neil’s comments following that match have caught the FA’s interest, illustrating the palpable frustration among teams.
Russell Martin’s Southampton is another team struggling, unable to hold onto leads, while Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna faces scrutiny as his well-funded squad cannot replicate their Championship success. As Brewin muses, it remains to be seen which teams will finally find their footing…and whether their managers will survive the season intact.
In the broader football landscape, the anticipation continues with promises of engaging match coverage. Scott Murray will be providing updates on Arsenal’s clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, while Niall McVeigh will keep track of other action throughout the night.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s recent revelations about his experience with Pep Guardiola during training have added another layer to the drama surrounding team dynamics. His candid remarks about being benched after questioning Guardiola resonate with anyone who has faced the consequences of speaking out in a high-pressure environment.
Letters to the editor continue to express readers’ concerns about the state of football, from complaints about the MLS Supporters’ Shield to nostalgia for less commercially-driven days of the sport.
As the season progresses, football fans are left to wonder if their teams will rise from the quagmire or if the current trend of winless woes will prevail.
