Five matches rarely tell the whole story of a Premier League season. They can, however, change the mood around a club remarkably quickly. Summer optimism gives way to questions about recruitment, selections and whether a manager’s ideas are translating into results.
In Mirror Football’s assessment of all 20 managers, Roberto De Zerbi receives the lowest mark, while David Moyes earns the highest. Between those extremes, the Premier League sack race is shaped by more than league position. Expectations, resources and previous achievements all influence how much patience a manager can expect.
These are the publication’s performance ratings, rather than betting odds or confirmation that clubs are considering dismissals.
Photo: IMAGO
Tottenham and Fulham face mounting pressure
De Zerbi’s 2/10 rating reflects a Tottenham start that has produced just two points and left them bottom. Significant summer spending has sharpened the disappointment, while familiar problems at home have continued.
Mirror reporter Ryan Taylor captures the distinction between a poor start and grounds for an immediate dismissal: “It’s a worry but it’s still too early to suggest De Zerbi deserves the boot, though results must improve quickly.”
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa receives 3/10 after collecting the same number of points. His early attempts to build an adventurous side have exposed defensive weaknesses, although there are signs of greater resilience.
A clean sheet against Liverpool offers encouragement. So does the possibility of a more settled midfield partnership between Shea Charles and Sander Berge. The forthcoming meeting with Ipswich nevertheless carries particular importance: difficult fixtures provide context, but Fulham need victories against potential survival rivals.
Pierre Sage also scores 3/10 at Crystal Palace. Three defeats in five matches have made an already demanding succession to Oliver Glasner more uncomfortable. Changes to the defensive personnel…
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