Heading into the frantically busy Christmas break, now is not the time for there to be divisions amongst players, their managers and the fans.
With an increased amount of fixtures and minimal recovery time, results can come and go very easily in the next eight-week block of Premier League games; something the current managers are all too familiar with.
Here are three managers that need to find consistency in order to keep their jobs:
Unai Emery
Another loss cemented Unai Emery’s fate from the fans’ perspective, even if the Arsenal board are not reflecting their views at this current stage.
With top four up for grabs given the demise of Manchester United and Tottenham, the Gunners find themselves in sixth position, eight points off the pace.
After the commotion of Granit Xhaka’s captaincy, the chaotic noise surrounding the club has sprinkled into their game strategy and how they are tackling games.
Either Emery needs to rip it up and start again with his tactics by playing front-foot football, or admit defeat and walk away from the job – something that is very unlikely to happen.
The Gunners have Southampton after the international break at the Emirates, but there will be a cold reception for the Spanish boss and his players.
Time is ticking for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss to turn it around.
87 – Arsenal have won 87 points in their 50 Premier League games under Unai Emery (W25 D12 L13) – one fewer than they managed in their final 50 under Arsene Wenger (W27 D7 L16). Regression. pic.twitter.com/jAfA0dzuIj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 9, 2019
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
While a win against Brighton and Hove Albion has been a welcome relief after recent Premier League performances, the problem surrounding Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s tenure has been their lack of consistency.
Three points took the Red Devils into seventh position, but still closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four.
Given the amount of wasted opportunities throughout the season so far, it looks highly improbable that they are anywhere near Champions League spots come the end of the season.
Solskjær has relieved some of the immediate pressure, but it only takes three bad performances on the spin for the disgruntlement to reignite and appear at an alarming rate. For the Norwegian’s own sake, he will hope that he can reach January and bring in extra forces.
Manchester United’s board are publicly backing the manager, but they know all too well how matters can escalate and actions needed to be taken. This is one to monitor over the following weeks.
♦️Fred's stats 🆚 Brighton:
↕️100% aerial duels won
✅78.7% pass accuracy
🛡️2 tackles won
👁️1 key passOle Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Fred as the 'catalyst' in the victory over Brighton 👏 #mufc
… Agree? 👇 pic.twitter.com/8AOUnziW2r
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) November 10, 2019
Mauricio Pochettino
Writing appears on the wall for Mauricio Pochettino and his time at Tottenham. It has been a wonderful five years that resulted in a Champions League final, but it is clear that this cannot carry on and be a fruitful relationship any longer.
A large proportion of Spurs’ starting XI are now keen to move on, added to the fact that Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were angling for moves last summer.
There always comes a point where players need change from a manager’s methods and routine. And it appears this moment has come for Tottenham and their manager.
Mauricio Pochettino hopes he will be given the chance to build the team that he wants at #thfc. pic.twitter.com/X7At0r2Rd8
— Daily Hotspur (@Daily_Hotspur) November 9, 2019
Wailing in 14th position with 14 points on the board, Spurs’ form is not improving and players are now acting as individuals on the pitch rather than maintaining their strong form of identity they have shown in prior seasons.
Pochettino will no doubt have many suitors lined up for when his exit does come, but it might be sooner rather than later at this current rate.
