NO CLUE: Why was Morgan Rogers played up front against Spurs on Saturday?

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HELLO my good football people… I trust you had a great weekend!

Mine was totally shattered following Chelsea’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

I mean, just when we thought the Blues had turned the corner. We hadn’t lost to that lot at Stamford Bridge since 2018 and that win was their first victory in west London for 28 years.

Apart from the Blues looking decent with the return of midfield general Moises Caicedo two weeks ago, Tottenham have probably been at their worst for decades.

On paper, it should’ve been a straightforward three points. There is, of course, the massive rivalry between the clubs, one that goes back to the 1960s/70s, which inspired many a tight derby, but this wasn’t about that.

You have to be brutally honest and say it was down to the coach… Xabi Alonso got it all wrong. Firstly, in the absence of striker Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers was deployed. Surely, Danny Welbeck should have gotten the nod?

More concerning was how deep Chelsea sat… At home… Against a struggling Spurs. Why would the gaffer choose to play on the break? And then only make changes with no time to affect the game.

Mate, I was so p****d off. For all those years, for the fights, the banter, the incredible record, the “three-point Lane” status, to give a limp performance like that? I like Alonso and believe he will do well at the Bridge. I guess the defeat will be a major lesson learnt.

Meanwhile, the weekend threw up a few eyebrow-raising results! Just when we thought Manchester City were finding their rhythm, a great Aston Villa performance out of nowhere left Enzo Maresca and his band of Viking-led mercenaries not quite knowing what hit them.

I always said I was sad to see Nicolas Jackson leave Chelsea. Holding up the ball and turning on defenders, he is one of the best in the business. His final decision-making has at times been erratic, but he showed his value with a well-deserved brace against the Citizens on Saturday.

The City result means that Arsenal are level at the top (second on goal difference) after their solid 2-0 home defeat of Everton on Saturday.

And likewise, Liverpool pulled off a very credible result at home to Brighton on Sunday. I actually called a draw on that one, given the Scousers’ indifferent start to the season and the Seagulls’ great form. Could this be the beginning of the end of a Leicester City-type dream season for Brighton?

CLASS: Nicolas Jackson is the best at holding up the ball and turning on defenders

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But I’ve left the worst for last! Look, I am after all the MAN U love to hate. I’ve been writing about Manchester United and having tons of banter with their fans on the radio for decades, but I have to say… (don’t tell the lads at Chelsea) I actually have some compassion for United supporters right now.

Just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse, frikkin Bournemouth turn up at Old Trafford and spank them on their own turf on Sunday.

I also feel a bit sorry for Michael Carrick. It must be awful as a club legend to be held accountable for the out-of-control spiral it's turning into. Because, of course, he isn’t responsible. It’s a dark circus with ringleaders hungry to maximise profits over football and club culture. It really is the luck of the draw in today’s top-flight game.

​Your club’s success or failure, and your own happiness or despair, depends on whether you’re bought out by a good or bad billionaire!

Well, I’m not sure there is such a thing as a good billionaire, but you get what I’m saying. Roman Abramovich… Good. Todd Boehly… Bad. The Glazers… Bad. Sir Jim Ratcliffe… Evil.

​It was heartening, however, to watch Carrick walking towards the tunnel at Old Trafford. He got a standing ovation from the many supporters who stayed following the final whistle. As soon as he disappeared down the tunnel, the crowd turned on the United players, booing and screaming insults.

​Fans aren’t stupid; they know what is what. In this case, it’s widely recognised that the club needs new ownership, but the players themselves need to stand up. They appear to have clocked out and, without the exiled Bruno Fernandes, the drop-off was that much more noticeable.

​We all want a journey to Old Trafford, a massive Saturday afternoon against one of the world’s greatest clubs, the chance to play against the best, but I’m afraid that is gone.

​I’ve always maintained that given the size of the brand (because that is what clubs are now), at some stage enough will be enough, United will be bought out and repaired. But there is no guarantee and the mountain of a task it poses is far from an attractive business proposition. I hope I’m wrong.

​In the meantime, ladies and gents, the League Cup is back tonight and tomorrow with a couple of tasty fixtures. While on Sunday, Arsenal go to Anfield! Bring it on…

​Chat next week.

​Bye, bye.

NOT ALL HIS FAULT: Michael Carrick

Image: AFP