The Nutmeg with Alan Smith: Misery for Mourinho, Tuchel impressions at Chelsea, Arsenal’s defensive progress

Standard Sport1 February 2021

Welcome to another edition of The Nutmeg, Standard Sport’s weekly football talk show that dissects the latest Premier League action and discusses the biggest talking points on the London football scene.

This week, Standard Sport columnist and former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith joins Dan Kilpatrick, James Robson, Simon Collings and Jack Rosser to discuss what was another hectic weekend in the top-flight.

Alan and Dan were both in attendance at the Amex Stadium on Sunday night as Harry Kane-less Tottenham’s poor form continued with an abject 1-0 defeat to Brighton.

It was another disappointing evening for Gareth Bale on the south coast as only his second Premier League start of the season lasted a little over an hour - does the Welshman need more time to rediscover his best form? 

Carlos Vinicius did not start in Kane’s absence but offered Tottenham more of a focal point after being introduced at half-time. Does the Benfica loanee therefore deserve to be in Jose Mourinho’s XI against Chelsea on Thursday night?

Away from Spurs, Thomas Tuchel secured his first win in English football at the second attempt on Sunday as much-improved Chelsea overcame Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Are Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marcos Alonso the biggest beneficaries of the German’s tactics so far?

There may have been a lack of fireworks during Arsenal’s goalless draw against Manchester United on Saturday evening, but the resurgent Gunners are now unbeaten in seven league matches.

Rob Holding has been instrumental to their defensive improvements, while there has been a renaissance of sorts for David Luiz.

You can watch the episode in full on Standard Sport’s Facebook page, Standard Sport’s Twitter or on the Evening Standard's YouTube channel.

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