The Athletic FC Podcast

At the weekend, Chelsea overcame their biggest test yet under Enzo Maresca. The 4-3 win away at their bitter rivals Tottenham has seen them go up to second place in the table.  So, are Chelsea “back” - and are they real title contenders? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay and Liam Twomey  Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After just five months, Dan Ashworth has left his role as sporting director at Manchester United So why has he gone, and what does it say about the new leadership at the club? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Laurie Whitwell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After defeat on the South Coast, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham host in form Chelsea.  In a fixture that saw five goals scored, five goals disallowed, eight yellow cards, two reds and nine VAR checks in the first half alone last season, are we set up for similar chaos this year?  Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are firing on all cylinders, having scored 57 goals in 22 matches in all competitions this campaign. While Spurs are as unpredictable as ever, following up their 4-0 victory at The Etihad by dropping points against Fulham and Bournemouth. After losing support from the fans midweek, how significant is Sunday’s game for Ange Postecoglou? Can Chelsea make a statement in their push for top four, or perhaps more?  Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So far just two Premier League managers have been shown the door this season, with Erik Ten Hag and Steve Cooper having been sacked. But as we head toward the January transfer market, who else could follow Manchester United and Leicester City’s lead? And just when is the right time to sack a manager? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Stu James and lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the situations around both Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neil at West Ham United and Wolves, while Leicester City correspondent Rob Tanner explains Leicester's decision to swap Cooper for Ruud van Nistelrooy. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Stu James, Phil Hay and Rob Tanner Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices