If football taught us anything this weekend, it is that history, reputation and even a manager’s presence on the touchline cannot guarantee you three points.
Let’s start in Milan, where the city was painted red and black after AC Milan defeated their neighbours Inter 3-1 in the Derby della Madonnina. Christian Pulisic got Milan going just four minutes into the game before Adrien Rabiot doubled the advantage.
Image Credit: (AC milan via IG)
Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back for Inter, but Diego Moreira made sure Milan had the final say with a stunning free kick. Moreira was the star of the show, contributing a goal and two assists. And for Inter, there was a painful lesson: being top of the table means nothing when your neighbours are determined to ruin your weekend. Milan have now beaten Inter four times consecutively in the derby.
Image Credit: (AC milan via IG)
From Italy to Germany, where Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund served up another Klassiker that had everything except a winner. Bayern’s Harry Kane was celebrated before kick-off following his Ballon d’Or triumph, but the evening did not go according to script. The Englishman missed a penalty, struck the post and failed to find the net, although he did provide the assist for Dayot Upamecano’s goal.
Image Credit: (Bayern via IG)
Bayern eventually surrendered their lead as Dortmund grabbed an 89th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2. But perhaps the bigger talking point was the man missing from the Bayern dugout. Vincent Kompany is still recovering after being hospitalised following a collapse at the club’s training ground. He has been discharged and is resting, with assistant Aaron Danks taking charge against Dortmund.
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The lesson? Even the biggest football machines have to learn to function when their chief architect is unavailable. Bayern will hope Kompany returns soon, but the football does not stop for anybody.
Now, to North London, where Tottenham Hotspur are beginning to give their supporters something to smile about. Spurs defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 to make it three consecutive Premier League victories, following earlier wins against Coventry City and Chelsea. Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke got the goals against Palace, who were reduced to ten men early in the contest.
Image Credit: (Tottenham Hotspur via IG)
Three wins on the bounce might not be enough to start booking parade routes, but for a Tottenham side that has been searching for consistency, it is a welcome development. Perhaps the question is no longer whether Spurs can win games, but whether they can finally put together a serious run.
Image Credit: (Manchester City via IG)
Enzo Maresca is discovering that succeeding Pep Guardiola comes with enormous expectations. Manchester City suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Brighton, their second consecutive Premier League loss. For a manager who inherited one of the strongest football squads in Europe, the challenge is not just about winning matches; it is about maintaining the standards established during Guardiola’s decade at the Etihad. Maresca now has to answer a familiar question in football: can you maintain a dynasty while building your own identity?
Image Credit: (Manchester United via IG)
United lost 2-0 away to Chelsea, with their struggles continuing under Michael Carrick. The defeat extended their winless run in all competitions to nine matches. The pressure is growing, and the questions surrounding the manager’s future are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
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But the biggest statement in England came at Anfield. Arsenal travelled to Liverpool and left with all three points after a 1-0 victory. Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute, finishing off a Declan Rice delivery. It was Arsenal’s first Premier League victory at Anfield in 14 years, and more importantly, it sent Mikel Arteta’s side three points clear at the top of the table.
Image Credit: (Liverpool via IG)
This was not just about winning away from home. It was about showing the discipline and defensive maturity required of a team that genuinely wants to become champions. Arsenal even kept Liverpool from registering a shot on target. And perhaps Liverpool’s biggest lesson is that dominating spells of a match means very little if you cannot turn that possession and pressure into goals.
Image Credit: (Arsenal via IG)
Over in Spain, Barcelona reminded everyone that champions are expected to respond when things go wrong. After consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s men returned with a statement performance, dismantling Alaves 6-1. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both scored twice, with Anthony Gordon and Fermín López also getting on the scoresheet.
Image Credit: (Barcelona via IG)
It was an emphatic response, and Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga. The lesson here is simple: a bad week does not have to become a bad season. How you respond to setbacks often matters more than the setbacks themselves.
Image Credit: (AS Roma via IG)
And finally, in Italy, Roma gave their supporters plenty to celebrate, putting five past Udinese in a 5-2 victory. They were already four goals ahead at half-time, showing just how dangerous they can be when their attacking players find their rhythm.
Image Credit: (Juventus via IG)
Juventus also enjoyed a significant result, defeating Napoli 2-0 to underline their ambitions in the Serie A race.
So, what did we learn this weekend?
Arsenal are showing the temperament of title contenders. Manchester City are suddenly looking vulnerable. Manchester United have serious questions to answer. Tottenham are beginning to build momentum, while Barcelona have reminded us that the best teams know how to bounce back.
And in Milan, there is no better feeling than beating your biggest rivals.
Football never runs out of lessons. Sometimes you learn them from winning, sometimes from losing, and sometimes from watching your biggest rival celebrate in your own city.
