The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: Which Premier League clubs have changed the most?
Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Ayo Akimwaleere
Guests: John McKenzie, J.J. Bull

Overview

This episode dives deep into the biggest tactical and personnel changes across several Premier League clubs after the first week of the 2025/26 season. The panel, led by Ayo Akimwaleere, is joined by tactical analysts John McKenzie and J.J. Bull, who dissect what’s different at Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, and debutant Sunderland. They explore how new managers, signings, and philosophies are reshaping teams—and what it all could mean for the season ahead.

Main Discussion and Key Insights

1. Manchester City: Central Solidity, New Vulnerabilities

Segment starts at [02:03]

• John McKenzie highlights how Pep Guardiola has set out to address City's problems with conceding "big chances" from transitions, a recurring issue last season.

  • Key Tactic: City now crowd the central areas in defense, especially during opponents’ long balls, leaving the flanks more open.
  • Quote:

    "City have the advantage, the numerical advantage, which means that even if they don't win the first ball in the second ball, they should have a good chance of being able to retain possession." — John McKenzie [03:40]

• Detailed analysis of Wolves’ attacking structure reveals that, while City initially have numbers to win the ball, clever opposition movement can turn a 6v3 into an even contest, exploiting City's zonal-marking tendencies.

• Midfielder Nico Gonzalez’s more conservative, zonal role is contrasted with the (previous) all-manoeuvre approach of City. Now, stopping attacks through the centre is a priority—even if it creates vulnerability on the wings.

  • Quote:

    "Blocking out the middle, not allowing the opposition to get control in the middle... that means there's going to be a free player somewhere [out wide]." — John McKenzie [06:35]

• Conclusion: City got away with it vs. Wolves, who lacked quality to punish them. Upcoming matches vs. Tottenham, Brighton, and Manchester United will test whether these structural tweaks can stand up to greater attacking threat.

2. Manchester United: Subtle Evolution, Big Improvements

Segment starts at [09:11]

• J.J. Bull notes significant improvements despite United’s loss to Arsenal:

  • More possession, more shots, and better control compared to last season’s cagey, counter-attacking performances.

  • New attacking players have made ball retention and second-ball recovery far more reliable.

  • Quote:

    "Even though they got a draw out of it, you can get that by hitting teams in the counter attack. But when we look at the [recent] game... we saw much improved United performance." — J.J. Bull [09:39]

• United’s structure is tighter; now, on long balls, midfielders and forwards position better to contest second balls and control transitions.

• Caveats remain—it’s early, Arsenal weren’t at their sharpest—but United look more aggressive and organized, closing gaps and supporting transitions both defensively and in attack.

  • Quote:

    "United look far more organized, much more structured. They close the gaps between the forward line and the backline, players in position to be able to win that midfield." — J.J. Bull [12:43]

3. Arsenal: Early Concerns About New Signings

Segment at [13:03]

• John McKenzie discusses Victor Gyökeres’ underwhelming debut:

  • Technical flaws and lack of aerial duels won against tough Premier League center-backs (notably Matthijs de Ligt).

  • Arsenal’s approach of using his physicality for long balls hasn’t paid off yet.

  • Quote:

    "If the physical level is too high for him, then it's maybe a bit of a worrying sign." — John McKenzie [13:39]

• Gyökeres’ talent as a transition threat is clear but not fully realized with current team structure. There’s time for adjustment, but patience will be required from fans.

4. Liverpool: More Risk, Less Control Under Slot

Segment starts at [14:48]

• John McKenzie analyzes the marked shift since Arne Slot’s arrival:

  • Despite a perception of increased control, Liverpool look riskier than last season, especially in transition defense ("rest defense").

  • Excerpts from Arne Slot's post-match interview emphasize the need to "find a better balance in taking risk."

  • Quote:

    "We need to find a better balance in taking risk. So balance and risk, both important words for what we're talking about here." — John McKenzie (quoting Slot) [15:11]

• Detailed breakdown of both Bournemouth goals conceded:

  • Liverpool’s rest defense is set up man-to-man, but when players (e.g., Endo) step up or the team loses shape due to risky flicks or fullback runs, they become vulnerable to counters.

  • Key structural issues: loss of the "plus one" buffer at the back, allowing opposition to exploit 3v3 or 4v2 situations after turnovers.

  • Quote:

    "That's a really heady concoction for a team trying to defend in transition." — John McKenzie [21:58]

• Conclusion: Liverpool will be entertaining—sometimes too much for their own fans. Success hinges on finding the right risk-reward balance.

5. Tottenham Hotspur: Brentford DNA Meets Spurs Flair

Segment starts at [24:31]

• J.J. Bull examines how Thomas Frank has immediately stamped his pragmatic, set-piece-focused style on Spurs:

  • Spurs treat every stoppage (goal kicks, throw-ins, even kickoffs) as a tactical moment—a classic Brentford trait.

  • Example: Against Burnley, a set-piece routine off kickoff almost led to a huge chance within seconds.

  • Quote:

    "He's got them doing Brentford things already. And Brentford things that we saw from the last few seasons are that they're intense when they need to be, but not always...they change depending on the opponent." — J.J. Bull [25:06]

• Spurs now blend Brentford's pragmatism with the aggression and quick possession play seen under Postecoglou.

  • Notable moment: A full-team goal versus Burnley, where every Spurs player touched the ball, culminating in a Richarlison bicycle kick.
  • Quote:

    "I didn't think Spurs would look this good so quickly, but based on what I saw against PSG and...Burnley, they just look like Thomas Frank's already got them playing the way he wants to." — J.J. Bull [27:43]

• Caveat: It’s early and Burnley (likely relegation candidates) may not be the best benchmark, but Spurs’ identity appears revamped and promising.

6. Sunderland: Promoted, Unexpectedly Ready

Segment starts at [28:42]

• John McKenzie confesses he tipped Sunderland for relegation, but their impressive opening win versus West Ham is forcing recalibration.

  • Transfer strategy was a concern: lots of youthful risk in attack, uncertainty at the back.

  • Surprising readiness evident in both established and new players. Defensive reinforcements (e.g., Masuaku, Mukiele) and Granit Xhaka's stabilizing presence in midfield are key.

  • Quote:

    "Granit Xhaka is super useful for that tactical diversity for Sunderland...just being able to knit front and back together in build up." — John McKenzie [30:11]

• Sunderland exhibit flexibility: able to play direct or work through midfield, thanks to Xhaka’s intelligence and new signings’ dynamism.

• Promoted teams (Leeds and Sunderland) already picking up 10% of the points total that all three promoted teams managed in aggregate last season—early signs they could be much more competitive.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:40 | John McKenzie | "City have the advantage, the numerical advantage... they should have a good chance of being able to retain possession." | | 06:35 | John McKenzie | "Blocking out the middle, not allowing the opposition to get control in the middle... that means there's going to be a free player somewhere [out wide]." | | 09:39 | J.J. Bull | "Even though they got a draw... when we look at the [recent] game... we saw much improved United performance."| | 12:43 | J.J. Bull | "United look far more organized, much more structured... players in position to be able to win that midfield." | | 13:39 | John McKenzie | "If the physical level is too high for him, then it's maybe a bit of a worrying sign." | | 15:11 | John McKenzie (quoting Slot) | "We need to find a better balance in taking risk. So balance and risk, both important words for what we're talking about here." | | 21:58 | John McKenzie | "That's a really heady concoction for a team trying to defend in transition." | | 25:06 | J.J. Bull | "He's got them doing Brentford things already...they change depending on the opponent." | | 27:43 | J.J. Bull | "I didn't think Spurs would look this good so quickly...they just look like Thomas Frank's already got them playing the way he wants to."| | 30:11 | John McKenzie | "Granit Xhaka is super useful for that tactical diversity for Sunderland...just being able to knit front and back together in build up." |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:03] – Episode kick-off: Manchester City’s tactical evolution
• [09:11] – Manchester United’s summer changes and improved structure
• [13:03] – Arsenal’s new striker under scrutiny
• [14:48] – Liverpool’s high-risk approach under Arne Slot
• [24:31] – Spurs blend Brentford set-piece tactics with attacking football
• [28:42] – Sunderland’s strong Premier League debut

Tone and Style

The episode is analytical, lively, and often self-deprecating, with the panel openly admitting misjudgments and delightedly discussing tactical nuance. Throughout, the focus is firmly on on-pitch actions, avoiding hype or hot takes in favor of data-driven insight and clear tactical explanations.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode provides an incisive review of week one in the Premier League, focusing on tactical changes, managerial impacts, and which clubs appear most transformed. It's essential listening for fans wanting to understand the 'why' behind the results and the subtle shifts that could define the 2025/26 season.