The weekend of November 4-5, 2025, showcased dramatic events across European football, with key performances impacting league standings and raising critical questions for teams and managers alike. Tottenham Hotspur faced a troubling defeat against Chelsea, while Erling Haaland propelled Manchester City to a commanding victory over Bournemouth. Additionally, Antoine Griezmann reached a significant career milestone, scoring his 200th league goal.
Troubling Times for Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea was a stark indication of the team’s struggles, despite their current fifth-place standing in the league. The match statistics painted a different picture; Chelsea dominated play, recording an impressive 3.68 expected goals, while Tottenham managed only three shots throughout the game, resulting in a mere 0.10 xG.
Manager Thomas Frank has faced criticism as his squad continues to underperform, having secured only three wins since mid-September. Even these victories came under questionable circumstances, including a cup match against lower-league Doncaster and a narrow win at Leeds featuring deflected goals. The team’s attacking options have faltered, with injuries compounding their issues.
Frank defended his players after they appeared to snub him post-match, calling it a “small issue.” He acknowledged his frustration at the team’s inability to respond positively to the mounting pressure. Chelsea’s win, on the other hand, signified a potential turning point, as they displayed resilience and tactical awareness, even in the absence of key players.
Haaland’s Heroics Propel Manchester City
Erling Haaland continued his scoring spree, netting two goals in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. This win elevated City to second place in the league, just behind the formidable Arsenal, who also secured a victory this weekend. Haaland’s tally for the season reached an astonishing 26 goals in all competitions, highlighting his critical role in the squad.
City’s approach against Bournemouth was marked by efficiency rather than possession, as they executed quick, direct football to exploit their opponents’ defensive weaknesses. Manager Pep Guardiola’s tactical evolution was evident, moving away from a possession-centric style to a more dynamic, counter-attacking strategy.
Despite Bournemouth’s commendable efforts under manager Andoni Iraola, they struggled to contain City’s attacking prowess. Guardiola’s side displayed their adaptability and ruthlessness, making a statement about their title aspirations.
Griezmann Makes History with Atlético Madrid
Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann achieved a career milestone by scoring his 200th top-flight goal during Atlético Madrid’s 3-0 victory. This goal not only maintained Atlético’s position in fourth place but also solidified Griezmann’s legacy as one of the club’s key figures.
At 11th on the all-time scoring list, Griezmann’s journey from a young player at Real Sociedad to a seasoned veteran at Atlético is commendable. His contributions extend beyond the pitch, as his leadership and experience are invaluable to the squad, particularly under the management of Diego Simeone.
Other Highlights and Quick Takes
In other matches, Juventus marked Luciano Spalletti’s managerial debut with a 2-1 victory over Cremonese. Despite limited time for preparation, Spalletti’s tactical decisions, including the use of two strikers, received praise from fans and analysts alike.
Bayern Munich continued their dominance in the Bundesliga with a 3-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing their depth and squad rotation ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture. Arsenal maintained their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a solid performance against Burnley, while Paris Saint-Germain narrowly clinched a victory over Nice, solidifying their status at the top of Ligue 1.
As the football season progresses, teams will need to address their inconsistencies and build momentum heading into midweek Champions League fixtures. The weekend’s results have certainly set the stage for an exciting November in European football.
