Nottingham Forest has done the unthinkable, yet it feels inevitable when they decided to sack Sean Dyche in the UK morning.
This will be the third time this season that a manager is dismissed by Evangelos Marinakis, after the team’s predecessor, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Ange Postecoglou.
Nuno, the man who brought European football to Nottingham, was sacked after a rough start this season. His replacement, Ange, has a worse tenure, bringing the team from 10th to 18th, right in the relegation zone.
Sean Dyche’s number, one that often rings when a team needs rescue, was rung, and though he had a solid start and was nominated for January’s Manager of the Month, he was sacked after a goalless draw against Wolves, who are their relegation rival.
Ironically, Dyche’s time at Forest was remarkable; he collected more points than both previous managers combined and is enjoying his best win percentage tenure at 33%. Furthermore, in the last 5 matches, they drew against league leader Arsenal and Crystal Palace, and only lost 1 game within that period.
According to BBC analysis, a lack of goals and difficulty bonding with players could be attributed as a reason for dismissing Dyche. A struggle to secure a safe distance away from the relegation zone could be attributed to this decision, with only 3 points away from the drop after 18 games in the league.
Regardless, this decision is bewildering, as change fatigue can occur when players can’t keep up with the pace of change. A switch up from Nuno’s solid defense to Postecoglou is already drastic in a short time, having to switch back to low-block, route one football under Dyche is also another huge swing in playing style.
Not only that, a replacement for Dyche’s job is rumored to be…
Victor Pereira
Who, despite winning the league and cup double under Marinakis’ team in 2015, managed a winless Wolves run this season. Having to navigate through a free-falling environment, escaping relegation is easier said than done.
Heck, this may not be the end of Nottingham Forest manager graves this season.
When Florian Wirtz scored a goal against Fulham back in January, he appeared to be behind the last defender, which should have been ruled as offside. However, the Premier League does have a rule that allow for 5 centimeters tolerance, which is why Wirtz got away with it.
The rule has been enforced since the 2021-2022 season and could appear more this season, given the introduction of semi-automatic offside technology that provides more accurate measurement of player location, determining whether or not they are offside.
Though, despite the rule being in effect for about 4 years, it has not come up and been talked about often at all, with Wirtz’s goal being the one that initiates the conversation among fans. Now the floodgates have been open, and every goal disallowed by VAR from now on will be under scrutiny, especially if the player was offside by a hair.
This morning (11 February) in local Thailand time, 2 such occurrences happened, leading to fiery outrage by some fans.
First, in the match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, Joe Willock’s opener was denied by VAR. It seems that only the top of his head was offside.
VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Willock was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed. pic.twitter.com/W0RdRaNaG4
Though Newcastle would still win the match 2-1, this decision may not be as damaging to the result of the game.
On the other hand, in West Ham’s draw against Man United, Casemiro headed in a then-equalizer that was stripped away by VAR. The picture makes it seem like he was offside only by his kneecap.
VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Casemiro was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed. pic.twitter.com/gshNqA64Xk
Eventually, Sesko would equalize for Man United in the dying minutes of the stoppage time, but some speculate whether or not United were robbed of a win with this goal disallowed.
According to the BBC, VAR is offered three frames to determine the photo to be used for reference. The problem, however, is that the animation footage used is not accurately correlated to real-life action. Perhaps, in attempts to create more transparency in referees’ decisions, the animation creates more questions for the fans than answers.
I would propose the graphic to include the 5cm margin of error within the frame, accompanied by the frame that was used in decision-making. This can better demonstrate to the audience what is used in decision-making.
Because these 5 centimeters could be the difference between winning and losing.
Seattle Seahawks had defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 to win this year’s Super Bowl.
However, one of the talking points is the performance of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Despite having 2 touchdowns and 295 passing yards, it is overshadowed by his 2 interceptions and 6 sacks. The defense of Seahawks blitz and swallow Maye whole.
As a Super Bowl debut for the 23-year-old sophomore, the brightest stages seem to be too bright for him at the moment. Regardless, it is still his second season, and an unexpected trip to the Super Bowl could be a preview to strong Patriots team in few years time.
As said in “Rocky Balboa”, “it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” This crushing defeat does not spell the end for Drake Maye, but it could prove to be fuel to the fire for future returns.
After the Trade Deadline passed for the NBA this season, there are significant changes throughout the league, and here are the biggest winners and losers in my humble opinion.
Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers get a red hot James Harden for Darius Garland and a future second round pick. As a team that is gunning for the championship this season, this is a “win now” decision that should greatly bolster the offensive strength tremendously.
Moreover, with acquisition of Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and Emanuel Miller on top of having James Harden is the depth that the Cavs always need to win their second NBA championship, especially in the East that is wide open.
Winner: Indiana Pacers
This year the Pacers are abysmal. Losing Tyrese Haliburton due to torn Achilles is harsh, and losing Myles Turner to the Bucks make it even worse.
However, for a team that ranks dead last in the Eastern Conference, they make a great move that could bolster their squad when Haliburton returns. Adding Ivica Zubac to the team is an investment move. For Zubac contract stays through 2027-2028 season, he could prove to be a prominent third choice option when the Pacers feels like going on a run again.
Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
Ditching Rob Dillingham is a tough pill to swallow for the Timberwolves front office, but when you want to cash in on Anthony Edward and a strong squad, you need to round out the team with a reliable starter. In comes Ayo Dosunmu, who could potentially round out this team for a good push in the competitive West.
Winner: Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets this season are doing quite fine honestly, with Lamelo Ball at the helm, this team’s offense is something else. Getting Coby White, Ousmane Dieng, Malaki Branham, and Xavier Tillman Sr. adds the depth that this team needs to punch their tickets to the playoffs.
Winner (somewhat): Chicago Bulls
At first, I was surprised why the Bulls decided to completely go nuclear with their roster, seemingly everyone with a pulse is traded elsewhere. This is especially after a hot start Bulls have initially. However, after a poor run of form, they are now ranked 11 and are slightly below .500. This is when Bulls decided to cash out on the high, shipping out en masse, and gather a total of 13 second round picks throughout 2032.
Though it looks impressive on paper, this is not the most desirable outcome. Second round picks are often not the piece that you desire in a rebuild, as players who succeed in the top level from second round are far in between. It’s not like another Jokic is gonna fall from the sky.
Still, these abundance of picks could be used as a leverage for a future trade. To see whether or not these picks will hold value, that’s the question that will be answered in this offseason by the soonest.
Winner (80%): Memphis Grizzlies
With trouble of chemistry in Memphis, it seems like a time is done for the franchise player Ja Morant, it may be the best time to cash on him right now and build a squad of gritty defense and tough offense.
Though, they decided that the person who’s going is Jarren Jackson Junior. It is a little out of nowhere, but a 4-for-4 trade that gets 3 first round picks in the future is a good foundation to build upon.
Besides, they don’t have to cash out early on Ja, they can look for the best offers in the future, though it could be hard to get rid of him due to the team being careful of his reputation.
Winner (slightly): Milwaukee Bucks
It’s gutsy to not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo here when the team is in the gutter, especially when he is pushing 32 this year. However, the Bucks don’t have to cash out at this moment, perhaps they can strengthen up the squad and satisfy Giannis in the offseason, and even if they don’t, trading Giannis then is not a huge loss as opposed to trading him now.
They have time, so they don’t really need to rush.
Loser: Golden State Warriors
I have no words on how the Warriors have fallen.
I should be joyful, as Warriors dash the dream of the best Rockets squad since the 90s. Yet, it is hard to not have sympathy for Stephen Curry. For a superstar of that caliber, choosing to stay loyal to The Bay, Steve Kerr, and the Warriors front office is admirable. So, how do they reward him when he needs help?
Kristaps Porzingis.
They finally trade Kuminga though, so at least that debacle is over with.
While Porzingis is good when he’s healthy, that’s not going to be a common sight due to his injury tendencies.
What’s worse is that they were linked with Giannis, making this outcome looks even more underwhelming.
And now you lose Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Buddy Hield. Jimmy Butler also went down for the rest of the season as well.
This season is ruined, and fans of the Warriors must now hibernate until next season.
Loser: Los Angeles Clippers
Why now?
That’s the only question some might ask them. After a poor start, it may seem like the Clipper is going to go down swinging this season once again. However, after their recent run of form, it is not far-fetched to think that they may make a push into the play-in spot.
And then they blew it all up.
First, they traded James Harden, though there were reports that Harden requested for the trade himself, so there’s nothing the Clippers can do. Then they traded Zubac away as well, even though the return piece from Harden is not bad at all.
It seems like the Clippers would like to spend wisely and not just splurge cash at anyone resembling “superstar”.
Still, after that good of a run, it feels like a gut punch to see it all go to dust.
Loser: Washington Wizards
I have no idea what’s going on in the USA’s capital.
After trying to tank and finding good picks, they decided to go swinging hard this season, getting Trey Young and Antony Davis during the trade deadline.
The problem now is that while both are elite at what they do, Young is a one-dimensional player who is a liability on defense, while Davis’s body seems to be made from glass that breaks on any form of solid contact.
After the pain that the Wizards fans go through, this is not a future that they hope for at all.
Loser: Nico Harrison & Those who think THAT Luka trade is a good idea
Defend wins championship is the reason that Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic away. Now, the biggest return of that deal, Antony Davis, is flipped in a 4-for-4 trade with the Wizards.
The Dallas Mavericks are not in the gutter though, they have Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and a good foundation to build upon. Still, one can’t help to think what would happen if Luka had stayed with this squad as his supporting cast.
That team would be ridiculous.
Loser: Miami Heat
The Heat is the only team in the Eastern Conference to not make a move this trade deadline. For a team that looks to solidify their spot in the playoffs, this seems like a missed opportunity, especially when Bam Adebayo needs some help in the guard position.
It’s not the biggest loss, yet it feels like this is a missed opportunity.
Loser: Houston Rockets
The Rockets are screaming for help this season, after their veteran core of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams is now out injured for the rest of the season.
They are in desperate need of a point guard; Amen Thompson is good but the turnover needs to go down. Moreover, Reed Sheppard is a better shooter than a facilitator, and Alperen Sengun is a good facilitator from center position with his almighty control in mid-post, but he lacks depth as a solid three-point shooter.
They need a point guard, and a guy who shoots three.
Yet they get nothing, Rafael Stone decided to bite the bullets and run with what they have right now.
It’s not the worst decision in the world, they still have a good timeline next year, KD’s contract was also extended for 2 years so they are not running out of fuel yet.
Regardless, for a team that decided to take a leap by adding Kevin Durant, it may be better if they strive more to win immediately.
Most teams would kill to be able to acquire even one of these two prominent superstars in the Premier League; for Man City to acquire both is something astonishing.
It solidifies Manchester City’s position as an early winner in both Summer and Winter signings, boosting the previous signings of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders beforehand.
Even accounting that James Trafford signing was a mistake especially when they get Donnarumma as his replacement immediately, this year transfer window saw City making move after move.
The focus is on the winter transfer, City are not satisfied with Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden on the wings, and added Semenyo who’s the third leading scorer in the league currently to boost the firepower in offense.
Furthermore, with injury to Ruben Dias and John Stones, City decided to go big with Marc Guehi, England starting centerback and Crystal Palace captain.
Both player only cost 82.5 million pounds combine (62.5 million for Semenyo and 20 million for Guehi), for players who’s in their prime, these numbers may seem a little too low. However, Semenyo was a release clause triggered, while Guehi is set to be free agent in 6 months, 20 million seems to be a win for Crystal Palace for player who seems to be walking away for free.
Thus, throughout summer and winter, City have spent 414 million pounds to revitalize their squad.
The Sky Blues are aiming for the trophy, if they win the league, these 414 million would be worth it.
However, even if they fail, they still have great foundation to build on the winning run for the seeable future.
VALORANT Esports has begun its 2026 season, and the kickoff series has a special ruleset that is uncommon in both sports and the esports world.
That is, it is in a triple elimination format.
Campaigning as “three strikes and you’re out”, rather than a tried-and-tested double elimination format, each teams will exit the tournament when they accumulate three losses instead of two. This gives teams more chances to keep their chance alive.
But why a triple elimination format in this scenario? Perhaps it’s because how kickoffs in VALORANT tends to be formatted. See, the format in kickoffs usually forego the group stages, choosing to immediately draw teams into a tournament to determine the contenders for the first international Masters.
With this, some teams may get tough luck of facing two tough teams in a row, if the bracket does not do them a favor, something that triple elimination bracket alleviate.
There are not many tournaments utilizing the three strikes treatment, though there is one sports that do.
It’s curling.
Source: Wikipedia
Known as “triple knockouts” teams have to achieve 3 victories before suffering 3 defeats in order to proceed to the next step. This ensures that a team will at least play 3 matches.
And that is another benefit of triple elimination in this scenario, it’s simulates how group stages work.
However, there are concerns of overloading players with games, as they have to play more than they usually have to in double elimination.
Though, this format allow for more of a “cinderella run”, because you may have your back against the wall with two losses, but going on a huge winstreak to claim gold.
Alas, it will depend on how these tournaments playout to determine whether or not this format continues.
This is my hot take, but I think Micheal Carrick may be the Ruben Amorim that Manchester United are looking for this whole time.
The strong characteristic on fast flowing offense, and effective pressing, that’s the identity that INEOS perhaps envision when they hire the Portugese head coach. Though, that will never be fully materialize after the sack in a few weeks ago.
The situation is not easy for the former United legend, coming in midseason with chaos and question mark around the club. However, with two decisive wins against two of the top teams in the Premier League, the support for having Micheal Carrick being permanent head coach for Manchester United grows exponentially.
And perhaps, that is the right option.
Some Red Devils fans are skeptical still, fearing the repeat of Ole Gunnar Soljkaer, who seems to fade after a very strong start, and yes INEOS shouldn’t jump the gun, even if the starting results is very impressive.
Manchester United are competing in a marathon, not a sprint. There are key area of squad that need improvement, such as midfield, and adding depth to the squad.
Still, when disecting Carrick’s approach towards Manchester City and Arsenal, one might think about this certain playstyle for the previous gaffer: prioritize second ball, and high pressing.
First is the priority of winning second ball, Carrick choose to have Bryan Mbeumo acting as a false 9 instead of having Benjamin Sesko holding in front, this is so that when long ball is thrust, there are effective speed and pressure to be done after the ball drop to the ground. This is similar to Amorim approach to Liverpool, the one where they won 2-1.
The second is the high pressing, against both City and Arsenal, it can be seen that the squad press effectively, often cause chaos and error from the opposition (who are very confident on the ball). Against Arsenal, they even net a goal after error in front of the box from Martin Zubimendi. For those who watch a game against Brighton, you can see Amorim squad score a few goals after relentless pressure against the Seagull’s build-up.
It a style that is not different from the previous head coach, but the effectiveness is splendid, exceeding every expectation.
But there are parts where Carrick make this style his own as well.
First is the speed of build up pass in the middle. With more emphasis on short quick passes, United can increase the tempo in midfield, which has lead to chance and goal (the rondo against Man City and Dorgu and Cunha goals against Arsenal).
Cunha Bruno Cunha Bruno How did Ryan Cherki End Up in The Middle man Rondo against Manchester United Manchester United players trolling Cherki #manutd#Mufc#ggmu#brunofernandes#Cunha
Second is defensive shape, Carrick forego the previously shaped 5-2-3 and using 4-4-2 instead, with this, the width is more tighten and there are less space between the midfield and defense to exploit. Though Carrick did utilize 5-2-3 to close out the game against Arsenal after the score is 3-2.
Nevertheless, after 2 games it is too early to call for how tenure under Carrick would go, there is still one more challenge that awaits him, a challenge that has pose a great difficulty for previous bosses.
And that is how would he dealt with low-block defense?
I went to United States last year for my graduation and attend the Lakers at Suns game in Phoenix.
The game is fun, ending in a dramatic and controversial 116-114 win for the Lakers. However, I get frustrated on one issue, the amount of time “big name players” shoot free throws.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic went to the line 14 times EACH, while Devin Booker went to the line 16 times. Some of the foul are quite odd, especially the last second foul on LeBron James, where Booker BARELY touch him.
It is not just the superstar privilege, it is a league-wide issues, many of the players has step up this season, but it was overshadow by their tendency to draw fouls.
Many players such as Shai-Gilgeous Alexander of the Thunders and Dani Avdija of the Trail Blazers are getting many flaks for being foul-baiters, per their high Field goal attempts this season.
Biggest culprits is Dani Avdija, who takes massive leap in scoring this season, average 26 points per game (as of 24 Jan 2026), massive increase from 16.9 last season. Though he have similar field goal percentage and 3 points percentage, his free throw attempts dramatically increase from 5.2 to 9.8 per game (though he also shoot 5.1 more attempts per game compare to last season as well).
Defender of those “foul-baiters” will point out to their playstyle, attributing their high free throw attempts to their physicality and tendency for those players to drive to the hoop, where they are likely to be hit with contact from the defender.
What they do is not against the rule, it can be said that it is smart as well, by using every advantage to achieve victory.
However, what seems to be the problem is the audience, with many free throw attempts mean pausing of the game, making it boring. Many of the game can be down to who hits more free throw or which teams have gone to the line more than the other.
The NBA has bring rules against “flopping”, “theatrical and exaggerate movement”, and “unnatural shooting motion”. However, the enforcing of those rules have been lack-lustering, as it is a fine line of margine on what is consider flopping.
Most of the time, there are actually contact when those player are calling for a foul, so those movement is not far-fetch from being genuine.
Foul-baiting is nothing new, it has been problem for a very long time. NBA has attempts to curb those attempts, yet players adapt and find new ways to use the rule to their favors.
Perhaps, it is time to allow more contact from defender. With this, there should be more balance between actual foul or just soft and unavoidable contact for the defender. Besides, it could stomp the over-offensive era that basketball fans are complaining at current moment.
Still, even if there are rules to allow more contact, I’m sure those witty players will find ways to get themself to the line anyways.
Graham Potter (left) and Thomas Frank (right), source: Sky Sports
There are many managers who have high profile in European league but are tested immediately when joining the club in the big 5 league. Erik Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim are good examples, both brilliant managers who succumbed to pressure and competitiveness of English Premier League.
However, there are even stranger leap especially in the Premier League itself, something that is strange when you think of recruitment aspect.
When looking for players in the Premier League, some scouts look for “Premier League proven” player, those who have experience in the league and understand the playstyle and physicality of English football.
However, “Premier League proven manager” doesn’t always get the tick box when making that leap into “Big 6” clubs.
Good example is Graham Potter and Thomas Frank.
Graham Potter was a young and promising coach at Brighton, in charge of transforming relegation-fodder team into prominent squad. However, his time at Chelsea is abysmal to say the least, especially in the Premier League: 7 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses, remark as one of the worst stints of any Chelsea managers.
Thomas Frank was also a very sought-after coach during his time at Brentford, a strong mid-table team that can occasionally beat the top of the bunch every once in a while, being renowned for his adaptability. Despite starting strong with Tottenham Hotspur, the team hit a rough spell, with record in Premier League now standing at 7 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses. Currently, he is on a very hot seat, while sacking is not imminent, it looks inevitable.
Both coaches’ reputation took a massive blow during these stints, as it proves that they seem to crack when in charge at the top echelon of football club.
Is the spotlight at the top class that bright?
Yes, when you join the big club, you are now at the big boy tables, every move you do is watch like a hawk by rowdy fans, every behavior will be mocked or ridicule, like when Frank was spot with an Arsenal cup.
Furthermore, it’s win/loss record will matter tenfold. When look at previous Point-per-match for both Potter and Frank before joining the “Big 6” clubs, they are at the range of 1.03-1.55 point-per-match.
When you manager mid-table or smaller clubs with lower expectation, you are optimal with that. However, with ambitious clubs, they call this mediocrity. Moreover, they often lack patience to stick things out and hope for a turnaround.
Hence, the tales of these two remark cautionary tales for top-of-the-line football club. They shouldn’t go for manager just because they have short stint of good record. They should seek manager that fit the profile of the team and fit the system they want to play.
It could be honeymooning phase, but it is not far-fetch for one to propose the idea of hiring Michael Carrick as a full-time head coach of Manchester United. After the Englishman showcase a strong display in the 2-0 win against Manchester City.
It is too soon to make a full judgment after only one game, throughout his young career, Carrick has shown few qualities that may make him perfectly fit for Manchester United job.
1. Attractive Attacking Football
To some, Manchester United is the club known for few things, “attack, attack, attack”.
And during his previous tenure at Middlesbrough, Carrick team has rank 1 in shots, goals, expected goals, successful passes, touches in the opposition box. This while also hold second rank in average possession, which also means that the prefer style of play involve suffocating opposition with relentless attacking persuits.
Most importantly, it’s idea to spread out the offense and to attack akin to the 3-2-4-1 formation with many crosses into the box similar to Ruben Amorim. However, the difference is in the defensive structure, in the game against City, Carrick utilize 4-4-2 defensive structure while having dynamic buildup from tradition 4 at the back or the more modern 3-2 building strategy.
Carrick may be able to thrive with squad he inherits from Ruben Amorim, as the attacking could be in similar nature, though different from Amorim, who prioritize fluidity and rotation, Carrick is simpler gameplan that could prove beneficial in short term run.
The similarity of playstyle between Amorim and Carrick may prove to be beneficial to INEOS and the fans, who do not have to revamp the entire squad to fit a manager profile, while the fan can enjoy the high-possession base, shot creation style of football.
2. Strong Character
One of the criticisms towards the 44-year-old coach is that he is too stubborn at times, a firm believer in his system. Another similarity between himself and the previous head coach.
However, it is a good thing, in the opinion of the writer.
To his credits, responsibility that Amorim fulfill during his tenure is building character in the dressing room. From the reaction of the players when he left, he is a popular figure, and most player buy-in to his system.
Both young coaches command respect, and a strong character is crucial when trying to build a winning culture within the team. Hence, though it may see as stubbornness at times, it is that strong character showing that can influence and move people.
3. One of Our Own
So far, the discussion seems to be in the way of how Amorim and Carrick are quite similar in nature, in their tactics and their character. However, Carrick have a certain advantage that Amorim does not.
That is, he used to play for United.
It is this nature of being fan favorite, the team darling, and the respected captain that bring Manchester United through joyous and turbulence time, that allow for two things that most managers didn’t receive during their time at Old Trafford: time and patience.
Amorim stats and records in this season has shown improvement, especially in attacking. However, refusal of bolster the squad severe the tie between him and the boards. While with the fan, it is divided between those who willing to give him time, and those whose patience ran out after the disastrous first season.
With Carrick at the helm, the fan will be more patience as he uses to serve under the team. With this relationship, it may be harder for the board to part ways, as they also seeking approval and is building relationship with the fans, something that some are not willing to.
Conclusion
It is still too early to determine whether or not Michael Carrick is the right man to bring Manchester United back to the glory days, as many brilliant head coach before him failed to complete that objective.
However, with attacking style of football, strong mindset, and being one of the fan favorites, it is not otherworldly to assume regarding the possibility of Michael Carrick changing his job title from “interim” to “permanent”.
Ultimately, it is up to his performance, with 16 more matches to go.
Sports in 1 