Football Daily Monday Night Club: Mateta’s move off, City’s slump & Liverpool’s new star man
11 snips
Feb 2, 2026 
Rachel Hurdson, Manchester City supporter offering a fan take on City’s slump. Steph Houghton, experienced defender and pundit on tactics and player roles. Rory Smith, tactical journalist with wider Premier League context. Chris Sutton, former pro turned pundit on managerial choices. They cover City’s poor run, Tottenham’s second-half shift, Arsenal’s standing and Hugo Ekitike rising as Liverpool’s new focal point.
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Liverpool Prioritised Future Defensive Investment
- Liverpool left defensive reinforcements until summer, accepting short-term risk for long-term gain.
- Rory Smith and Sami Mokbel argue Jacquet was signed for next season to prioritise future stability.
Mateta Move Collapses Over Medical Concerns
- AC Milan pulled out of the Mateta move after medical concerns, likely over his knee.
- That leaves Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace and creates short-term financial and selection dilemmas.
React Faster With Impactful Substitutions
- Pep Guardiola must vary in-game management and personnel changes to counter opponents' tactical shifts.
- Rachel Hurdson advises earlier substitutions and energy to regain urgency and second-half control.