Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Brighton humble Arsenal, Villa pile more misery on Spurs, and a manic Madrid Derby! | Weekend Review
Sep 21, 2026
Joe Lowry, a European football and USMNT analyst, and Scottish writer Graham Rutherford join Taylor to review a chaotic weekend. Aston Villa revive their attack while Tottenham’s confidence and leadership woes deepen. Brighton’s relentless press overwhelms Arsenal. Atlético Madrid outduel Real Madrid in a bruising derby, with Johnny Cardoso earning praise for his composed defensive work.
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Villa’s New Attack Finally Starts Clicking
- Aston Villa’s summer additions began clicking together, giving Unai Emery a more powerful and flexible attack.
- Nicolas Jackson’s running, ball carrying, hold-up play, and finishing make him an especially natural fit for Villa’s direct transitions.
Emery’s Versatile Profiles Power Villa
- Villa’s new attackers showed complementary qualities rather than merely replacing departed stars.
- Yohan Manzambi’s all-around midfield profile and Jackson’s power let Emery build around versatile players who contribute across phases.
Tottenham Keep Repeating The Same Collapse
- Tottenham repeatedly follow the same pattern: strong start, missed chances, confidence drop, inability to break a block, then collapse.
- Their fragility has become psychological and structural, with conceding first producing 48 consecutive league games without a win.