25/04 - 20:00
Football returned after a break with plenty of big games across the top four tiers. Some teams were able to build on their momentum, and they’ve been rewarded for that with a spot in the Playmaker Power Rankings.
Let’s go on to the list...
Last 5: WWWLW
Although Swindon Town struck late to hand Sutton United their third league defeat of the season last week, the Amber and Chocolates handed Hartlepool United another defeat over the weekend that sparked the end of Paul Hartley’s run as the Pools’ manager.
Sutton’s form has improved after a slow start to the season with Matt Gray and have now won four of their last five in all competitions.
Last 5: WWWLW
The Red Devils haven’t played a league game since the victory against Arsenal at the start of the month. However, United did get an important, if routine, win over Sheriff in Moldova. While it wasn’t a vintage performance, Sancho continued his promising start to the campaign while Cristiano Ronaldo finally got off the mark from the penalty spot.
⚪️ A professional performance from the first whistle until the last.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 16, 2022
Regroup, recover and build for the next one 💪#MUFC pic.twitter.com/De5FyXfzfs
Last 5: WWWLW
Both of Brighton’s Premier League games were suspended meaning that the Seagulls have not played since their 5-2 over Leicester City or since Graham Potter’s departure to Chelsea.
The gap does mean that new manager Roberto de Zerbi has time to prepare thoroughly for his new team’s next game: A trip to Anfield on the 1st of October.
We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s new head coach! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/tNoNZfFaxQ
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 18, 2022
Last 5: WWLWW
There was plenty for Arsenal fans to enjoy in their victory away to Brentford on Sunday: Gabriel Jesus scored once again, Fábio Vieira grabbed his first goal for his new club, and 15-year-old debutant Ethan Nwaneri came on to break the Premier League record youngster player and make everyone else feel old in the process.
Arsenal are starting to look like potential contenders but they host Tottenham Hotspur after the international break and the visitors will have plenty of motivation.
Last 5: WLWWW
Orient had a great September so far, winning all three of their games against Tranmere, Rochdale, and Walsall all without conceding a goal in the process.
Richie Wellens’ side remained undefeated and top of League Two having just conceded four goals in nine games with a mighty +12 goal difference.
A first of the season for @BecklesOmar 💪🔥#LOFC #OneOrient pic.twitter.com/ObyPNyqyv9
— Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) September 18, 2022
Last 5: LWWWW
After a run of two league defeats in a row, the Trotters returned to fine form with four wins in their last five games in all competitions. Bolton successfully defeated Peterborough United at home, restricting the visitors to zero shots on target with Dapo Afolayan coming off the bench to clinch the winner.
Ian Evatt’s team are fifth in League One while on the same points as fourth-placed Sheffield Wednesday and hold alongside Ipswich Town have conceded the fewest league goals (6).
Solid 3 points today👊🏼 Had to fight hard for that win, feeling it now 🤕. Fans were class as always Thankyou for the support 🫡 @OfficialBWFC pic.twitter.com/dl5AxgQ4gk
— Jack Iredale (@JackIredale14) September 17, 2022
Last 5: WWWWD
The Canaries' run of six consecutive Championship wins was halted after Dean Smith’s team could only manage a draw at home to West Bromwich Albion. However, Norwich are undefeated in eight games in all competitions if you generously decide to count their penalty shoot-out defeat to Premier League side Bournemouth as a draw.
With such a strong squad it’s hard to imagine that Norwich won’t occupy one of the automatic promotion places if they continue this kind of form.
Last 5: WDWWW
Wolves offered little resistance to Manchester City with Bruno Lage’s side finishing the game with ten men. Although if Nathan Collins had avoided a red card it’s unlikely that it would have made much of a difference to the scoreline, the Citizens were already 2-0 up by that time.
Erling Haaland scored his 14th of the season after just ten official games for the club – an absurd record.
Last 5: DWWWW
Mark Hughes’ team are gaining some momentum after picking up four wins in a row in all competitions – including a victory over League One side Sheffield Wednesday.
Last weekend’s opponents Stevenage also started well this season but the Bantams swatted them away with a 3-0 win. The prolific Andy Cook hit another brace to keep him neck and neck with Erling Haaland for domestic goals this season.
Last 5: DWWWW
The Blades managed to cut through Preston’s normally solid defence to record four league wins in a row in a run that also includes six wins out of their last seven games.
Paul Heckingbottom’s team extended their lead over second-place Norwich City at the weekend following the Canaries’ draw to go three points clear.
Sheffield United have two home games in a row after the international break to potentially build an even bigger lead at the top of the Championship in front of their own fans.
19 clean sheets this calendar year. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/6U1SlFn3zi
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 18, 2022
