Tony's Fiver

1. Tired excuses

Managers are losing all sense of perspective about the international break. So many players were rested over the weekend because they had been with their countries. Managers are paranoid about fatigue. Come on, it’s only September.

2. Strike now

Manchester United are vulnerable. They have scored only four goals in six games, but opponents need to take advantage quickly — it will all change when Wayne Rooney is back and Louis Saha is fit.

3. Hotspurs cold

Tottenham are creating far more chances than United but missing them. Couple that with defensive weaknesses — Younes Kaboul is stepping off attackers too much — and you can see why Spurs are struggling.

4. Foot fault

Modern boots are lighter and thinner and that must contribute to the increase in foot injuries, but the ground is as much to blame. Modern pitches are great, but they are so firm, meaning less “give”.

5. Unsafe keeping

Remember the old jokes about Scottish goalkeepers? Well, the new gag is “as bad as a female goalie” because at the Women’s World Cup, they have been shocking. It’s odd because the outfield skills are impressive.