OCTOBER FOOTBALL CLUBS POWER RANKINGS! | EP. 135

October Football Power Rankings

The episode’s main segment ranks Europe’s leading clubs after a turbulent October. The hosts disagree over how much weight to give recent results compared with overall squad strength and performances.

Key Matches

• AC Milan vs. Inter: Milan won the derby, while the hosts criticized Inter’s performance and coach Cristian Chivu’s tactical plan. They noted that Milan struck early and that Chivu’s substitutions came too late—around the 70th minute, when Inter were already trailing. The result added to concerns about Inter’s uneven form in major matches.
• Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Arsenal won at Anfield. Liverpool had stretches of good play, but failed to register a shot on target—a first at Anfield, according to the discussion. Alisson produced a standout save, while young winger Rio Ngumoha impressed with his dribbling. The panel saw the result as evidence that Liverpool still have ground to make up on the very best.
• Manchester City vs. Liverpool: City won 3–0. The hosts felt the match had been fairly even before a red card, but used the result—and City’s other inconsistent performances—to question the team’s form in October.
• Roma vs. Real Madrid: Roma were praised for competing well for much of the match, despite losing 4–3. The discussion focused on Real’s quality and decisive late scoring. Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini disputed the suggestion that his side simply tired after the 70th minute.

Rankings Debate

The hosts’ rankings varied considerably. Brighton, Aston Villa, Roma, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Atlético Madrid all came up in the lower half, with Inter’s position also disputed. The hosts debated whether October’s results justified placing Roma or Brighton above Inter, and whether Atlético deserved a higher spot.

In the top-five debate, Barcelona fell after losses to Real Madrid and PSG, while several hosts gave Real Madrid the edge for the month. Bayern Munich remained among the leading teams despite dropped points and injuries.

The central argument was over PSG and Arsenal. PSG received strong backing for dominating Barcelona and Manchester City in the Champions League, while Arsenal’s league form made them a compelling contender for the top spot. The panel also discussed whether PSG’s domestic competition should affect its ranking.

Presenters and Source

Varvar, Ferms, Pala, and Mili; Box2Box Podcast, Episode 135.