Five Things From the Week: Sept. 9-15
Mauricio Pochettino was officially hired by U.S. Soccer, Arsenal won another North London derby and the L.A. Galaxy roared back against their crosstown rivals. Five Things From the Week covers all that and more.
1. Mauricio Pochettino has a difficult job ahead of him
Even a few weeks ago, it was hard to believe a manager of Mauricio Pochettino's stature would be willing to take the U.S. men's national team job. His hiring is one of the most significant moments in the history of the program. Fans are thrilled, and rightfully so. Sporting director Matt Crocker probably wound up with the best possible option that was realistically available to him. All of that is true, and none of it guarantees Pochettino will be able to make a meaningful impact in the next two years.
There is the question of whether he has enough time to execute a development plan like he did at Southampton and Tottenham. There is the reality that people with much less impressive resumes than his have led teams to the top of the international game (see Argentina and Spain). A high-profile coach is not a prerequisite for success. Finally, there is the fact that his players have demonstrated a concerning lack of maturity. Pochettino can only do so much if the players don't demand more of themselves. Hiring him was a no-brainer. Time will tell how much influence he can actually have.
2. He understands the assignment though
Pochettino’s first set of interviews after officially being introduced can be summed up in three words: belief, fight and mentality. He is far more concerned with the way his players think than the tactics he wants to implement. Listening to him talk, it is clear he agrees with all those who believe the mentality of the U.S. men’s national team needs to change. Openly acknowledging it and challenging his new players is a good first step.
Pochettino also publicly stated his goal is to win the 2026 World Cup. It should be. If it isn’t, why should his players think they can win every time they step onto the field? He is right to point to Emma Hayes and the U.S. women’s national team as a source of inspiration. Both U.S. national teams underachieved at points under their previous coaches. Hayes showed how much of an impact shifting a team’s mindset can have. Pochettino knows he needs to do the same if his team is going to do something special in 2026.
3. Arsenal’s role players came through again
With Martin Ødegaard injured, Declan Rice suspended and Ødegaard’s most likely replacement, Mikel Merino, also unavailable, Mikel Arteta had to piece together a midfield for Sunday’s North London derby. Jorginho made his first appearance of the season, and Gabriel Martinelli was inserted back into the starting lineup after losing his spot to Leandro Trossard in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton. They could not afford to drop more points with a trip to Manchester City up next.
Martinelli was arguably the best player on the field in the first half. When Arsenal did create chances, he was usually a central figure. Jorginho performed well enough, and Gabriel scored his first goal since Feb. 11 to secure a 1-0 victory. The Gunners pushed City until the very end last season because members of the supporting cast delivered in big moments when called upon. The same thing has to happen this season.
4. L.A. belongs to the Galaxy
It’s not just that the L.A. Galaxy made themselves the frontrunners in the Western Conference and avoided a season sweep at the hands of LAFC by scoring four unanswered goals Saturday night. It’s that LAFC had no answers in another big game. This one even played out exactly how they wanted it to. Until the Galaxy’s first goal went in, that is. LAFC were helpless from that point forward.
When the Columbus Crew or Inter Miami go behind, it almost feels inevitable that they’re eventually going to grab the lead. When needed, they can regain control of a game in an instant. LAFC can’t. It is why the Galaxy are not only the best team in L.A. but the one with the better chance of winning MLS Cup. If the Crew or Inter Miami reach MLS Cup and have to face one of the L.A. teams, there is no question which one they should prefer.
5. It’s not getting any better for Brazil
CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifying is a game away from reaching its halfway point. Brazil sit in fifth place, which would have sent them to the intercontinental playoff in the 32-team World Cup format. Even with the expanded tournament for 2026, Brazil are in real danger of finishing eighth and not even making the playoff. The gap between fifth and eighth is currently a singular point.
The team in eighth, Bolivia, lost its three games at Copa América by a combined score of 10-1. That same team has an equal number of wins and has scored more goals in World Cup qualifying than Brazil. The Seleção’s struggles began before Copa América, carried into the tournament and continued afterward with Tuesday’s loss to Paraguay. In 2024, they have been shut out as many times as they’ve scored multiple goals. That’s a problem.