Premier League talking points: Rashford faces drop, 'struggling' Man City, Villa fortress

All is clearly not well in the world for Marcus Rashford. The England forward cut a forlorn figure on Saturday as Manchester United lost 1-0 to Newcastle United – a scoreline that flattered Erik ten Hag's side.

And it was Rashford's performance – or rather lack of it – that became the focus of fierce criticism from fans and media personalities.

“Body language does not emit contentment,” wrote The National reporter Andy Mitten. “He’s 26 now, he’s not a child any more. He’s got to set the example,” said former Manchester United captain Roy Keane on Sky Sports, while fellow pundit Jamie Carragher added: “What he did last night was nowhere near acceptable.”

Even Ten Hag hinted that all is not well with a player who scored 30 goals last season, but has managed just two this time round.

“I will talk to him and not the media,” said the Dutch coach, who must now decide whether Rashford starts against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Wednesday. “I don't go into individual performances. I knew this issue was coming up … he will return to his form, he will recover and he gets all our support.”

Naa something is wrong with Marcus Rashford
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Three draws in a row against “Big Six” opposition hardly constitutes a crisis, but when your standards are as high as Pep Guardiola's, then maybe you can count Manchester City's form as something of a blip.

Sunday's 3-3 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur came on the back of sharing the spoils with Liverpool (1-1 at the Etihad Stadium) and Chelsea (4-4 at Stamford Bridge) – leaving City three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

It is the longest City have gone without a league win since the end of Guardiola's first season in charge in 2017.

“It's not the first time we