problems Prem managers should have addressed during international break

Mikel Arteta needed only to spread the love, while the likes of David Moyes, Steve Cooper and Brendan Rodgers have had their work cut out during the international break.

Here’s the most pressing issue each manager has had to address over the last fortnight. Or in some cases, four weeks…

Arsenal – keeping everyone fit and happy
“There is no weak position in the team,” says Arsene Wenger so presumably Mikel Arteta has spent the international break with his feet up while praying none of his players come back knacked in any way. Which didn’t work when it came to Thomas Partey. Aside from keeping things ticking over, with the mood at the Emirates buoyant, Arteta might also have lavished some attention on his peripheral players. Eight have started every game for the Gunners in a settled side so far this season. As the campaign goes on, Arteta will need the players currently sat on their backsides, like Eddie Nketiah and Marquinhos, to be ready and motivated.

Aston Villa – finding the right attacking formula
Despite the injury to Diego Carlos, Steven Gerrard has found ways to tighten up his Villa defence. Now he has to remedy his struggling forward line, with Philippe Coutinho’s form a particular concern. Gerrard seems to have taken the view that a change of scene would do the Brazilian some good after being left out of Tite’s squad. Villa need to hope Coutinho returns from Mauritius refreshed and ready to rediscover some form. If Gerrard has settled on a preferred formation while he’s been away, all the better.

Bournemouth – finding a manager
The Cherries’ biggest concern during the international break has been finding a new permanent manager. They haven’t got very far, though a looming takeover hasn’t helped the recruitment process.

Brentford – tightening up at the back
The Bees have enjoyed a positive start to the season, with Ivan Toney in flying form. Which is fortunate because Thomas Frank’s men haven’t been quite as impressive in defence. Their only clean sheet came against the worst Manchester United performance in living memory while the four games since have seen them ship 10 goals. Aside from the bottom two, only Bournemouth have conceded more, largely because they were battered by nine at Anfield.

Brighton – getting to know their new manager
The Seagulls have had four weeks off, with their two Premier League games before the break postponed. In that not-so-mini break, they’ve lost their manager and…