On September 19, Alan Shearer updated his personal column, reviewing Phil Foden's red card in the Manchester Derby and discussing England's striker options, while also analyzing the latest developments at Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Phil Foden's red card was harsh

Phil Foden's red card in the Manchester Derby was harsh. Bruno Fernandes probably should have been sent off as well. Although his challenge wasn't as strong as Foden's, it was still a kicking motion. If the referee is going to send players off, in my view, he should have sent both of them off. I didn't like Fernandes' reaction at all. He was a significant factor in getting Foden sent off, but Foden knew he shouldn't have done it.

For Foden, receiving a red card in the Manchester Derby is a poor start to the season. He'll have to sit out again, and this will weigh heavily on him, especially since the new manager trusted him to play in such an important match, only for him to be sent off. That's the most painful part.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin as England striker option: 4 goals in 6 games this season

Unlike Foden, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was selected by Tuchel for England's squad for the Nations League matches in September and October. It's clear that Harry Kane is England's primary striker. However, Calvert-Lewin's motivation might be this: as long as he keeps scoring, the England manager won't overlook him. When in form, Calvert-Lewin is genuinely strong, and I'm not surprised to see him in the England squad, particularly given that Watkins has gone to play in Saudi Arabia.

Thoughts on Tottenham Hotspur's current situation

If Tottenham Hotspur keeps failing to win, the three-week international break will feel like three months. De Zerbi wants a victory badly. Clearly, he's already achieved what he needed to – successfully avoiding relegation last season – and back then there was an agreement to bring in any player regardless of cost.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Tottenham Hotspur paid over the odds for some players, but the results are still unsatisfactory. De Zerbi's comments about the team's physical condition are hard to understand, so he needs results and goals urgently. The longer it drags on, the harder it becomes to turn things around.

Tottenham Hotspur's management wants to see a return on their investment quickly. When you invest massive amounts of money, you need quick results, and the longer you wait, the more anxious they become. Having spent huge sums on these players, seeing quick results is even more crucial. They're under enormous pressure, no doubt about it.

Currently, I don't see any positive signs proving that this money was spent wisely. They haven't scored or won a Premier League match yet this season. I never expected Tottenham Hotspur to get through the Champions League group stage, but I thought they should be around sixth or seventh. However, right now I don't see any indication that they'll manage that.

This weekend, Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa. Their opponents have had poor form in the league this season but have performed brilliantly in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur's performance has been dire so far. From what I've seen, I don't think Tottenham Hotspur is likely to improve rapidly. If they can't get a win, the three-week international break will feel like three months. So both teams, especially Tottenham Hotspur, need to win on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur's performance isn't good enough, and their attack lacks effectiveness. I've seen them miss one or two chances, but it's simply not enough. I know they've signed Savinho and Marmush, and Richarlison's issues aren't easy to solve. I still don't see any signs that Tottenham Hotspur will improve.

I've seen Marmush miss several chances, and I think that's at least a positive sign. As long as he keeps getting into the right positions, the goals will come. But the longer it drags on, the harder it becomes. Of course, Tottenham Hotspur seems unable to consistently dominate opponents and is missing chances simply due to bad luck.

I expect Newcastle United to face challenges this season

Newcastle United made a strong start to the season, unbeaten until Monday, but their match against Leeds United taught them a lesson. However, my opinion of Newcastle United hasn't changed. We have to have periods like this. Obviously, there can't be too many, because losing to Leeds United is unacceptable and poor.

The Magpies were dominated and bullied. You can't have too many games like that in one season, but I do expect some ups and downs this season, and that was one of them. I still believe Newcastle United will finish between 10th and 15th place.

Isak's injury is a major setback

Isak is like a new signing, because his performances at Newcastle United last season fell far short of his true level. We saw his potential when he played for Forest.

He made a strong start after the World Cup, so if he has to miss a long period, it will be a serious blow, no doubt. Especially considering the pace he brings to Newcastle United. He scored brilliantly against Tottenham Hotspur and also broke through Liverpool's defense. So his absence will have a significant impact.

Jacob Murphy has been at Newcastle United for a while now and knows what he's doing, but he's a different type of player from Isak and will need to step up. The team has a new manager and things have changed. Despite rumors that Jacob Murphy might leave in the summer, the manager still wants to keep him, so he needs to show more quality.

The Old Firm is one of the greatest derbies

We're going to have a fantastic football weekend, full of all sorts of derbies. Let's enjoy it, because otherwise there's nothing to watch for three weeks except international matches.

I think the Millwall vs West Ham United derby will be very exciting; it will be a memorable clash with an intensely charged atmosphere.

The Newcastle United vs Sunderland derby is a big game, and I particularly enjoyed being part of it when I played. I think the Old Firm derby (Celtic vs Rangers) is undoubtedly one of the greatest derbies, if not the greatest. I was fortunate enough to play in the Old Firm a few times, and these matches are often filled with real animosity, even genuine hatred, which is unavoidable in a game like this. In my view, it's entirely different from any other derby.

Derby matches ignite players' passion

As a player, you give more to a derby than any other match. Referees also give more leeway because they understand the atmosphere and nature of these games. Clearly, derby matches excite you more and heighten your emotions.

The last kick I ever took in football was a penalty I scored against Sunderland. After that penalty, I never touched a ball in a professional match again. So it was a perfect ending. I don't know what would have happened if I'd missed.

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