The Guardian's Barney Ronay has described Manchester United and Manchester City as the main sources of football drama this autumn.
In the journalist's view, the clubs' problems reflect broader trends in modern English society: commercialisation, fan alienation and a crisis of traditional values.
Manchester United: A symbol of decline
Ronay points to the results of Michael Carrick's team: United have won only once in eight matches in all competitions and are close to the bottom of the Premier League.
The journalist argues that Carrick is more of an outsider caught up in a systemic crisis than its cause. In his view, the main responsibility lies with the club's hierarchy and owners, whose decisions have led to another period of instability.
Ronay also focuses on the atmosphere at Old Trafford. He sees supporters' protests and discontent with the owners as resistance to the commercialisation of football.
Manchester City: Protest amid allegations
Manchester City have also come under scrutiny, both because of problems on the pitch, including a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, and because of the consequences of the proceedings over financial allegations.
Ronay notes the contradictions in the response of City supporters, who have shown solidarity with the team and resisted outside criticism. He also sees their behaviour as reflecting broader discontent with the modern Premier League model, in which money and commercial interests increasingly shape the lives of clubs.
Arsenal: A contrasting story
Against the backdrop of instability at the Manchester clubs, Arsenal appear to be the complete opposite. Ronay describes Arsenal as a well-organised operation making steady progress towards its goal.
A five-point advantage over their challengers puts Mikel Arteta's side in contention for the title. In the author's view, however, the main event of the weekend was not the battle at the top of the table, but the dramatic 4-4 draw between Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Ronay concludes that Manchester remains the centre of attention in English football, even as both local clubs face a crisis.
