The Premier League certainly lived up to the hype this weekend. There were shock results, standout performances and eye catching moments galore. Here’s a round-up of the biggest talking points.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
The Bees have a sting without Toney
Ahead of the new campaign, many wondered how Brentford would cope without Ivan Toney. The striker was the focal point for the team and the main goal threat.
They don’t seem to be missing him though. They followed up their two goal showing against Spurs with three against Fulham. Bryan Mbeumo found the back of the net twice to take his tally to three for the campaign already. At this rate, he’ll definitely surpass his career high nine goals from last season.
Thomas Frank’s side created five big chances and finished with an Expected Goal (xG) total of 3.93. Marco Silva is yet to figure out how to set up a solid, reliable defensive unit, though the return of João Palhinha should help things.
Lucky number 13 for Liverpool
Liverpool are currently unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches. You wouldn’t have known that watching the opening five minutes at Anfield. Bournemouth had the ball in the back of the net on two occasions but the first was ruled out for offside.
The Reds did rally though and responded well. Luis Diaz levelled things up before Mohamed Salah followed up his saved penalty with a tap-in from close range. Diogo Jota added a third not long after a questionable red card was given to Alexis Mac Allister.
Up until this game, Salah had never found the back of the net on matchday two as a Liverpool player.
Wolves are mauled
For a second successive match, Wolves failed to make the most of their opportunities. The 4-1 loss to Brighton wasn’t deserved.
The hosts had a similar xG to their opponents (2.14 to 2.22) but poor finishing prevented them from taking anything from the match. It was the same story against Manchester United earlier in the week.
Roberto De Zerbi has his fowards firing though. Kaoru Mitoma scored a brilliant individual goal and assisted the second while also creating four chances – the most in the match. Julio Enisco finished with two assists while Solly March scored twice as the Seagulls soared once again.
Brighton have now scored four in back to back games and top the Premier League.
Laying down a marker
Spurs picked up their first win under Ange Postecoglou and it came at the expense of Manchester United.
The Red Devils, once again, lacked a ruthlessness in the final third as they spurned four big chances in the 2-0 defeat. They’re also having issues in the defensive third too. Casemiro, for example, won just four of his nine duels while Lisandro Martinez won just 50% of his duels and was fortunate not to give away a penalty. Erik Ten Hag needs to figure out a way to fix this situation before it spirals. For a second successive match, his big signings from last summer have struggled.
By comparison, Spurs look like a team heading in the right direction with all of their players on the same page.
They brought Pape Sarr into the starting XI and it was an inspired decision. He scored the opener, won 100% of his tackles and won four of his five duels. The box-to-box midfielder had five shots and finished with a pass success rate of 86%.
Sticky situation for the Toffees
This was a big game for both teams following losses on opening day. Aston Villa responded to the 5-1 loss to Newcastle United with an emphatic win over the Toffees. Unai Emery’s men deserved the win, racking up an xG of three having created five big chances.
They were totally dominant and Leon Bailey was the star of the show with a goal and an assist. He also completed all of his dribbles and won two of his three duels to complete a well-rounded outing.
Everton look like they could well be in trouble again. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was substituted off and they created next to nothing in the game. Sean Dyche needs to get his team firing and quickly.
A debut to remember…and one to forget
West Ham had less of the ball – just 24% – in their 3-1 win over Chelsea, and finished with fewer shots, but they executed their game plan to perfection.
James Ward-Prowse, on his debut for the Hammers, assisted two goals while also finishing with a pass success rate of 96%. He had a day to remember while Moises Caicedo had one to forget. The £115million summer signing came off the bench for the Blues after an hour. He won just four of his seven duels, committed two fouls and gave away a penalty.
Chelsea had all of the ball but did very little with it. Their only big chance of the game was the Enzo Fernandez penalty which was saved by Alphonse Areola. Mauricio Pochettino has some decisions to make.
(Images from IMAGO)
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