The Premier League returned this weekend and it appears the international break didn’t harm the momentum of a number of in-form teams. We take a look at some of the biggest talking points from across the English top-tier.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Another comeback by the Reds
Liverpool had to mount yet another comeback, the third in their opening five matches, to pick up all three points at Molineux.
Hwang Hee-chan scored within six minutes to give the hosts a shock lead but the Reds rallied in the second half. Cody Gakpo equalised moments before he was replaced, tapping in from close range after Mohamed Salah had fired the ball across goal. Salah was the provider again as Andrew Robertson, captain for the day, raced into the penalty area to give Jürgen Klopp’s side the lead with a smart finish.
The Liverpool No. 11 should’ve had a third assist but Harvey Elliott’s strike was adjudged to have taken a significant deflection so it went down as an own goal. Salah now has four assists (the joint-most in the league) and he leads the way for big chances created (6).
The Seagulls continue to soar
Brighton heaped more pressure on Erik Ten Hag as Roberto De Zerbi’s side claimed a 3-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Pascal Gross has four goals at the Theatre of Dreams – only Steven Gerrard and Mohamed Salah have more goals there. He scored the second midway through the second half after Danny Welbeck opened the scoring against his former side. João Pedro added a well deserved third.
It was another win for Brighton over United – their fourth successive victory over them in the Premier League. The comfort with which a weakened Seagulls side romped home was notable, creating better chances despite having fewer shots.
It is now Manchester United’s third defeat of the season and they have one of the worst defensive records in the league having conceded 10 goals. Only Wolves and Burnley (both 11) have been breached on more occasions.
Spurs strike in stoppage time
It looked as though Tottenham would suffer their first loss of the season after Gustavo Hamer gave Sheffield United a shock lead in the 73rd minute.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s men refused to give up and scored two goals in stoppage time to steal the win. Richarlison netted in the 98th minute before Dejan Kulusevski fired home the winner in the 100th minute.
In truth, it was a deserved three points for the hosts. They had 28 shots, created three big chances, had 70% of the ball and finished with an Expected Goals haul of 2.12.
It was fitting that Kulusevski was the match-winner. He was the highest-rated player (8.3) and also attempted seven shots (the most of anyone). A constant menace throughout for Spurs.
Manchester City maintain their 100% record
It was never really in doubt, was it?
Yes, West Ham took the lead against the reigning champions but Alphonse Areola was under pressure throughout the first half. It felt like a matter of when and not if City would get a goal.
Jérémy Doku equalised just one minute into the second half and then it was just Manchester City going for the winner. Bernardo Silva scored the second before Erling Haaland got his customary goal.
Pep Guardiola’s side had 29 shots, created eight big chances and finished with an Expected Goals total of 3.63.
Areola made an astonishing 10 saves while Haaland had nine shots – more than West Ham (6) and almost as many passes as he attempted (13). The City No. 9 accounted for 2.56 of the away sides xG haul and missed five big chances. Julián Álvarez’s showing went a little under the radar again and he chipped in with another two assists.
Everton lose at home again
Sometimes it isn’t pretty. It doesn’t have to be though, as all that matters is getting the win. Arsenal picked up all three points against Everton but it was far from straightforward.
The Gunners lost Gabriel Martinelli to injury but it was his replacement, Leandro Trossard, who scored the eventual winner in the 69th minute.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create clear cut chances against the Toffees and finished with 13 shots and an Expected Goals total of a little over one.
It was another late defeat at home for Everton. They’ve now lost to Fulham, Wolves and Arsenal at Goodison Park with the winning goals being scored inside the final 25 minutes. Sean Dyche will have to address this if the Toffees are going to remain in the top flight this year.
Arsenal weren’t at their best but they remain just two points behind Manchester City.
(Images from IMAGO)
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