Three Talking Points from the Premier League

The Premier League weekend provided plenty of drama and talking points, with Liverpool leaving it late again, Manchester City dismantling Manchester United, and Arsenal demonstrating enviable squad depth.

Manchester United handed Benjamin Sesko his first Premier League start at the Etihad on Sunday, hoping the Slovenian could fill the club’s long-standing need for a prolific striker.

However, the United attack was easily neutralised by Manchester City’s defence, with Erling Haaland once again showing what they are missing.

• Haaland could have scored a hat-trick, but struck the post despite two clinical finishes.
• After a five-goal haul against Moldova in a World Cup qualifier midweek, Haaland now has 14 goals in his past nine appearances for club and country.
• Against United, he has netted eight goals in six Premier League appearances since signing for City in 2022, matching the total United have scored against City in the same period.

Haaland’s performances highlight the gap between the two Manchester clubs in terms of attacking firepower and finishing efficiency.

Liverpool maintain a perfect record after four wins from four games, but their victories have consistently required late heroics.

• Mohamed Salah converted a 95th-minute penalty to seal a 1-0 win over Burnley.
• Burnley, who were largely untroubled despite Liverpool’s star-studded attack, forced the champions to scramble for the winner.

Manager Arne Slot chose not to include record-signing Alexander Isak in the squad to ease him into the team gradually.

• Liverpool almost paid for their lack of cutting edge until Hannibal Mejbri’s handball provided the penalty.
• New signing Florian Wirtz (approx. £100 million / $135 million) has struggled, and Salah appears less central than during last season’s title-winning campaign.

Despite the concerns, Liverpool’s ability to dig out victories under pressure could indicate they are on course for a record 21st English league title.

Arsenal continued their strong start with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, highlighting the depth that has helped Ange Postecoglou’s team thrive despite injuries.

Key performers:

• Arsenal shrugged off injuries to Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Martin Odegaard, thanks to eight summer signings.
• Manager Mikel Arteta praised the squad’s size and flexibility: “If we hadn’t done that with the injuries that we have… we’d be in a very different place. I’m very happy because it gives us options, it gives the capacity as well to change games, to have presence in the team.”

Weekend Summary Table