Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to prove his worth for Leeds, netting his fifth goal in 10 appearances during their 1-1 draw against Manchester United. His physical dominance over Bryan Mbeumo during a corner was the key moment, with the forward admitting he simply aimed to create a disturbance in the box to disrupt the defender. Elsewhere, Manchester United’s squad depth remains a point of contention for manager Michael Carrick following the midweek defeat to Atlético Madrid, despite a fighting display at Elland Road. According to dominic Calvert-Lewin’s physicality overpowering Bryan Mbeumo in Manchester United’s area at a corner grabbed him a fifth goal in 10 outings for Leeds: a pretty respectable ratio. “I just tried to cause a ruckus,”, Leeds’ No 9. “I make it difficult for the defender. I read the flight of the ball and was quickest to react. Particularly at Elland Road, i feel the support from the club and the fans and it is a great feeling stepping on to the pitch. Of the contenders to be understudy to Harry Kane as England’s centre-forward, Calvert-Lewin may be the lead act – if he can stay injury-free, which has been a difficulty throughout his career. Among other things, the lack of squad depth at United in his post-match comments in Madrid, but one area Wilcox did strengthen over the summer was United’s midfield, lisandro Martínez bemoaned. A £65m arrival from Brighton, started his first game for the club alongside Andrey Santos, a £50m signing from Chelsea, and the pair held their own against Leeds’ combative midfield three. “They’re both young players adapting to life at this football club and I thought both of them were terrific today,” Carrick said. “That’s a massive positive for us, carlos Baleba. He was taken off at half-time with a tight thigh, as for Martínez. The German’s effectiveness grew when Brentford were reduced to 10 men but it was still one of Wirtz’s better games in a Liverpool shirt. With Harrison Armstrong booked for what the referee, Paul Tierney, deemed a reckless challenge on Josh Acheampong earlier in the game, his inconsistency on the Chelsea forward’s tackle was a key moment. “I would love to. Wirtz could be more dangerous if his passes are hitting speedy wingers such as Muñoz and Bradley Barcola. Just let referees ref it and stop making it about them. Time for Jaissle to switch up defence. The rash, high way Botman lunged in on Jackson seemed emblematic of the centre-back’s decline since he suffered a serious knee injury three years ago. And particularly his dangerous long diagonal passes, would enhance Newcastle’s pretty dismal threat as an attacking force, moreover Schär’s ball-playing ability.
Liverpool’s comeback victory over Brentford showcased Florian Wirtz’s growing influence as a primary creator. Wirtz was instrumental in the win, tallying nine created chances and stepping up with increased responsibility following Brentford’s red card. His chemistry with summer signing Daniel Muñoz, who joined from Osasuna for £34.5m, continues to stretch opposition defenses with speed and directness. Andoni Iraola was happy and perhaps sees a connection growing between Wirtz and Víctor Muñoz.
Manchester City’s 3-2 win against Ipswich provided a stage for teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who delivered an incredibly mature performance in his first league start. Controlling the tempo from the base of midfield, his composed presence belied his youth. In the same fixture, Moroccan recruit Bouaddi, who arrived for £85m from Lille, showcased his quality as he competes with Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson for a regular spot in Enzo Maresca’s evolving squad, declaring he is ready for the challenge. Maresca joked about Bouaddi’s performance. “I think that the manager is always looking to find minutes and space for good players.
Fulham secured their first league win of the season against Hull City thanks in large part to 19-year-old Josh King. Having started every match ahead of Emile Smith Rowe, King has effectively assumed the role of lead creator for Álvaro Arbeloa. Following the win, Arbeloa praised the youngster’s all-action performance, stating that he intends to help King reach his full potential, adding that for him, the sky is the limit.
Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton left manager David Moyes frustrated, particularly regarding a refereeing decision that saw Morgan Rogers avoid a red card. While Moyes felt his side was unlucky, the second-half performance proved that Chelsea’s win was a deserved result. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa was marred by a concerning tackle from Sven Botman on Nicolas Jackson, a moment that highlighted the team’s ongoing defensive volatility under pressure from Johan Manzambi’s decisive header. With Moyes’s decision to introduce a seemingly unfit Christian Nørgaard instead of Hayden Hackney a contributory factor, but they could feel aggrieved about Morg, everton’s response to Pedro Neto’s opener was nonexistent. With the excellent Johan Manzambi heading the first-half winner, sven Botman was extremely fortunate not to be sent off for a nasty tackle on Nicolas Jackson as Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa. Newcastle’s failure to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 Premier League games at home – a run stretching back into last season under Eddie Howe – emphasises the need for defensive fortification.
Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest has brought further scrutiny to Eberechi Eze’s recent form.
Despite being a major signing, the 27-year-old has struggled to adapt, a situation made more difficult by Mikel Arteta’s historical preference for structured discipline over maverick risks.
At Crystal Palace, the atmosphere is reaching a breaking point for manager Pierre Sage.
Following a 5-0 defeat to Brighton—the club’s worst loss to their rivals—Palace’s defensive woes have deepened, with the side conceding a league-worst 17 goals in seven matches. Club chair Steve Parish has already placed Sage on high alert, and the intense fan reaction at the Amex suggests the manager’s position is increasingly precarious.
Sunderland’s difficult start to life in the top tier continued with a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth. The club is currently dealing with the absence of key player Brian Brobbey due to injury, but manager Régis Le Bris is facing pressure as the squad struggles to cope with the rapid transition from the Championship to European competition. The match served as a stark reminder of the depth and endurance challenges facing the Black Cats this season. The mentality, the character – he has everything to become a top, top player, he has the talent.
