The latest Premier League weekend has given fans plenty to talk about as Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal continue to pull away at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s goal-scoring woes persisted, Tottenham’s impressive streak was dramatically halted, and Bukayo Saka once again proved why he’s Arsenal’s star player.
Here, we break down the major talking points that emerged from the action-packed fixtures and what they mean for the season ahead.
1. Goal Drought: Manchester United’s Struggles Continue
Manchester United’s lackluster attack is becoming an alarming issue, with the club registering just five goals from their opening seven Premier League matches—marking their worst start in the Premier League era.
This statistic paints a grim picture of their form, particularly when three of those goals came in a single match against a winless Southampton side.
United’s recent 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park is the third consecutive game where they’ve failed to find the back of the net.
Erik ten Hag’s men are struggling to convert opportunities into goals, and the Dutch manager acknowledged this problem: “We know in this moment we have a lack of goals. That’s an area we have to improve.”
The problem is not new. Last season, United scored the joint-fewest goals of any team that finished in the top half of the table.
Despite this, the club’s transfer window saw the arrival of only one forward—Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. Unfortunately, the Netherlands international has not made the impact United hoped for, managing just one goal in nine appearances.
Currently sitting in 14th place, Manchester United’s position is far from ideal. Although a point against high-flying Villa might be enough to keep Ten Hag secure during the international break, there’s no doubt that United’s forwards need to find their scoring boots soon if the manager is to stay in the Old Trafford dugout for much longer.
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2. Tottenham’s Collapse: Postecoglou’s Rage After Brighton Defeat
Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive run of form came crashing down in a stunning collapse against Brighton.
Ange Postecoglou’s men seemed to be cruising after going 2-0 up in the first half, dominating the game and looking set for their sixth consecutive win across all competitions.
However, a dramatic turnaround saw Brighton score three goals in just 18 minutes, exposing Spurs’ defensive fragility and sending shockwaves through their fanbase.
The defeat left Postecoglou furious. In his post-match interview, the Australian did not mince words: “Frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. Worst defeat since I’ve been here. Unacceptable second half. Nowhere near where we should be. We got carried away with how we were going.”
Tottenham’s struggles on the road are not new. Earlier in the season, they failed to finish off Leicester in their opening game, which ended 1-1.
They also dominated possession against Newcastle at St James’ Park but still fell short, losing 2-1. The defeat to Brighton saw the Seagulls leapfrog Spurs into sixth place, while Postecoglou’s side slipped to ninth, raising questions about their consistency and ability to maintain a top-four challenge.
3. Saka’s Arsenal Brilliance: The Star Winger’s Impact Grows
Bukayo Saka continues to be a beacon of hope for Arsenal. The young winger’s influence was on full display as he inspired a comeback for the Gunners in their 3-1 victory over Southampton.
After falling behind against the run of play due to Cameron Archer’s 55th-minute opener, Arsenal needed a spark—and Saka delivered.
The England international assisted Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli to turn the game around before sealing the win with his third goal of the season.
Saka’s performance not only demonstrated his technical ability but also highlighted his growing influence in Mikel Arteta’s squad. The winger has become a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s bid to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
Arteta was full of praise for his star player: “He’s surrounded by incredible players, but something has changed in him, and you can really sense that confidence in him. Now he’s putting it in games and he’s winning football matches.”
With this win, Arsenal remain just one point behind league leaders Liverpool, who edged out Crystal Palace with a narrow 1-0 victory.
The Gunners are also level on points with Manchester City, who secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Fulham after trailing in the match. The title race is heating up, and if Saka continues his impressive form, Arsenal might finally break their long wait for Premier League glory.
ALSO READ:Unbelievable Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s Star Winger Leading the Gunners to Glory
Key Takeaways from the Premier League Weekend
- Manchester United’s Goal Scoring Woes: Without a clinical forward to lead the line, United’s inability to score consistently is a worrying trend that needs addressing urgently. Zirkzee’s struggles highlight the need for another attacking solution if the club wants to climb the table.
- Tottenham’s Defensive Frailty: Despite showing attacking flair under Postecoglou, Tottenham’s defensive lapses have cost them crucial points. For Spurs to maintain a top-four challenge, they need to fix their issues at the back and manage game situations better, particularly on the road.
- Saka’s Influence at Arsenal: The young star’s rise is undeniable, and his performances are making a strong case for Arsenal as serious title contenders. Saka’s ability to step up in key moments is becoming invaluable for the Gunners as they aim to stay close to Liverpool and Manchester City.
