1. Solid Defense Keeps Gunners on Top
“One-nil to the Arsenal” might not be exciting, but it gets the job done. Sunday’s win against Crystal Palace marked Mikel Arteta’s team’s third 1-0 victory in nine Premier League matches this season. Last year, Arsenal won five league games by the same score and drew 1-1 in seven others. If they had kept clean sheets in just half of those draws, the title race could have been more interesting. Despite the focus on Arsenal’s attacking players, their defense is equally crucial. Their strength at the back, having conceded only three goals in nine top-flight games, is likely to be key to their success. It’s been 100 matches in all competitions since they last let in more than two goals. The last team to score three past David Raya? Luton—remember them?—back in December 2023. Sam Dalling
Match report: Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães celebrate another clean sheet for Arsenal. Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
2. Elliott Must Be Patient for Opportunity
Aston Villa secured an impressive win over Manchester City, making it four straight victories in the league, but Harvey Elliott, who joined from Liverpool last month seeking more playing time, was a notable absence. Unai Emery explained that Elliott’s performances in his 167 minutes for Villa didn’t earn him a spot in the squad, especially with Morgan Rogers back in form and Emiliano BuendÃa’s resurgence, though BuendÃa was injured and substituted early against City. Elliott was taken off at halftime in his only league start for Villa against his former club Fulham and last appeared as a late substitute in early October. He left Anfield for regular minutes but has struggled to find them. “I spoke with him about it,” Emery said. “My advice was to keep going. He’s a very good player. Our standards are high. He needs time to work and wait for his chance.” Ben Fisher
Match report: Aston Villa 1-0 Man City
3. Kayode Brings More Than Just Long Throws
It’s easy to focus on Michael Kayode’s exceptional long throws, but the 21-year-old Italian is a promising full-back even without that skill. He has the physicality and energy of a modern defender, and though his dribbling may look chaotic rather than graceful, it’s effective. Against Liverpool, his forward runs repeatedly helped Brentford escape pressure and create chances. While he sometimes ended up on the left and seemed less comfortable shooting with his left foot, Kayode made two key passes, two-thirds of his crosses found teammates, and he finished with an 87% passing accuracy. He’s started every league game, allowing Kristoffer Ajer to shift to the left and making Keane Lewis-Potter an option off the bench. Jonathan Wilson
Match report: Brentford 3-2 Liverpool
4. Mbeumo and Cunha Finding Form for United
After Bryan Mbeumo’s brace helped Manchester United to a third straight Premier League win on Saturday, the forward said he aims to match or surpass his 20 league goals for Brentford last season. “I try not to set limits on what I can achieve. I’m just going to work and do my best,” said the Cameroon international, who has four goals in nine league appearances and five in ten across all competitions for United. Matheus Cunha’s excellent long-range opener against Brighton was his first goal in ten games for Ruben Amorim’s team, relieving some pressure. “I think he took a weight off his shoulders today,” Mbeumo said. “He was waiting for it, and we were waiting for it too. We’re very happy for him.” JamiJackson
Match report: Manchester United 4-2 Brighton
Van de Ven steps up for Spurs
With captain Cristian Romero and others injured, Tottenham fans worried their unbeaten away record might end at Everton. But Micky van de Ven eased those fears, stepping into Romero’s role and excelling. The Dutch defender was named captain at Hill Dickinson Stadium and responded by scoring two headers from set pieces, bringing his total to five goals this season. Notably, he’s now Tottenham’s top scorer. Van de Ven also displayed the defensive solidity that Spurs have sometimes lacked under Ange Postecoglou, standing out in a back line that made 53 clearances.
Thomas Frank’s team thrives away from home, where they can defend deep and rely on set pieces for scoring chances. At home against Chelsea this Saturday, Spurs and Van de Ven will need to show more attacking flair, especially if Romero remains unavailable.
Tom Bassam
Match report: Everton 0-3 Tottenham
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven scores the first of his two goals at Everton. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters
Chelsea feel Palmer’s absence in defeat
Chelsea truly missed Cole Palmer for the first time this season in their 2-1 home loss to Sunderland. While they’ve managed without the playmaker during his groin injury, his creativity was sorely needed. João Pedro, playing in Palmer’s number 10 position, struggled and has been out of form, while Enzo Maresca’s wide players were ineffective and predictable.
“We didn’t create a lot,” said the Chelsea manager, who continues to face challenges against defensively organized teams. The hosts lacked speed in their passing and ran out of ideas well before Sunderland’s stoppage-time winner. Maresca’s tactics can sometimes become too rigid, and Palmer’s ability to unlock defenses with unexpected moves was missed. Chelsea are looking forward to his return.
Jacob Steinberg
Match report: Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland
Adams hitting the heights for Iraola
Tyler Adams has become essential for Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola after recovering from back surgery. His midfield energy limited Nottingham Forest’s opportunities, and his tackle on Elliot Anderson led to Junior Kroupi’s decisive second goal. Alongside him, Alex Scott was free to contribute his creative flair in attack.
Last season, Iraola had limited options, at times only able to field 12 senior players. Now, he has depth, with players like Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook available as substitutes. “I have to make even tougher decisions,” said the manager, enjoying the new luxury of choice and internal competition. Adams’ performance against Forest is the latest example of his box-to-box impact.With his box-to-box abilities, Adams seems like a straightforward choice. John Brewin
Match Report: Bournemouth 2–0 Nottingham Forest
Away Win Boosts Burnley’s Hopes
Burnley secured their first away win of the season at Molineux, moving them five points clear of the relegation zone. Last season, they set a Championship record with 49 points and 14 wins on the road, so fans may have expected an earlier away victory in the Premier League. However, the step up in quality is clear: Scott Parker’s team conceded 16 goals in 46 games last season but have already let in 17 in just nine matches this term. Despite losing a two-goal lead, Burnley fought back to claim three crucial points, lifting them to 16th place—eight points above their winless opponents. Peter Lansley
Match Report: Wolves 2–3 Burnley
Shirt-Pulling Still Going Unpunished
At the start of the season, referees were expected to crack down on holding and shirt-pulling, but that initiative has already faded. Saturday’s match at St James’ Park provided clear evidence, as Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade was repeatedly tugged by Fulham defenders Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey. Despite Woltemade’s tall frame and preference for loose-fitting shirts offering plenty of material to grab, referees offered him little protection. His technical skill deserves more freedom, especially on a day when Bruno Guimarães’s late winner gave Newcastle a much-needed victory and extended Fulham’s losing streak to four games. Louise Taylor
Match Report: Newcastle 2–1 Fulham
Calvert-Lewin Proving Valuable for Leeds
Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin has only scored once since joining Leeds on a free transfer, he has quickly become essential to Daniel Farke’s system. Against West Ham, his ability to hold up the ball and flick on long passes provided a reliable outlet, easing pressure on the defense. Farke emphasizes set pieces, and Calvert-Lewin poses a constant threat in the box. After leaving Everton, it took time for him to find the right club, but Leeds appears to be a good fit. Despite his hard work, he lacked the service needed to score. If he starts finding the net, his value will only grow. Will Unwin
Match Report: Leeds 2–1 West Ham
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|—–|——————|—-|—-|—–|
| 1 | Arsenal | 9 | 13 | 22 |
| 2 | AFC Bournemouth | 9 | 5 | 18 |
| 3 | Tottenham Hotspur| 9 | 10 | 17 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 9 | 4 | 17 |
| 5 | Man City | 9 | 10 | 16 |
| 6 | Man Utd | 9 | 1 | |16. Liverpool – 9 points, 2 goals, 15 total
8. Aston Villa – 9 points, 1 goal, 15 total
9. Chelsea – 9 points, 6 goals, 14 total
10. Crystal Palace – 9 points, 3 goals, 13 total
11. Brentford – 9 points, 0 goals, 13 total
12. Newcastle – 9 points, 1 goal, 12 total
13. Brighton – 9 points, -1 goal, 12 total
14. Everton – 9 points, -3 goals, 11 total
15. Leeds – 9 points, -5 goals, 11 total
16. Burnley – 9 points, -5 goals, 10 total
17. Fulham – 9 points, -5 goals, 8 total
18. Nottm Forest – 9 points, -12 goals, 5 total
19. West Ham – 9 points, -13 goals, 4 total
20. Wolverhampton – 9 points, -12 goals, 2 total
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the key talking points from this weekends Premier League matches designed to be clear and helpful for fans of all levels
Beginner General Questions
Q Who scored the most goals this weekend
A Erling Haaland scored a hattrick for Manchester City against Fulham putting him back at the top of the goalscoring charts
Q Which match was the most surprising result
A Most people would point to Luton Towns comeback against Everton Luton was losing but fought back to win 21 which is a huge result in their fight to avoid relegation
Q Whats the big deal with the penalty decision in the Manchester United vs Arsenal match
A In the final moments of the game Manchester Uniteds Alejandro Garnacho was through on goal and was brought down After a long VAR check the referee decided it was not a penalty which was a very controversial call that decided the game
Q Is the title race over after Manchester City won
A Not at all While City is now in the lead Arsenal is only one point behind and both teams have a few games left Its still incredibly close and will likely go down to the final day
Q What does relegation mean
A Relegation is when the three teams at the very bottom of the league table at the end of the season are demoted to the league below They are replaced by the top three teams from that lower league
Advanced Tactical Questions
Q How did Lutons tactical approach change after going a goal down to Everton
A Luton switched to a more direct and physical style putting constant highpressure on Evertons defense with long balls and crosses into the box Everton struggled to handle the intensity which led to Lutons two secondhalf goals
Q Why is everyone talking about Cole Palmers performance for Chelsea
A Palmer was instrumental in Chelseas comeback win He didnt just score he was the creative hub of the entire team constantly finding pockets of space and creating chances showing a level of maturity and vision that Chelsea has been missing
