William Saliba reveals he’s Arsenal’s new colossus whereas Kevin De Bruyne stays Man Metropolis’s principal man – Premier League hits and misses | Soccer Information

‘Colossus’ Saliba typifies Arsenal transformation

William Saliba was tons of of miles away, actually, and, maybe, figuratively, when Arsenal suffered their ignominious 2-0 loss to Brentford final season. However he’s right here now. You could not actually miss him on the Gtech Neighborhood Stadium on Sunday.

The Frenchman, excellent all season having spent the earlier marketing campaign on mortgage with Marseille, produced arguably his greatest efficiency but to assist Arsenal safe a 3-0 win which underlined their transformation over the course of the final 12 months.

His objective, his second of the marketing campaign following his very good end in opposition to Bournemouth, confirmed his aerial menace from set-piece conditions, his towering header from Bukayo Saka’s nook bouncing off the within of the submit and over the road.

Nevertheless it was every little thing else he did – the “ugly” issues, as Mikel Arteta described them afterwards – that made his efficiency actually stand out. Ivan Toney left Arsenal shell-shocked on this fixture final 12 months. This time, he was dominated by Saliba from the beginning.

The 21-year-old was a colossus, successful duels, snuffing out hazard and making certain a aspect who scored 5 objectives of their final dwelling recreation may this time solely muster two pictures on track.

Even Brentford supervisor Thomas Frank couldn’t assist however be impressed, utilizing his post-match press convention to laud the centre-back’s efficiency. “He’ll play within the beginning line-up for France and that is a powerful worldwide workforce,” he mentioned.

Saliba relished his bodily battle with Toney and he was simply as spectacular on the ball, offering composure within the face of Brentford’s urgent, at instances slaloming away from challenges deep in his personal half earlier than sending Arsenal ahead on the assault.

His presence is just not the only motive for Arsenal’s transformation. Gabriel Jesus’ influence has been equally important and Fabio Vieira, one other summer time signing, offered a glimpse of his class on Sunday too. However it’s Saliba, Arsenal’s new colossus, who greatest reveals the extent of the progress.
Nick Wright

Flat Brentford outclassed by Arsenal

Brentford had been outclassed on Sunday by Arsenal because the Bees had been deservedly crushed by the Premier League leaders.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank modified issues tactically for the go to of the Gunners as he moved away from the 4-3-3 that was so profitable within the win over Leeds, to a 3-5-2.

However the change backfired as Arsenal dominated the midfield, whereas Brentford’s entrance two of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo ended up doing extra work in their very own half than within the opponent’s.

However when requested whether or not the change to 3-5-2 from 4-3-3 contributed to the defeat, he replied kindly: “No.

“I can say that we beat Manchester United 4-0 with 3-5-2, we went to Stamford Bridge [last season] and beat them with 3-5-2 so I suppose that is okay.”

So if it was not the ways, then perhaps it was the early kick-off time that led to Brentford’s downfall?

The noon begin definitely cancelled out Brentford’s twelfth man, who beautifully carried their aspect in that well-known opening-night win in opposition to the Gunners simply over 13 months in the past.

However Frank refused to make use of that as an excuse.

The Dane mentioned: “If it is a good night kick-off underneath the floodlights for each dwelling workforce, even at Anfield, there’s a greater environment, so in fact which means one thing.

“However I am a giant believer that if we’ve got to play at 12 o’clock, three o’clock, 10 o’clock within the night or at 3am, we simply must carry out.”

Christian Norgaard was positively a giant miss for the west London aspect – his presence in the course of the pitch would have definitely helped fight Arsenal’s midfield management. Frank can be hoping the injured Dane returns after the worldwide break.

However for the Bees boss it was simply merely a distinction in high quality that led to his aspect having a foul day on the workplace.

“It was a well-deserved win for Arsenal, who’re a barely larger membership with a barely larger historical past than us,” he mentioned with tongue-in-cheek.

“They confirmed the distinction within the dimension of the golf equipment: (Martin) Odegaard is out, however they introduced in a £35m man [Fabio Vieira] who scores.

“They’re the in-form workforce within the division so we needed to carry out at 10/10, however we did not.”
Declan Olley

Iwobi and Grey prepared the ground for Everton

Neal Maupay grabbed the headlines along with his match-winning objective on Sunday, however after the sport his feedback highlighted the significance of these round him.

“We have good gamers within the midfield and on the wing and I belief them to make the distinction,” the striker instructed Sky Sports activities.

It was Alex Iwobi who delivered the exact cross for Maupay to attain, opening his physique up rapidly earlier than drilling it into the Frenchman’s ft with out hesitation.

Iwobi has rediscovered his confidence underneath Frank Lampard and is changing into a key participant for Everton as a No 10 or at wing-back. He carried the ball properly in central areas on Sunday and was spectacular in his distribution as showcased by the help.

No Everton participant had as many touches, entries into the ultimate third or passes within the remaining third on Sunday. Iwobi additionally had a team-high two possibilities created.

The one man to equal that stat was Demarai Grey, who may have had an help or two himself.

Grey offered a distinct form of menace out large. The previous Leicester winger was at all times asking questions of Vladmir Coufal along with his driving runs and one of many few gamers who injected some life into the sport.

The 26-year-old delivered extra crosses than anybody on the pitch (11) and was unlucky his team-mates weren’t playing on the again submit on a few ocassions.

His fearlessness is infectious and lifts the remainder of the workforce. Everton will depend on him for that spark as they undergo this transitional interval with extra irritating afternoons anticipated.
Zinny Boswell

Worrying instances for West Ham

West Ham look out of concepts after seven Premier League video games. 5 defeats, one win and a draw imply they go into the worldwide break within the backside three.

Few would have anticipated that after final season, particularly after a summer time which noticed them spend £179m on new signings. Solely Chelsea and Manchester United spent extra within the Premier League.

Sunday’s defeat to Everton was one other Hammers efficiency beneath the usual we’ve got turn out to be accustomed to underneath David Moyes. That they had the possibilities to equalise on the finish, though there was by no means actually a sense that they’d the conviction to attain

Moyes known as out the gamers that introduced him a lot success final season after the defeat to his former membership. “At this time we came upon little bits [about the new signings], however it was primarily the gamers I find out about – they’re those who let me down with poor play general,” he instructed Sky Sports activities.

Solely two of the six new first-team signings had been concerned from the beginning on Sunday. Moyes has been holding them again as he offers the arrivals time to gel with their new team-mates. However perhaps it is time to roll the cube?
Zinny Boswell

De Bruyne stays Metropolis’s principal man

4 months in the past, Kevin De Bruyne accomplished a first-half hat-trick for Manchester Metropolis at Wolves, ran to the nook and unveiled a recognisable celebration.

De Bruyne raised his palms and imitated Erling Haaland’s ‘meditation’ posture. The Norwegian’s transfer to Metropolis had simply been confirmed that week however De Bruyne’s objectives at Molineux – which ended up being 4 general in a 5-1 win – dominated the headlines in a giant win that despatched the membership to a different title win.

The celebration acted as a reminder, maybe, that whereas Haaland’s arrival would result in pleasure, De Bruyne was nonetheless Metropolis’s principal man.

Metropolis returned to Molineux on Saturday with Haaland of their workforce this time however, come full-time, the narrative stays the identical. Sure, Haaland’s kind is phenomenal. His objectives, adaptability and pure physique are all like nothing we’ve got seen on this league earlier than.

However De Bruyne is the person that makes this Metropolis workforce correctly tick – and his kind will decide how the membership fare within the title race.

The Belgian midfielder unleashed two key assists in two completely different circumstances – within the first minute for Jack Grealish’s opener and the seventieth minute for Phil Foden’s result-sealing strike, after a interval of dominant Wolves stress.

When Metropolis wanted management and inspiration, their captain for the day stepped as much as ship them prime of the desk once more. Whereas the headline-grabbing Haaland additionally scored at Molineux this weekend, De Bruyne continues to regulate Metropolis’s destiny.
Sam Blitz

Son banishes early-season droop

Heung-Min Son has a behavior of delivering the spectacular, however his second-half cameo which put the seal on Tottenham’s 6-2 victory over Leicester was proper up there with something he is produced throughout his stint in north London.

After drawing blanks in Tottenham’s first eight video games of the season, Antonio Conte had no qualms taking the South Korean out of the beginning line-up for the go to of the Foxes, insisting it was irrelevant if Son was sad on the resolution.

No participant likes being dropped, and Son would have been no completely different, however as a substitute of venting his anger at his supervisor, he ruthlessly meted out his frustrations on the Foxes to vindicate Conte’s daring resolution.

Son’s uncharacteristically subdued and stationary celebration to the breathtaking, drought-ending first strike was a sign of aid, of the burden lifted off his shoulders. From there, it was as if his early-season struggles had by no means occurred.

One other trademark long-range strike, this day without work his left foot, shook off any lingering cobwebs earlier than he re-established his relationship with Harry Kane, a partnership Spurs have relied on so closely, to finish his memorable hat-trick and ominous return to kind.
Jack Wilkinson

Wolves nonetheless look toothless in assault

Taken in isolation, this outcome shouldn’t spark panic. A 3-goal defeat to the Premier League champions during which Wolves had been pressured to play for an hour with one man fewer following the first-half pink card for Nathan Collins isn’t any nice shock.

The priority is that it felt like a continuation of a theme. Wolves truly had possession in good areas in opposition to Manchester Metropolis however the objective by no means appeared like coming. No workforce has scored fewer this season. It’s 13 objectives in 17 video games underneath Bruno Lage now.

There are some good gamers on this Wolves squad however the stability feels flawed proper now. Lage has three strikers however none are match. Diego Costa wants time to rise up to hurry. Sasa Kalajdzic suffered ligament injury on his debut. Raul Jimenez’s return is unsure.

What Wolves are left with are gifted large forwards who flatter to deceive and are by no means prone to be prolific. Pedro Neto has began all seven Premier League video games however is but to attain. Goncalo Guedes has been vibrant however remains to be ready for his first Wolves objective.

Matheus Nunes seems a effective signing however midfield is just not the priority. For Lage, it’s the lack of defensive cowl that left him taking part in Ruben Neves in defence. It’s the lack of choices in assault that has him persisting with a false 9. The plan? Pray Costa can roll again the years.
Adam Bate

Leaky Leicester look devoid of confidence

Leicester recorded extra pictures, extra possession and practically 3 times as many final-third entries as Spurs on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After taking a look at these statistics, you would be forgiven for having to double test the scoreline after seeing the Foxes had been thrashed 6-2 in north London.

However conceding six at Spurs means Leicester have shipped 11 objectives of their final two video games and 22 for the reason that begin of the season. No workforce within the prime 4 divisions has conceded extra and perception seems to be at all-time low among the many Foxes gamers.

The way of Spurs’ objectives was frighteningly straightforward, with most of them that includes defending from Leicester’s beleaguered gamers that ranged from slack to hopeless.

The hosts’ first two strikes got here from set items, which have lengthy been a simple path to Leicester’s objective. Rodgers’ aspect have conceded 25 objectives from set items for the reason that begin of final season – greater than every other Premier League aspect.

Spurs’ third and fourth objectives got here after Wilfred Ndidi and James Justin had been caught on the ball, whereas their fifth and sixth got here after Heung-Min Son was given the liberty of Leicester’s half to select his spot in Danny Ward’s internet.

The truth that Spurs scored six instances from an anticipated objectives whole of simply 2.18 can partially be defined by Son’s first two objectives being screamers from outdoors the world, however it additionally reveals the resistance being put up by Leicester each time opponents get close to their objective is nowhere close to ok.

The Leicester defenders and goalkeeper look as if they worry conceding each time they’re put underneath stress, whereas their attackers – except James Maddison – additionally seem like affected by a disaster of confidence.

Leicester pinched the ball in Spurs’ remaining third 11 instances in comparison with the hosts’ two however, via a mixture of choosing the flawed cross, making an attempt too many passes or resorting to speculative long-range efforts, constantly wasted their openings.

Talking to Sky Sports activities after the sport, each Maddison and Rodgers sounded as if they had been out of concepts to cease the workforce’s droop. All the concerns brought on by Leicester’s troubling switch window are coming to cross.
Joe Shread

Newcastle lack final-third creator

When the season began Newcastle had been tipped to problem the established order and break into the highest six.

Issues have not fairly gone to plan seven video games in with their solely win approaching the opening day in opposition to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, who’re at present within the relegation zone.

Final season is proof {that a} push for the highest six is on no account out of the query at this early stage, however their struggles to interrupt down a low block may hinder their lofty ambitions this season.

Newcastle’s two greatest performances of the season have come in opposition to Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool – two video games during which there was house on the counter. They will go toe to toe with the massive boys, however lack the creativeness to interrupt down extra cussed opposition.

Saturday’s irritating assembly with Bournemouth laid naked the shortage of a creator within the remaining third for Newcastle, with right-back Kieran Trippier the one constant menace going ahead.

It was Trippier’s cross which pressured the penalty, his free-kick which struck the submit from 30 yards and the England worldwide who had essentially the most passes within the remaining third of anybody on the pitch (42).

With Bruno Guimaraes working in a deeper position, Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Ryan Fraser – who’ve one objective involvement this season between them – had been tasked with offering possibilities for Alexander Isak on Saturday afternoon and fell properly wanting the required normal.

Followers had been pining in the summertime for the signing of Lucas Paqueta, who was scooped up by West Ham, as Newcastle prioritised the switch of striker Isak after an early harm to Callum Wilson. It’s clear Newcastle want to return into the switch market and enhance their choices in these attacking areas.
Zinny Boswell

O’Neil brings much-needed metal to Bournemouth

After three league defeats in a row in opposition to Man Metropolis, Arsenal and Liverpool with an mixture rating of 18-0 alarm bells had been ringing at Bournemouth.

The sacking of Scott Parker did little to ease these issues.

However the arrival of interim boss Gary O’Neil has fairly drastically modified the outlook on the Vitality Stadium.

The place there was an abundance of house for opposition sides in opposition to Bournemouth, there’s now a hungry pack of gamers defending compactly and dealing collectively.

Bournemouth will undoubtedly face sterner checks than the one they confronted at Newcastle on Saturday, however it offers the template for the remainder of the season. A counter-attacking workforce that defends in numbers.

There are nonetheless query marks over the standard within the workforce and whether or not they are going to have sufficient to remain up, however their interim boss is profiting from the instruments at his disposal.

It’s unclear how lengthy O’Neil can be in submit, with the sale of Bournemouth to American Invoice Foley at a sophisticated stage, however his pragmatism has given Bournemouth a platform from which to construct.
Zinny Boswell

Mings and Coutinho assist Villa get again on observe

Aston Villa’s draw with Manchester Metropolis was an enormous outcome for Steven Gerrard given the stress that he had been going through going into the sport however that time there was by no means going to sate the supporters if his workforce couldn’t comply with it up at dwelling to Southampton.

This was not a flowing efficiency however it was a effective outcome. Villa didn’t look unbelievable however they helped to make Southampton look terrible and that was greater than sufficient to win it. The sight of Emiliano Martinez on his knees at full-time confirmed how a lot it meant.

The Villa goalkeeper has needed to wait nearly 5 months for this clear sheet. He had Tyrone Mings to thank. What little momentum that Saints may construct up across the Villa field was repelled by his head, towering above everybody else contained in the penalty field.

Gerrard has bemoaned particular person errors all through his time at Villa Park however right here there have been none of observe – solely gamers combating for the followers and one another. If this group can do this then there stays a perception that they’ve the standard to give you one thing.

Philippe Coutinho brings that high quality. The Brazilian made a fast impression on supporters however they haven’t seen sufficient of him on this temper of late. It was not thrilling however he offered the glint. Gerrard will accept that if it brings outcomes like this.
Adam Bate

Southampton struggles put stress on Hasenhuttl

What an odd season this has been for Southampton already. Two all the way down to Leeds within the second recreation of the season having been overwhelmed by Tottenham on the opening weekend, Ralph Hasenhuttl was underneath stress rapidly however got here via it.

After salvaging some extent in opposition to Leeds, they gained at Leicester and completed August with a formidable win over Chelsea. However simply when there was a buzz about this new Saints aspect, they’ve succumbed to back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Wolves and now Aston Villa.

Hasenhuttl noticed similarities in each performances however a minimum of there have been possibilities at Molineux. “At this time, we didn’t have possibilities. For me, that is the very irritating factor. Our play was not sharp sufficient, not fast sufficient and never ok.”

Alarmingly, he talked of his workforce being “not courageous sufficient” and “bouncing” off their Villa opponents in each duel. There are some massive gamers in that Southampton aspect who shouldn’t be being bullied however maybe endurance can be required of a younger squad.

Hasenhuttl left most of his summer time signings on the bench. Ainsley Maitland-Niles didn’t even make the squad. “He has to adapt to our recreation and that takes time.” The issue is that the supporters wish to see these new gamers given their likelihood now.

On this proof, there’s little sense in delaying. The worldwide break will see many of the squad go in separate instructions however it’s nonetheless a possibility for a reset. What is for certain is that it’s going to must be higher than this once they return to face Everton at St Mary’s.
Adam Bate

Palhinha proving his price to Fulham

Erling Haaland has killed any debate across the Premier League’s signing of the season however Fulham’s Joao Palhinha should be close to the highest of the checklist of these behind the free-scoring Norwegian.

The midfielder, a £20m addition from Sporting Lisbon in July, was instrumental in Fulham’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday, his beautiful objective serving to to clinch a victory which put them sixth.

In dialog with Sky Sports activities final month, Marco Silva revealed Palhinha was primarily signed for his off-the-ball qualities and people qualities have been obvious all season. He has made extra tackles (35) than every other Premier League participant.

However the 27-year-old offers them loads greater than that.

Palhinha can also be a substantial aerial menace, as he confirmed along with his headed objective in Fulham’s 3-2 win over Brentford in August, and his strike in opposition to Forest, brilliantly executed from outdoors the field, confirmed he has the approach to match.

It’s little marvel Silva moved swiftly to safe his signature following Fulham’s promotion and it’ll not be lengthy till the remainder of the Premier League begin to take discover. Palhinha is proving his price.
Nick Wright

Forest crumble once more in second half

If all of Nottingham Forest’s seven Premier League matches this season had completed at half-time they might have 11 factors – seven greater than they’ve now.

That tally would see them stage with their newly-promoted rivals Fulham, as a substitute they’re languishing within the relegation zone for the subsequent few weeks as we head into the worldwide break.

A worrying pattern is beginning to crop up for Steve Cooper’s aspect, with their final 9 objectives conceded all coming within the second half of video games.

“I feel numerous it’s self-inflicted,” mentioned head coach Steve Cooper on Friday evening. “We simply aren’t managing conceding the primary objective very properly. There’s been just a few events now when as soon as one goes in we glance susceptible and that was the case tonight.”

That vulnerability price them after Tosin Adarabioyo’s towering header levelled the sport for Fulham.

The reminiscence of Bournemouth – one other newly-promoted aspect – getting back from two objectives all the way down to win on the Metropolis Floor simply two weeks earlier than clearly left its mark on this squad, and so they did not regain their focus, conceding two extra objectives inside 5 minutes of the equaliser.

Cooper now has just a few weeks to take inventory and contemplate how greatest to treatment his aspect’s susceptibility to crumbling when conceding, however he must discover a answer quick.

4 defeats on the bounce within the Premier League brings stress on a supervisor’s shoulders, and we have already seen how ruthless homeowners will be this season within the circumstances of Bournemouth and Chelsea.

The sunshine on the finish of the tunnel for Forest is that they subsequent face the Premier League’s basement membership Leicester, who’ve appeared out of concepts up to now this season after a summer time of inactivity within the switch market.
Zinny Boswell