...
...
Next Story

Three talking points from the Premier League weekend

Three talking points from the Premier League weekend

Published on: Sep 7, 2026, 00:38:48 IST
Advertisement

Arsenal laid down an early marker in the Premier League title race by coming from behind to end Chelsea's promising start under Xabi Alonso and keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the table.

Three talking points from the Premier League weekend
Three talking points from the Premier League weekend

The Gunners' normally impenetrable defence was breached inside two minutes by the Blues, but they roared back for a 2-1 win to maintain a 100 percent start.

City were less convincing in a 1-0 victory over Coventry, but the top two from last season are already clear at the top.

Deep Dive

What tactical lessons did Xabi Alonso learn from Chelsea's defeat against Arsenal?

Xabi Alonso indicated that Chelsea needs to refine their defense and manage the game better after conceding a quick equalizer and failing to capitalize on an early lead.

How did Arsenal's comeback against Chelsea influence their title race ambitions?

Arsenal's comeback bolstered their confidence and demonstrated their resilience, effectively marking them as strong contenders for the Premier League title by maintaining a perfect start to the season.

What has been the impact of Alexander Isak's performance on Liverpool's current season?

Alexander Isak's impressive start with three goals in the season has revitalized Liverpool's attack, contrasting his previous injury-affected campaign, and suggests he is regaining form under Andoni Iraola.
Powered ByAsk HT

Manchester United are already five points back from the leaders after they twice blew the lead to draw at Everton.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend:

Alonso's Chelsea handed title lesson

Chelsea arrived at the Emirates Stadium feted as a serious threat to Arsenal's hopes of retaining the title.

Over the following 90 minutes, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso learnt the difference between pretenders and genuine contenders.

When Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead with a stylish volley it appeared the Alonso revolution was in full swing.

But Arsenal are a far tougher proposition than Chelsea's first three opponents, as they proved with a stirring fightback.

Kai Havertz exposed the flaws in Alonso's three-man central defence as he drifted to the edge of the area for a low drive that eluded Emiliano Martinez's weak attempted save.

It was the kind of dubious keeping that Martinez was signed to eradicate after the hapless form of his predecessor Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea's vaunted attack of Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro were largely held in check after their opening salvo by an Arsenal defence featuring a first start for Ezri Konsa.

The maturity and cutting edge of Mikel Arteta's men came to the fore again in the 50th minute when Martin Odegaard capped a flowing move with a clinical winner.

Alonso has plenty to work on, while Arsenal are in the rudest of health.

Isak shows sign of Liverpool life

Alexander Isak's three Premier League goals this season already matches his tally from an injury-disrupted first campaign at Liverpool.

The Swedish international's struggles after his English transfer record £125 million move from Newcastle played a major role in Liverpool's fall from champions to just scraping into the top five.

But the 26-year-old showed flashes of his old self at the World Cup and a full pre-season has allowed him to hit the ground running under Andoni Iraola.

An Isak double inside the first 10 minutes at Ipswich on Friday night secured a first win of the Iraola reign.

"I don't think the quality is anything that we doubt," said Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk.

"We've seen how good he is playing against him and now he's going to show the world with a Liverpool shirt as well."

No case for Man Utd defence

Everton fans arrived at the Hill Dickinson Stadium still in uproar at the lack of attacking options available to David Moyes after a chaotic final few hours of the transfer window saw a deal for Folarin Balogun fall through.

Yet the Toffees, just like newly-promoted Hull and Ipswich, still found a way to breach the Manchester United defence twice.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles's spectacular strike rescued a 2-2 draw for Moyes's men with virtually the last kick of the game, but it was little more than Everton deserved.

Excellent finishes from Bryan Mbeumo and substitute Benjamin Sesko and another encouraging performance from Marcus Rashford displayed United's strength going forward.

But the decision to not reinforce Michael Carrick's defence in the transfer window is already looking misguided before much tougher tests begin with the visit of Manchester City next weekend.

kca/jc

Manchester United

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

 
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe