Premier League: Key Takeaways from the Weekend’s Matches

1. Wan-Bissaka's Impact at West Ham

Aaron Wan-Bissaka showcased his attacking prowess against Manchester United, a performance that seemed to affirm his capabilities beyond just defensive duties. Under Julen Lopetegui, he has adopted a more creative role, effectively inverting during attacks. His relentless running and crossing troubled United’s Noussair Mazraoui, and he nearly assisted a goal for Emerson Palmieri. However, West Ham's approach left them vulnerable, as Alejandro Garnacho found too much space. United’s struggle in front of goal highlighted their inefficiency, but West Ham ultimately secured a 2-1 victory.

2. Iwobi's Revival

Alex Iwobi's resurgence was evident as he delivered a stellar performance for Fulham against Everton, scoring a well-deserved goal. The Fulham fans recognized his contributions, celebrating his maturity and influence on the game. Manager Marco Silva praised Iwobi’s consistency and impact, suggesting he is poised for an even stronger season following a series of inconsistent performances in previous years.

3. Set-Piece Coaching Under Scrutiny

Virgil van Dijk's goal for Liverpool brought renewed scrutiny to Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, known for his previous success. Although Jover’s strategies have yielded results in the past, Arsenal struggled offensively from set-pieces against Liverpool. The nature of set-piece coaching is often precarious; results can quickly tarnish a reputation.

4. Newcastle's Mid-Table Woes

Newcastle United remains mired in mid-table mediocrity, a far cry from their ambitions following a major investment. Manager Eddie Howe expressed frustration over their inability to secure wins, even in competitive performances. With key players potentially sidelined, they must quickly find a way to turn their fortunes around to avoid further stagnation.

5. Nuno's Caution at Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest’s manager Nuno Espírito Santo has urged fans to enjoy their current success but remained grounded, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on upcoming matches. Their solid defensive structure has been key, and as they prepare for a series of winnable fixtures, Nuno is intent on ensuring the team does not get carried away.

6. Tottenham's Midfield Concerns

Tottenham’s midfield dynamics were put to the test as they faced Crystal Palace. The combination of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison in a three-man midfield failed to provide the necessary balance, leaving Spurs vulnerable to counterattacks. Despite their attacking talent, Spurs struggled to exert control, leading to a disappointing 1-0 defeat.

7. Wieffer's Learning Experience

Brighton’s Mats Wieffer faced criticism for a late mistake that contributed to a Wolves equalizer. While his potential is evident, the young midfielder's inexperience in high-pressure situations cost Brighton dearly. The team's overall performance, despite flashes of brilliance, highlighted the need for greater composure.

8. Aston Villa’s Mixed Results

Aston Villa's performance post-Champions League has been scrutinized, especially following a last-minute equalizer against Bournemouth. However, statistical analysis reveals that Villa has performed better after European fixtures, contradicting the narrative of a post-competition slump. Manager Unai Emery will hope to translate their European success into consistent league results.

9. Lewis-Potter Shines for Brentford

Keane Lewis-Potter's performance was a standout as Brentford triumphed in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Ipswich. After a challenging start to his career at Brentford, Lewis-Potter demonstrated his skill and determination, providing an assist and consistently threatening the opposition. His contribution was pivotal in turning the tide of the match.

10. Manchester City's Injury Concerns

As Manchester City navigates a busy fixture schedule, injuries are beginning to pile up. Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration over missing key players like Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne. The manager's focus is on ensuring player fitness and recovery, as they prepare for a challenging run of matches across multiple competitions.