Premier League: Weekend recap

• Following Premier League weekend action we look at the major talking points and things we learned from the fixtures.

Following Premier League weekend action we look at the major talking points and things we learned from the fixtures.

Brentford’s masterclass against Chelsea

Brentford beat Chelsea 2-0. Photo/ Eurosport.

Chelsea had become more optimistic under Mauricio Pochettino, and they went into this weekend’s matchup with Brentford, their neighbors in west London, with a positive attitude. Chelsea had gone four games without losing in all competitions. This weekend, Brentford defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, ending the “momentum” that Pochettino had talked about this week and intended to carry over.

Chelsea suffered a disappointing loss due to familiar shortcomings; Cole Palmer had another creative performance, but there was nothing else to take away from a wasted effort that saw little improvement in Cole Palmer’s standing.

Chelsea have only won one of their six Premier League home games this season, which was a continuation of their dismal home record. The outcome also maintained Brentford’s previous supremacy in this matchup; since Chelsea’s elevation to the Premier League, the Bees have won all three of their away games against the Blues.

League leaders Tottenham still going on

Spurs, who have been undefeated so far this season, defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 to maintain their top spot in the Premier League standings. Since 1960–61, when the team last won the championship, Spurs have had the greatest start to a top-division season.

At Selhurst Park, Ange Postecoglou’s transformation appears to be continuing as Son Heung-min’s eighth Premier League goal of the season and an own goal by Joel Ward secured three points.

Spurs are one of the league’s most aggressive teams when it comes to pushing from the front, and they top the Premier League in several indicators that suggest their current form may continue. With Son’s transformation into a central striker, Spurs have put together one of the league’s most dynamic and dynamic frontlines.

Spurs top the league in high turnovers—they press opponents 8.9 times per defensive play, have 109 total high turnovers, turn the ball over 22 times that result in a shot on goal, and turn the ball over five times. Opposing teams have found it difficult to handle this level of energy thus far this season.

Nketiah’s hattrick

Eddie Nketiah. Photo/ Planet Football.

Arsenal’s bid for Champions League advancement was assisted by Gabriel Jesus’ game-winning effort in the middle of the week, but the Brazilian will be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained against Sevilla.

In place of Jesus this weekend, Eddie Nketiah was selected back into the squad, with the 24-year-old primed for a prolonged stint in the starting lineup. After going scoreless in his previous six Premier League appearances for the Gunners, Nketiah took advantage of Sheffield United and recorded his first-ever top-flight hat-trick.

Nketiah scored the first three goals in an impressive display from Mikel Arteta’s team as Arsenal crushed the winless Blades 5-0 at the Emirates. The attacker was a baller in the closing third.

Nketiah scored his hat-trick goal from long range to win the match ball. With 10 Premier League games played thus far this season, he has now tied his career-best return with five goals.

Villa’s hunt for Europe continues

Aston Villa beat Luton Town to move into fourth position. Photo/Eurosport

Aston Villa won at home for the 12th time straight this weekend in the Premier League, maintaining their impressive home record. Villa hasn’t lost at home since February as Unai Emery’s team defeated Luton Town handily to keep up their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

Villa is now five games into the current season and one of four Premier League teams—alongside Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham—to have a perfect record at home. For Villa, Moussa Diaby was the catalyst for success. Despite the demands of playing European football this season, Villa has not displayed any symptoms of faltering.

The victory marked the hosts’ fifth straight in six games, and they now have a five-point lead over Newcastle, who are now in sixth place. Villa is capable of gaining admission into Europe’s elite group in a season where the top five teams in the Premier League might all earn spots in the Champions League the following year.