Premier League: The weekend recap

• After the most recent Premier League match, we examine things that we learned from the weekend’s schedule.

After the most recent Premier League match, we examine things that we learned from the weekend’s schedule.

Luton finally win at home

Luton’s victory over Crystal Palace, which kept them out of the relegation zone, is being celebrated at Kenilworth Road as their first Premier League victory. The long-awaited first home victory of the season and Everton’s 10-point deduction have raised hopes for survival.

After a challenging beginning, Rob Edwards’ team has settled into the top tier; in their previous 11 league games, they have only lost by a margin of more than one goal. Luton’s strategy of packing the box with crosses was implemented in their victory over Palace over the weekend, which came after battling draws with Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

This season, Luton has made the most effective open-play crosses in the Premier League (40), and they enjoyed the benefits this past weekend. Jacob Brown’s winning cross from Chiedozie Ogbene was flawless, as the corridor of doubt played true to its moniker for Sam Johnstone and Joachim Andersen, enabling Brown to go home. For The Hatters, there is hope.

Brighton finally win

Brighton went six games without a win. |PHOTO: The Guardian|

The Seagulls’ victory over Nottingham Forest halted a run of six Premier League games without a victory, and Roberto De Zerbi’s celebrations at full-time demonstrated just how much the victory meant. Following Lewis Dunk’s red card in the last minutes, Brighton overcame a 3-2 deficit to win an exciting match at the City Ground.

With five goals in the thrilling match, Brighton has scored 51 goals in their season’s games, more than any other team in the league. The fact that Brighton has scored and given up goals in 17 straight games makes them the first team in Premier League history, and this season’s visitors have undoubtedly received value for their money.

But with the club hoping to qualify for Europe once more this year, the Italian will be hoping his team can fortify their defense. Brighton’s firepower is evident in their eighth-place finish in the Premier League this season, despite their inability to maintain a clean sheet all year.

Exciting title race

Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring against Liverpool. Photo/Goal

Though it’s far too soon to make wild predictions, is there a chance that a multi-team Premier League title battle might soon begin? The top four clubs in the Premier League are now separated by just two points, yet nearly every title fight in the league has been centered around two teams.

After the two teams drew at the Etihad this past weekend, Arsenal surpassed Manchester City and Liverpool to take the top spot in the standings, while Aston Villa reduced the distance between the top two teams after defeating Spurs. Manchester United, on the other hand, triumphed for the fifth time in six games and is currently sixth, six points off the top.

There were four-point differences between the top three teams at the end of the 1998–1999, 2007–08, and 2013–14 seasons, although the club in third place never really looked like a likelihood to win the league title. Is there a chance that this season?

Although they haven’t been at their best this season, Manchester City is still the favorite. The Citizens won’t be affected by the AFCON competition, which will see Thomas Partey and Mohamed Salah leave their opponents for the crown in the new year. Despite a few tight championship fights, Pep Guardiola’s team has dominated domestically in recent years. But the champs have never faced more than one credible opponent before.

City’s left-wing dilemma

Doku together with Grealish. Photo/ TEAMtalk

Jack Grealish’s ability to hold onto the ball, move his team upfield, and create opportunities was essential to Manchester City’s triple victory, especially in Europe. But the England winger will have to battle hard this season to play a regular part.

Picked for City’s crucial match against Liverpool, Jeremy Doku was the most entertaining player on the field throughout the first half as he tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Belgian gave a match that, despite its importance, frequently had the vibe of an early kickoff following the international break zip and vitality.

Since Doku arrived at the Etihad last summer, he has tormented full-backs, and Alexander-Arnold, whose one-on-one defending has frequently been criticized, found it difficult to handle the pressure. Doku was the leader in the race for consecutive carries (18), attempted dribbles (16), completed dribbles (12), and opportunities generated (4). Whenever he gained control, there was a buzz of excitement, or anxiety, depending on your side of the ball.

Without a doubt, Grealish is a terrific football player, and this team will use him again sometime, maybe when Guardiola requires greater control. But is there a player who opposing full-backs are scared of more than Doku at this moment? He’s entertaining to watch, and if he were to make more decisions and produce better work, he might be a really powerful force.