Premier League: Major talking points from the weekend

• Following the most recent Premier League matches, we look at the major talking points that we discovered from the weekend’s schedule.

After the most recent Premier League matches, we look at the major talking points that we discovered from the weekend’s schedule.

Arsenal win but at what cost?

Declan Rice’s injury. Photo/ BBC

Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Emirates to get back to winning ways. The victory put the Gunners over Aston Villa and into third place in the standings.

The Gabriels had a great afternoon as Arsenal’s Brazilian trio dominated the Eagles. However, despite the game’s many positives, Declan Rice’s hamstring injury forced him off the field in the second half.

Following the game, Mikel Arteta described the complaint as a “sensation in his hamstring” and stated that Arsenal was eager to avoid taking any chances with the important midfield player. The Gunners now have to wait anxiously to find out how serious Rice’s issue is, as several major games are approaching.

On January 30, the North Londoners host Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The following weekend, they play a pivotal matchup at the Emirates against the title rivals Liverpool.

Given his significance on the team this season, Rice’s loss would be devastating for Arsenal. With Thomas Partey also out injured, Arteta will be facing Liverpool, who have already won the FA Cup at the Emirates this month, without a defensive midfield expert in his lineup.

Liverpool continue form without Salah

Liverpool beat Bournemouth this weekend. Photo/ Eurosport

Jurgen Klopp’s injured team had a daunting task as they traveled to Bournemouth, where the Cherries were riding high, having won six of their previous eight Premier League games. The league leaders put on an incredible second-half display to go five points ahead at the top of the standings despite missing several important players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

As Salah was out, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez scored twice apiece. Conor Bradley, making his Premier League debut at right back, assisted on the third goal. Alexander-Arnold was replaced by Bradley. In other news, center defenseman Ibrahima Konate kept up his excellent recent play.

Liverpool had a significant victory ahead of a crucial stretch in the team’s campaign. Midweek sees Klopp’s team play Fulham in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, and then they visit Norwich in the FA Cup fourth round.

The Reds’ Premier League midweek schedule begins on January 31 when they visit Chelsea, followed by a trip to take on title rivals Arsenal. A statement about their title credentials has been conveyed by their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions.

Toney is back with a bang

Pre-game music and a montage celebrating Ivan Toney’s return from suspension evoked images of a boxer getting ready for a ring walk. Toney lived up to the hype, scoring a vital equalizer to help Brentford overcome Nottingham Forest.

Although Toney’s goal—which came after he deftly shifted the ball’s position before bending a free kick around the out-of-position Forest wall—displeased Nuno Espirito Santo, it was a significant goal for Brentford at a crucial time. But Toney’s comeback gave Brentford more of a menacing appearance than simply one goal. His strong hold-up play gives the Bees, who frequently want to go direct, an aerial danger.

Before Saturday’s match, Brentford had lost seven of their previous eight games and was only three points above the relegation zone. They’ve been handed a lifeline by Toney’s comeback, which makes his recent remarks about wanting to “play for a top club” unsettling.

Toney may stay in West London until the end of the campaign at the very least due to the financial circumstances of several suitors. Brentford cannot afford to lose their talisman at this time, having waited eight months for his comeback.

Crystal Palace manager change needed?

Crystal Palace fans with banners during their loss against Arsenal. Photo/ Sky Sports

Following the team’s most recent lopsided loss, Crystal Palace finds itself in a dilemma. The Eagles brought back Roy Hodgson as a seasoned leader to guide the squad to safety the previous season, but the seasoned manager is currently having trouble getting the best out of his group.

Since November 4, Palace has only triumphed once in the Premier League and has gone three games without scoring in all competitions since the start of the year. With a 5-0 thrashing against Arsenal this past weekend, their miserable league run continues. As a result, the South Londoners are now only five points above the drop zone in 15th place.