Major talking points of the Premier League weekend

• We review the major talking points of the latest Premier League matches.

We review the major talking points of the latest Premier League matches.

Havertz proving the doubters again

Kai Havertz. Photo/ The Independent

Delivering when it counts hasn’t been one of the many slights that English football player Kai Havertz has endured during his career. The German, who has often demonstrated his ability to step up in pivotal moments of important games, gave Arsenal a valuable goal this past weekend to go atop the Premier League standings.

Havertz’s resume includes winning goals for Chelsea in the Champions League and Club World Cup finals; his late winner against Brentford was just another addition to his Arsenal accomplishments. This season, the summer acquisition has already netted late wins in both of his matches against Brentford, totaling six crucial points that might prove to be the difference come playoff time.

In the early weeks of the season, there were doubts about the 24-year-old’s decision to join Arsenal; nevertheless, he has since settled into a red shirt. In his last four league games, he has contributed two goals and four goals, which has helped Arsenal win eight straight games since the beginning of the year.

In the history of the Premier League, only four clubs have ever prevailed in their opening eight games. The three before them were all proclaimed champions. Arsenal, leading the league, will next play Manchester City at the Etihad.

The best title race ever?

There’s probably never going to be a more dramatic Premier League championship grab than Manchester City’s during stoppage time on the last weekend of 2011–12. Captured with nearly the final kick of the season, it capped an engrossing final day that witnessed conflicting feelings on both sides of the Mancunian rift.

But this season might end up being the greatest Premier League title fight ever. Following Arsenal’s victory over Brentford the day before, Liverpool’s draw with Manchester City has further reduced the gap at the top.

As we approach the last ten games of the season, the three clubs at the top of the standings are the closest they have ever been, separated by only one point. Due to goal differential, Arsenal leads Liverpool in the league, with Manchester City behind by one more point. In the first game following the international break, Arsenal takes on the Citizens in an exciting match at the Etihad.

Since the year began, all three of the competitors have improved significantly, and the winner of the run-in will be the one who can maintain composure under mounting pressure. Prepare yourselves for what could be the greatest campaign finale ever.

Tottenham fighting for the top four

Tottenham Hotspur players celebrate after beating Bournemouth 3-1. Photo/ Sky Sports

After losing 4-1 at Chelsea in November, when Ange Postecoglou’s team saw two red cards and major injuries to James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, Tottenham’s season collapsed. The loss marked the beginning of a five-game losing streak for the former table-toppers, the only prolonged slump in an otherwise encouraging season under the new management.

Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner were signed by Spurs in January to fill their need for further depth; the former has been a key player in recent weeks. Given Van van Van’s influence for Spurs, the Dutch defender’s hamstring injury at Aston Villa appears to be a setback for Dragusin, who now looks poised for a run of games.

What is Gary O’Neil cooking?

Gary O’Neil celebrates after a win. Photo/ The Telegraph

The way the season has gone, Wolves could not have predicted it. After Julen Lopetegui left the team on the brink of the Premier League season, Gary O’Neil was hired in. O’Neil was somewhat shockingly fired from Bournemouth after leading the Cherries to top-flight safety.

Despite just having one Premier League season under his belt, O’Neil’s selection was a risk that has paid off. O’Neil‘s club is competing for a spot in Europe next season after defeating Fulham this past weekend, transforming Wolves from relegation contenders into one of the division’s most improved teams.

With ten games remaining in the season, Wolves has now equaled their point total from the previous campaign and, following West Ham’s loss at home to Burnley, are currently within two points of a Europa Conference League spot.

Wolves, who finished last season as the lowest scorers in the league, have improved to the point where they are a genuine counterattacking danger, having already scored 11 goals more than they did in 38 games the previous year. If Wolves make it to Europe, O’Neil ought to be among the contenders for individual recognition.