The Premier League’s return following the international break was met with eager anticipation, and this weekend delivered plenty of excitement and intrigue. Liverpool made a statement win against Chelsea while Arsenal suffered a dent in their title ambitions as they lost to Bournemouth.
Elsewhere, Man City avoided a scare against Wolves and Leicester City made a dramatic comeback against Southampton at the Saint Mary’s stadium.
Here’s a look at the key takeaways from the latest round of matches.
1. Chelsea have a bright future under Enzo Maresca
In contrast to their previous 4-1 loss at the same venue under Mauricio Pochettino in January, the Blues showed resilience and competitive spirit, even if they were largely outplayed after Mo Salah’s first-half penalty gave Liverpool the lead. This performance reinforced the notion that securing a top-four finish remains a realistic goal for Chelsea moving forward.
2. Bournemouth will surprise more teams
3. Sean Dyche is finding his feet again at Everton
Everton secured their first away victory of the Premier League season with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, leaving the Tractor Boys still in search of their first win since being promoted. The Toffees showcased their finishing skills, with Iliman Ndiaye finding the net in the 17th minute, followed by Michael Keane doubling their lead just before halftime.
Sean Dyche appears to be finding his managerial rhythm at Everton, as evidenced by the team’s recent improvements in both performance and results. His focus on organization and resilience is helping to steer the club back toward a more competitive standing in the league. The Toffees’ tactical discipline and a more cohesive playing style under Dyche’s guidance have been notable, suggesting a potential turnaround for the club as they aim to climb the table.
4. Leicester City is best equipped to beat the dropout of new sides
Jordan Ayew’s late goal denied Southampton a long-awaited Premier League victory, as Leicester City executed a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-2 win at St. Mary’s Stadium. The match saw Southampton, who were down to ten men, on the verge of clinching their first win of the season before Ayew struck decisively in the final stages of the game to complete the turnaround.
The Foxes have established themselves as the most capable team among the newly promoted sides to stave off relegation. Their blend of experience in the league and a well-rounded squad places them in an advantageous position to tackle the season’s challenges. Should they maintain their current form, Leicester is likely to secure their Premier League status without significant difficulty.
5. Julen Lopetegui is barely holding on to the West Ham job
West Ham suffered a disappointing defeat in North London, conceding three goals in just eight minutes during the second half. The Hammers initially took the lead in the first half when Mohammed Kudus scored from a Jarrod Bowen cross in the 18th minute. However, goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Hueng Min Son, and an own goal completed a dismal afternoon for the Hammers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Replacing David Moyes was never going to be an easy task for Julen Lopetegui, but the Spaniard has encountered more challenges than anticipated this season. With only two wins to his name so far, Lopetegui must quickly find a strategy to start securing positive results for the Hammers.
Concerns have arisen about Julen Lopetegui losing the dressing room, especially following an alleged confrontation with Mohammed Kudus during half-time at Brentford earlier this season. Reports suggest that the players are struggling to adapt to Lopetegui’s tactical approach, which has contributed to a noticeable decline in confidence and motivation on the pitch. This situation has raised questions about the harmony within the squad and Lopetegui’s ability to inspire his players.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
