Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring Newcastle’s powerful engine room, Southampton’s sorry start, and Liverpool’s unwanted outside noise.

Magpies midfield the driving force of top-four challenge

Newcastle extended their winning run to five straight games after coming from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1 in North London. Eddie Howe’s side rode their luck in the capital but were rewarded for another performance in which the Magpies outworked their opposition.

The midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton has been a headache for teams in recent weeks, a blend of athleticism, power and technical security. Tonali’s return from his ban has allowed Guimaraes greater licence to get forward and the Brazilian recorded his fifth assist of the campaign at Spurs. Joelinton’s bullish presence has found a home in central midfield and the balance between the three is clear.

At Spurs, Tonali (5.2km), Guimaraes (5km), and Joelinton (4.5km) ranked first, second, and third, respectively, for distance run out of possession. That drive and desire to regain possession have been the driving force of Newcastle’s top-four pursuit.

Savinho finds his feet at the Etihad

Manchester City’s summer recruitment was modest but there was excitement at the arrival of Savinho. The 20-year-old lit up La Liga in an over-achieving Girona side last season, where he scored nine times and provided 10 assists. Inconsistency has plagued a young player settling into a new league this season but there are signs Savinho has found his feet.

He scored his first goal for the Citizens at Leicester last weekend, before turning provider for Erling Haaland. This weekend, he was involved in each of the first three goals as Pep Guardiola’s side beat West Ham 4-1 at the Etihad.

His effort deflected off Vladimir Coufal for an own goal to break the deadlock before Savinho set up Erling Haaland for the second and third goals. He’s now assisted the Norwegian four times this season, the joint-highest combination of any two teammates in the Premier League. With Jack Grealish out of form and Jeremy Doku inconsistent, the shirt is Savinho’s to lose.

Sorry Saints heading towards worst-ever season

Southampton’s season of struggle is heading towards record-breaking territory. The Saints have taken just six points from 20 games, the joint-lowest in history at this stage of a Premier League season, alongside Sunderland (2005/06). Given Southampton’s inferior goal difference to the Black Cats, this is officially the worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Even Derby County’s infamous 2007/08 team had seven points at this stage, before concluding the campaign with an all-time low of just 11.

Southampton have scored just 12 goals and are already 10 points from safety. Relegation looks inevitable barring an unforeseen turnaround.

Delap deserves England chance

Thomas Tuchel officially began his reign as England manager this week with the German spotted at several grounds over the weekend. Tuchel was not in attendance as Ipswich Town took a point at Fulham, but will no doubt have been a keen observer of Liam Delap’s latest showing.

The 21-year-old has had an excellent season since signing for the Tractor Boys in the summer and notched his eighth goal of the campaign with an emphatic spot-kick.

“As a centre-forward, I always said to myself that you have to be aggressive. You have to come off the pitch and ask yourself if you’ve given the centre-halves a tough afternoon. There is no doubt that he can say that after this game,” former England captain Alan Shearer told the BBC.

“He held the ball up, he ran in behind and when his team were under pressure he won free-kicks to ease that pressure. He was a nuisance to play against. I loved his aggression right from the off.

“He has got eight goals this season and Ipswich have only scored 20 themselves. That tells you how impressive he has been. You’ve got a really confident, young footballer who is only going to get better.

“We’re not blessed with English strikers and there’s no doubt Thomas Tuchel will have a good look at him.”

If Delap can maintain this level until March, he’ll be in the conversation for an England call-up.

Liverpool must silence growing noise around contract

A draw with Manchester United is not quite a disaster for Liverpool who remain in control of the title race.

Arne Slot’s side have their destiny in their own hands but the growing outside noise is a needless distraction to their title bid. Liverpool’s board have erred in allowing Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold to enter the campaign unsigned and decisive action is now required.

Alexander-Arnold’s performance against United indicated a player affected by the noises. Real Madrid’s interest has been made public with the Spanish side making a bold bid to get a deal done this month. The 26-year-old has remained tightlipped on his future, though there’s a sense he is edging closer to a switch to Spain. Clarity, regardless of that choice, would help all parties.

The situations of Van Dijk and Salah are more straightforward. Each have expressed a desire to stay but have received proposals below their expectations. Van Dijk is reportedly close to signing, while Salah has put pressure on Liverpool with a series of comments regarding his situation. Their performances this season suggest Liverpool would be making a huge mistake in allowing them to leave, regardless of their age.

The pressure is on FSG to take immediate action, or risk unravelling what could be a season to savour. Announcing new contracts could be the uplift Liverpool need to get over the line. A 20th title – matching Manchester United’s record – must be the sole focus.

Read – Premier League Awards – Magic Mbeumo, Amad again!

See more – Premier League Team of the Week – Fernandes, Mbeumo, Savinho

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