Premier League weekend: Five things we learned | OneFootball

Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring Manchester United’s struggles in the capital and a potentially season-defining injury for the champions.

Premier League weekend: Five things we learned

Manchester United’s capital concerns continue

Manchester United endured a frustrating evening in the capital on Saturday after being held to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace. Despite dominating much of the contest, the Red Devils were unable to find a breakthrough with former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson in fine form for the Eagles.

Erik ten Hag’s decision to drop the in-form Marcus Rashford backfired, while the Dutchman will have concerns over his club’s recent form in the capital.

Manchester United have failed to win in their last five visits to Crystal Palace, and their record across London makes for even poorer reading. Ten Hag’s team have won just two of their last 17 league fixtures in London, drawing four times and losing 11 games.

Kelleher is a number one goalkeeper

Caoimhin Kelleher suggested an exit from Liverpool is likely earlier this month as the goalkeeper looks to secure regular first-team football. Unable to dislodge Alisson as number one, the Reds’ decision to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia has persuaded Kelleher that his future lies away from Anfield.

At 25, now is the time for Kelleher to take on a new challenge and the Republic of Ireland international proved his quality once again this weekend. In for the injured Alisson, he made a huge save from Antoine Semenyo with the game goalless against Bournemouth and reacted rapidly to stop Trent Alexander-Arnold from scoring an unfortunate own goal.

Should, as expected, he leave Liverpool he will do so as arguably the best number two in the Premier League. That status, however, is the reason he must do so. A number one role awaits.

Duran will only be patient for so long

Another footballer forced to spend his time supporting more experienced teammates, Jhon Duran is banging on the door for inclusion at Aston Villa. The Colombian centre-forward has been in terrific form during the season’s opening weeks, scoring four goals – including three match-winners – in five games.

All of Duran’s goals have been scored from the bench, with the 20-year-old having already levelled the highest number of substitute goals scored in the Premier League last season (4), which he coincidentally achieved alongside Harvey Barnes, Leandro Trossard and Scott McTominay and Joao Pedro.

He now needs just three goals from the bench to level the single-season record held by former Reading forward Adam Le Fondre, though Unai Emery will find it hard to keep him out of the starting side on current form. In Premier League history, only Erling Haaland (79) has a better minutes-per-goal rate than Jhon Duran (80) among players to have scored at least two goals.

Spurs show spirit to get season back on track

Ange Postecoglou was dismissive of suggestions he might be under pressure this week, but a look at the bookmakers’ odds place him as second favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave.

A challenging start to the season saw Spurs win just one of their first four games and Saturday’s clash with Brentford could hardly have started worse. Bryan Mbeumo swept the Bees ahead inside the opening minute, stunning Spurs and Postecoglou.

The ‘Spursy’ jibe has long followed the North Londoners but their response was emphatic. Spurs were relentless in their running to get back into the game, with James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur buzzing around the midfield.

Dominic Solanke’s first goal for Spurs brought them level before Brennan Johnson’s impressive week continued with another fine finish. Maddison’s lifted effort late on sealed three points and a morale-boosting win. Spurs must kick on from here, ahead of a huge clash at Manchester United next weekend.

How big could Rodri’s absence be?

The sheer drama of Manchester City’s draw with Arsenal means one of the game’s biggest talking points has been overlooked. Rodri’s first-half substitution with a knee injury ended as a footnote in an action-packed contest, though it could be a huge moment in the season.

The Spaniard’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s side has been well-documented. Unbeaten with Rodri in the side last season, City lost three of the four league games the midfielder missed in 2023/24.

The extent of the issue is yet to be determined, though there is concern at City. An extended absence would be a detrimental blow to their title challenge and a boost to the would-be contenders. None more so than Arsenal.

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