Premier League: five things we learnt from Gameweek 4 | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim unwilling to change style as sack looms

Manchester United set a new unwanted record in their 3-0 derby defeat to City last Sunday. Their haul of four points from as many matches is the club’s worst start to a Premier League season for 33 years, back when the competition began.

United’s back line was unable to contain the electric Jeremy Doku, who claimed two assists from the right wing. An out-of-form Phil Foden and an Erling Haaland brace swept the Red Devils aside.

Whilst there were some signs of encouragement, including Bryan Mbeumo forcing a fantastic save from debutant goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, United looked twice as sluggish and disorganised as they did last season.

United fans might have seen this as an opportunity to finally kick-start Ruben Amorim’s reign against a City side that had lost successive games in the lead-up to the derby.

In his post-match press conference, the Portuguese manager said: “When I want to change my philosophy, I will change,” adding, “if not, you have to change the man”.

Man United fans can expect the same tactical set-up heading forward, whether it proves best for the club or not.

Salah starting to slow down?

Although he remains one of the best wingers around right now, it’s been a slower start for Mohamed Salah this season.

It took him until deep into stoppage time to make an impact for the opener, despite how impressive his pace and finish were. He did manage an assist in the frantic win away to Newcastle, yet was largely absent against Arsenal.

Last week, his last-minute penalty to seal the win over Burnley was remarkably his only shot all afternoon.

It could be that Salah, now 33, is approaching the twilight of his career and a decorated chapter with the Reds. As with all players, it’s only a matter of time before his remarkable attacking output starts to slow.

West Ham struggling at home

It’s fair to say that West Ham supporters have not been exposed to the best football at home. In fact, their last win was back in February against a now-relegated Leicester City.

Even then, they had to rely on an own goal from Jannik Vestergaard to seal the victory and three points.

One reason why Graham Potter’s side is struggling so much, particularly at home, is that they are simply not clinical. Out of Premier League clubs, they rank third for shots on target per match, yet tenth in terms of goals per 90.

It is up to the Hammers, led by captain Jarrod Bowen, to entertain their fans at the London Stadium. Otherwise, they will keep slipping nearer to the bottom of the League.

Lack of reinforcement could cost Wolves

Wolves sit bottom of the league after a poor start. Despite having tricky fixtures against Man City and Bournemouth, they failed to pick up points against Everton and Newcastle, which are critical games to win in order to stay in the division.

Premier League clubs set a record net transfer spend in the region of £3 billion this season. Of that total, Wolves reportedly account for just 3%.

Wolves have made attempts to replace outgoing stars Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, but they have left much to be desired so far. New left wing-back David Wolfe has registered an assist, coming in their 3-2 defeat to Everton, where their defensive frailty was exposed.

Nigerian forward Nolu Arokodare and Wolves’ first Czech centre-back Ladislav Krejci both featured for the first time against Newcastle. Their side could only manage one big chance, and Arokodare failed to have a shot. Newcastle managed 16 shots to Wolves’ eight and ended with an assured victory.

Although it’s still early days and easier games are approaching, Wolves need their summer signings to spring into life.

Newcastle will be fine after all

Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool will be remembered as one of the messier transfer sagas in recent years.

Refusing to both play for and train as part of the club prior to the deal, some Newcastle fans may have seen things as a lose-lose situation. Last month, BBC Sport speculated whether Newcastle could cope without the Swede, who was involved in 40% of their goals last season and scored just over a third of them.

But Nick Woltemade soon arrived through the doors with 12 Bundesliga goals under his belt, reportedly for north of £90 million. The six-foot-five German wasted no time on his debut against Wolves, powerfully heading in the winner to earn his side a valuable three points after having failed to score in two of their opening three.

Although he may not possess the technical and ball-carrying ability of Isak, he impressed with his powerful finishing and heading ability during his time with Werder Bremen and Stuttgart.

It may be a case of having to slightly shift tactics going forward and involve more direct crosses, but if Newcastle can unlock his scoring ability, then life after Isak will start to look brighter.

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