For the seasoned full-back, the wing-back role offers a liberating opportunity to venture into uncharted territories. Amad Diallo found himself in a less favorable position against Ipswich, as a forward tasked with tracking back and slotting in on the right of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation. Despite this, Diallo maintained his attacking fervor, immediately charging forward and evading tackles to assist Marcus Rashford in scoring an early goal. His defensive duties were commendable, and he was one of United’s standout players in an otherwise lackluster performance, even coming close to securing a late winner by cutting inside and shooting.
Diallo’s stint in this role is likely temporary, but his adaptability holds value as Amorim seeks to finalize his best lineup. Towards the end of the first half against Manchester United, Ipswich’s Liam Delap made an unnecessary move. With the ball heading out for a throw-in, Delap charged into Noussair Mazraoui, leading to a confrontation. Delap was lucky to avoid a yellow card, but his penchant for a scrap defines his playing style. He hassled United when dropping deep, using his flicks and dinks to create space and drive into the box. However, his evening was marred by André Onana’s stellar saves, denying Delap the chance to enhance his impressive goal-scoring record in the Premier League.
At 24, and with five years in his senior career, Dejan Kulusevski is certain where Tottenham’s electrifying performance at Manchester City ranks. “I’d say it’s the best result ever in my career, it’s a big night for the whole club, for the coach [Ange Postecoglou], for the players, but it’s not a turning point,” said the forward. “We have to be better in other games.” The Swede, who impressed throughout, was also confident about his unique abilities. “I have something that no other player has. So you can’t compare me to any other player – this is what I’m looking for. Of course, I watch other players. I take the best stuff from them, but with my engine, you know, with my heart – I don’t get tired – I feel like I can still do a lot in my career. I can’t let anybody outwork me. That’s the plan. That’s how I play and how I train.”
Southampton had only six shots against Liverpool – a stark contrast to their previous games this season where they managed more than that on 11 occasions, and doubled that number five times. As they continue to struggle defensively and remain at the bottom of the table, their need for clinical finishing is more pressing than ever. “What was a bit unlucky for them I think is normally they play much better and create much more chances and hardly score,” Arne Slot said. “Today they created few chances and scored two. If they combine these things, so the style of play they had in other games with the effectiveness they had today, then I’m sure they will win some games.”
Every week seems to bring a new milestone for Ethan Nwaneri. At 15 years and 181 days old, he became the youngest player ever to feature in the English top flight. On 25 September this year, at the age of 17, he scored his first senior goals, netting twice in a Carabao Cup win over Bolton. And on Saturday, he sidefooted home Raheem Sterling’s low cross to secure Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest; Cesc Fàbregas remains Arsenal’s only younger league scorer. Nwaneri’s energy and creativity breathed life into a game that was winding down. Whether he excels wide or through the middle remains to be seen, but Nwaneri is undoubtedly a player of immense talent. Arsenal, after years of somewhat underwhelming bench options, now have a forward with genuinely exciting potential.
If you can’t beat him, kick him. Cole Palmer has become a target for opposition players. Lisandro Martínez took him out during Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United earlier this month, and there was more rough treatment from Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi on Saturday. It was cynical from Ndidi, who showed no regard for a fellow professional when he raked his studs down Palmer’s achilles. The Chelsea playmaker could have easily been injured. He stayed down for a while, and there was an argument that Ndidi should have been sent off. The Leicester midfielder only saw yellow, though, and there must be concern over whether Palmer needs more protection from referees. Chelsea experienced similar issues with Eden Hazard, who often faced heavy challenges from defenders desperate to slow him down. The dangers are clear. Martínez and Ndidi both escaped red cards, but at some point, one of England’s best attackers is going to get hurt.
Necessity – an injury crisis within a relegation battle – bred invention for Wolves at Fulham. If Matheus Cunha’s contribution of two spectacular goals and a fine assist for João Gomes deservedly took the spotlight, then Wolves’ captain, Mario Lemina, showed leadership and adaptability in a makeshift defensive trio. Rayan Aït-Nouri, better known for his attacking qualities, was another of the three, and made some vital interventions, almost scoring an own goal in the process. Lemina, meanwhile, produced a throwback display reminiscent of classic sweepers, controlling the game from deep and supplying Cunha’s first, an equaliser at a crucial moment, with a laser-guided diagonal to the Brazilian. Freeform improvisation? Not according to Gary O’Neil. “Straight off the training ground,” explained a manager buoyed by two successive wins and clearly confident in his own abilities. “Matheus would never arrive in that spot, if we haven’t practised that for the last few months.”
Beyond Crystal Palace, Justin Devenny was a relative unknown until this month. The 21-year-old scored his first goal for the club in his second appearance. His journey to the Premier League has not followed the usual path of constant upward trajectory; the midfielder started his career at Kilmarnock but they allowed him to leave for Airdrieonians in the Scottish Championship, where he was spotted by Palace and brought south. Often, people expect a breakthrough as a teenager, but Devenny has shown that patience is beneficial even for an aspiring young player. He was disciplined and effective against Villa, with his goal capping off a fine week that saw him make his Northern Ireland debut. “He was with us in the pre-season in the USA, and he showed he’s an unbelievable footballer, very technical, he can also run a lot,” said the Palace manager, Oliver Glasner. “He can play in four positions, he understands the game, he finds the space, and he also can score goals, and this is what he showed – we were very confident in him.”
After six goals in his first nine league games, Danny Welbeck has quietened down in recent weeks, with João Pedro returning from injury to resume his position as Brighton’s main attacking force. Welbeck’s influence remains, his hold-up play outside the area teeing up two goals against Bournemouth, the captain’s armband on as he leads in the absence of the injured Lewis Dunk. Under Fabian Hürzeler, two years his junior, Welbeck has started every league game this season, which must provide great joy considering the injuries he encountered at Arsenal. A while back, his narrative was of a gifted forward tied up in misfortune, a career that took in trophies and major tournaments but never really advanced past his early-to-mid 20s. Now the central theme is his role as a seasoned battler for Brighton, a key man in their establishment as Premier League mainstays.
After a third match without a goal, and this time having played for 53 minutes against 10 men, Sean Dyche was asked whether he needed to work more on Everton’s attacking game. The question was not impertinent. It was, worryingly for the manager, a perfectly reasonable conclusion to draw from his team’s stagnant efforts against a Brentford side that had not kept a clean sheet or gained an away point all season before arriving at Goodison Park. “We’ve been working endlessly since I’ve been here to attack better,” Dyche replied with a touch of incredulity. “We have got very good players here and it is my responsibility to make them better or, if I can’t make them better, make them as a unit win.” The problem for Dyche – aside from the league table, a daunting December fixture list and the prospect of working for new owners – is that individuals are not improving and the collective is not winning. And Everton never looked like winning against Thomas Frank’s 10 men. More work is required to end the status quo.
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