Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring William Saliba’s costly card for Arsenal and Southampton’s stubbornness.

How costly will Saliba card prove to be?

Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end this weekend, with William Saliba’s first-half red card providing the Gunners an uphill battle at Bournemouth. Mikel Arteta’s team have now dropped points in three games this season and on each occasion have been reduced to 10 men.

It continues a period of ill-discipline for the North Londoners, who have received more red cards (18) than any other Premier League team under Arteta’s management. Wolves are next highest (13), while title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are on nine and seven respectively.

Saliba’s red card was costly this weekend, but how damaging could it be to Arsenal’s season? The Frenchman faces a one-match ban for bringing down Evanilson, ruling him out of the upcoming Premier League clash with leaders Liverpool. He will be a huge miss.

Will struggling Saints stick or twist on principles?

Last weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s front-footed philosophy was criticised as Spurs blew a two-goal lead to lose at Brighton. This time around, Russel Martin and Southampton are in the firing line.

The Saints capitulated to lose to Leicester in a six-pointer at St Mary’s, conceding three second-half goals to lose the lead given to them by Cameron Archer and Joe Aribo. Conceding a 98th-minute winner, it was a gutting moment for Southampton who have found the step up into the Premier League difficult.

Martin has remained adamant he will not change his philosophy, one that demands bravery on the ball, despite his side’s unforgiving start. Southampton rank sixth in the Premier League for average possession and second to Manchester City for pass accuracy per game, though the statistic that matters is one point from eight games and 18 goals conceded.

“There is a difference between being stubborn and having conviction,” Martin told BBC’s Football Focus.

“If you really believe in something as a coach, manager, or leader, then the logic for me is that you stick with it and try to be better at it.”

Only Wolves have a worse defensive record than the Saints, however, whose game plan to date has been adventurous but naive. Will Martin’s ‘conviction’ bear fruit? Or will he – or Southampton – need change? The evidence is increasingly toward the latter.

Hojlund return huge for Manchester United

Manchester United eased some of the pressure on Erik ten Hag by beating Brentford, a hard-fought win after trailing at half-time.

Brilliant goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund turned the tide for the Red Devils and the latter’s return will make a huge difference to this side. A real handful, the Dane’s movement and speed offer a different dynamic to summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, who has appeared languid and off the pace in the Premier League to date.

Hojlund’s goal highlighted the potential seen last season, as he collected Bruno Fernandes’ flick and lifted a deft finish over Mark Flekken. It’s two goals in three starts for Hojlund this season, who scored 16 goals in all competitions last season. Still just 21, working closely with Ruud van Nistelrooy can take him to the next level.

Manchester City show spirit of champions

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City are not a side used to snatching late results, but the Citizens have already shown their mettle this season when it matters.

A frustrating afternoon at Wolves looked likely to end in dropped points as the game entered stoppage time, only for John Stones to snatch a win at Molineux right at the death. Stones’ 95th-minute header sent the City support into raptures in the away end, the defender’s second last-gasp contribution of the campaign.

The 30-year-old’s equaliser against Arsenal preserved City’s unbeaten run at the Etihad last month, with Stones becoming the unlikely saviour of results for the champions. Guardiola’s side have proven they will not give up that status without a fight.

Jones must build on Chelsea display

Curtis Jones has yet to cement his place as a first-choice at Liverpool but delivered a reminder of his quality against Chelsea this weekend. Handed a chance in the absence of Alexis Mac Allister, the 24-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance to help the Reds return to the top of the table.

Jones was involved in almost everything good from Liverpool, where he won a penalty, a second that was overturned by VAR, scored the winner, and made a brilliant block to deny Cole Palmer. His energy was infectious, while an ability to retain possession under difficult pressure defines his game.

Jones has watched on this season as Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szobosozlai have formed an encouraging midfield group, though this display suggested he can break up that trio. The reception he received upon his withdrawal – in a week where he celebrated becoming a father – was an acknowledgement of a local lad who could be coming of age.

Read – Premier League Team of the Week – Jones, Watkins, Son

See more – Premier League Awards: Delightful Deki, Neville’s innovation

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