Premier League: Five things we learned this weekend | OneFootball

Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring Sunderland’s stunning start and the value of a good goalkeeper.

Gravenberch is crucial to the champions

For the second time in days, Liverpool looked vulnerable at the back. After Crystal Palace exposed frailties in Arne Slot’s side during the Community Shield, Bournemouth threatened an upset after fighting back from two goals down to level at Anfield. The Reds ultimately came through with the three points, but opposition sides have spotted chinks in the champion’s armour.

However, both fixtures saw Liverpool line up in midfield without Ryan Gravenberch. After missing the Community Shield to attend the birth of his child, the Dutchman was suspended for the Premier League opener.

Gravenberch was a revelation last season. Reinvented in a deep-lying role, he ranked third in the division for interceptions. The 23-year-old is available for a tough trip to Newcastle next Monday night, in a huge boost for Liverpool. He should increase the protection to the backline as Liverpool look to find balance in their new-look side.

Sunderland stars show they can handle step up

Sunderland have spent big since promotion, with the Black Cats investing heavily in a bid to survive this season. Regis Le Bris has brought in a wealth of new talent, but several of the club’s promotion heroes proved they’re capable of handling the top division.

Eliezer Mayenda opened his Premier League account with a fantastic header in the 3-0 win over West Ham, while Dan Ballard was the standout at the Stadium of Light.

The centre-back scored the second with a towering header of his own and made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve his side’s clean sheet. The 25-year-old’s place in the side has been questioned following the signing of Omar Alderete from Getafe this week, but he’s not prepared to give up his shirt without a fight.

Erling Haaland is inevitable in August

Erling Haaland is a goalscoring phenomenon at the best of times but there’s something about August that makes him unstoppable. The Norwegian netted twice as Manchester City thrashed Wolves 4-0 at Molineux, continuing his record of scoring on every opening weekend since his arrival in the Premier League.

Incredibly, Haaland has now scored 21 Premier League goals in August in just 12 games. Only two players have ever scored more Premier League goals in the month. Both have played more than triple the number of games.

His pre-season programme needs to be studied…

Manchester United signings offer encouragement

Ruben Amorim insisted there were positives to take from Manchester United’s opener, despite defeat to Arsenal. The Portuguese coach was right, with his side unfortunate to come away with nothing.

A major plus was the debut performances of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who both posed a threat to the visitors throughout.

Cunha came close to scoring a spectacular solo goal, while Mbeumo was a menace to the Arsenal defence all afternoon. With Benjamin Sesko still to be integrated into the side, the Red Devils have a new-look forward line that should combat last season’s goal issues.

A good goalkeeper is worth their weight in gold

Arsenal’s win at Manchester United was a tale of two goalkeepers. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that had the two goalkeepers swapped sides, the result would have flipped.

Arsenal’s winner came from a goalkeeping gaffe, with Altay Bayindir’s blunder gifting the Gunners an early goal. The Turkish goalkeeper unconvincingly flapped at a corner under pressure, allowing Riccardo Calafiori the simplest of finishes.

At the other end, David Raya starred for Arsenal. The Spaniard made seven saves, more than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this weekend, to keep his side’s clean sheet.

Manchester United have spent big this summer without addressing a glaring issue, with neither Bayindir nor Andre Onana breeding confidence. Few, if any, teams succeed without a solid goalkeeper.

Read – Premier League Team of the Week – Raya, Ballard, Reijnders

See more – Premier League Awards: Richarlison stunner, Raya’s reflexes

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok