Premier League players to watch in GW8: Will Mbeumo, Delap or Saka make history? | OneFootball

The 2024/25 Premier League season is now entering its eighth gameweek, and already, certain players are starting to stand out. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Bryan Mbeumo has scored six goals in just seven games, and his subsequent goal involvement will be a significant milestone.

Meanwhile, an in-form Arsenal forward is poised to join some illustrious predecessors, and an underrated marksman also has the opportunity to make a piece of club history this weekend.

A half-century up for Maddison?

It’s proving to be another unpredictable season for Tottenham. After seven games, Ange Postecoglou’s team has won three and lost three. Their recent match before the international break was a microcosm of their campaign. They had a flawless first half at Brighton, taking a 2-0 lead, but then collapsed in the second half and ended up losing 3-2.

One positive note is the strong performance of James Maddison, who has been making a significant impact. He has delivered more passes into the opposition box than any other player in the Premier League this season, including crosses. Additionally, Maddison is on the verge of scoring his 50th goal in the competition, having scored in two of his last three league games.

Mbeumo entering Brentford history book

Ivan Toney’s inevitable departure would typically have been felt this summer, but Brentford had long prepared for his exit. Thomas Frank’s side have not missed a beat, mainly due to Bryan Mbeumo’s form. He has scored six goals in his seven Premier League games this season, netting in his last three appearances. His next goal or assist — which could be against Manchester United this weekend — will see him become the first Brentford player to register 50 Premier League goal involvements (currently 28 goals, 21 assists).

Can Delap extend his streak?

Being near Erling Haaland would have undoubtedly inspired the former Manchester City youth striker Liam Delap, but he only made two league appearances for his boyhood club while going on several loan spells in lower divisions. He then permanently relocated to Ipswich ahead of the 2024/25 season. Delap is now starting to fulfil his potential for the newly promoted side, which is eager to maintain their newfound top-flight status.

In his last five Premier League games, he has scored four goals, including three in his previous two matches. If Delap scores in the next game, he will become the fifth different player to score in three consecutive matches for the club in the Premier League. At 21 years old, he would also be the youngest player to achieve this feat.

Saka: a legend in the making

As we head into the latest matchday, several Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, are currently being assessed. If Saka passes a late fitness test, he could achieve something historic. He’s scored 49 Premier League goals for Arsenal, the only club he has known being a product of their esteemed youth set-up. On the day of the game, Saka would be 23 years and 44 days old. If he scores against Bournemouth, he will become the youngest player to score 50 goals for the club in the competition and the 11th player overall.

Overlooked Wood

It’s early days, but the Golden Boot race will likely become another one-person contest unless something extraordinary occurs with Erling Haaland (10) four clear of his nearest challengers. Several have netted four times in the ensuing chasing pack, with Chris Wood among them. Wood came into this season enjoying his more prolific and efficient scoring campaign in England’s top division (14 goals through 31 appearances).

He’s on course to surpass that with the way things have started. Furthermore, to say he’s Nottingham Forest‘s most important player would be an understatement. Wood has scored six of Nottingham Forest’s last nine Premier League goals and has 19 goals overall in the division. He is looking to become the third player to score 20+ for the Tricky Trees in the competition, after Bryan Roy (24) and Stan Collymore (22).

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