Another Premier League weekend, another Manchester United defeat.
Jose Mourinho’s side suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night and the Red Devils boss is now the 9/10 favourite to be the first Premier League manager sacked this season.
That victory rocketed Spurs up to the second in the table – alongside Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s shock draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers has left the 2017/18 champions two points off the pace but Pep Guardiola will not be worrying just yet.
Here are five of the most important things to take from this weekend’s action…
Liverpool Are Not The Finished Article
Yes it was another clean sheet for Jurgen Klopp’s side but Liverpool rode their luck for large parts of the second half against Brighton.
The Reds laboured to a one-nil victory and, while some may argue that winning ugly is the hallmark of champions, it is hard to put too much faith in Liverpool after that performance.
Mohamed Salah got his name on the scoresheet but the Egypt star cut a frustrated figure in attack.
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino failed to make a positive impact throughout and on another day, the Seagulls could have nicked a point. A much-improved performance will be required at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Cardiff Just Cannot Score A Goal!
Cardiff have now gone four competitive fixtures without scoring a goal but Neil Warnock’s men will be taking the positives from their clean sheet at Huddersfield Town.
The Bluebirds have now kept two clean sheets in their three Premier League encounters in 2018/19 and that kind of defensive record could prove decisive come the end of the campaign.
Their torrid run in the final third of the field could continue this weekend though – Unai Emery’s Arsenal will visit the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday.
Warnock will have his troops fired up for this clash but you won’t find too many punters backing the Bluebirds to snatch three points.
Ignore United's Woes, Focus On Spurs' Achievements
Much of the focus from Monday night has been on United – unfortunately, that was always going to be the case.
Spurs deserve plenty of credit for their efforts though, the visitors secured their biggest win at Old Trafford in 46 years on Monday night. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Tottenham finish above United this campaign…
Harry Kane opened the scoring in that encounter; his second goal in as many fixtures. After not scoring a Premier League goal in August prior to this season, he now has two in as many matches.
The star of the show though was Lucas Moura; the Brazilian ran rings around the Red Devils and he could take a pivotal role with Son Heung-Min on international duty.
Are Watford The Real Deal?
Burnley were the Premier League’s surprise package last season but Watford could take over that mantle this time around.
Javi Gracia’s men have picked up maximum points from their first three games of the campaign and it would take a brave man to back against the Hornets on current form.
Sunday’s clash with Spurs should tell us a little more about whether Watford are primed to challenge for that coveted seventh place or whether the Hornets should settle for a top half finish.
With the likes of Roberto Pereyra, Troy Deeney and Jose Holebas performing at a high level, Watford could flourish in 2018/19.
Fulham Off The Mark In Emphatic Fashion
Well backed to avoid relegation ahead of the new season, Fulham got off the mark at the third time of asking.
A 4-2 victory over Burnley sent a statement to the rest of the Premier League – this Fulham side has potential. The Craven Cottage faithful were treated to a feast of attacking football on Sunday afternoon and that could be the sign of things to come.
Aleksandar Mitrovic, now 40/1 to win the Premier League Golden Boot this season, notched a brace in that clash and the former Newcastle United man will take some stopping.
Since making his debut back in February, no player in England’s top four divisions has scored more goals (15) than the Serbia international. He can fire Fulham to a top half finish…
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
