Last weekend’s Premier League action was not the best we’ve ever seen. It was watchable for the most part, despite some pretty ordinary performances, but we did not see the drama of previous weeks.
With each team having played six matches, though, patterns have emerged. We know more about this season conclusions each week. Here are five from this round of matches…
Shaqiri Gives Liverpool Crucial Depth
Xherdan Shaqiri was, despite being a million miles better than anyone else playing for Stoke last season, somehow the focus of criticism. Liverpool made the shrewd move to trigger his release clause this summer.
Shaqiri can cover as the most advanced midfielder or play in the front three.
He started in the middle three for Jurgen Klopp against Southampton this weekend and dominated the match, including a stunning free-kick that was a foot or so from going in.
Depth has been an issue for Liverpool. The acquisition of Shaqiri goes a long way to addressing that.
Burnley Do Burnley Things Again
Despite conceding 19 shots and having just 12 themselves, Burnley beat Bournemouth 4-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. It was, after a rough start to the season, the most Burnley performance imaginable.
Sean Dyche’s side specialise in defying logic. Their success of last season was built on that premise, and they need it to continue this year if they are to avoid a relegation battle.
They might not win many by four clear goals, but this was a huge result for the Clarets, who are now out of the bottom three. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will have been left wondering how what happened.
Auba And Laca Shining For Arsenal
For all the concern after two defeats in two matches, Arsenal are just four points behind Chelsea and Manchester City after beating Everton 2-0 at home on Sunday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette built on impressive records for the club.
Aubameyang and Lacazette have both scored in three of the last five Premier League matches in which they have started together. ?⚽️
— 888sport (@888sport) 23 September 2018
Hit ❤ if you think Arsenal have the best striker partnership in the league!#ARSEVE pic.twitter.com/BBs8aCaaIy
Lacazette has 17 goals in 29 league starts, while Aubameyang has 12 in 18. It still doesn’t look quite right with Aubameyang out on the left, but the pair are continuing to deliver.
Unai Emery’s side are getting results. Having two finishers of the calibre of Aubameyang and Lacazette could buy the new Arsenal manager time that he might not have otherwise had.
Chelsea's Perfection Ends
Chelsea were short of the attacking fluidity of previous weeks as they drew 0-0 with West Ham on Sunday.
Maurizio Sarri’s decision to play a strong side in the Europa League may well have played a part, particularly given the sloppy performances from Jorginho and Willian in the second half.
West Ham as good as nullified Eden Hazard. The Belgian made some strange decisions in front of goal, notably when he tried to give it Alvaro Morata when he could have scored himself.
Chelsea’s attack is massively dependent on Hazard, their credentials as a top four team, let alone title contenders, relies on performances like this being a rare occurrence.
The Blues dropped to third after the draw and face Liverpool twice this week. We are about to find out just how good they are.
Huddersfield Are In Big Trouble
Even after going ahead in the first 10 minutes, Huddersfield slumped to a 3-1 defeat away to Leicester.
The result itself was no surprise, but it leaves the Terriers bottom of the table without a win having scored three goals so far. David Wagner’s side are simply short on quality.
Their attack, just like last season, does not create anywhere near enough opportunities and the defence is vulnerable, as Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy benefitted from on Saturday.
It’s not just that Huddersfield will be battling all season. It’s that they might be cut adrift before Christmas.
