Premier League Gameweek 4: What did we learn?

The conclusion of the first month of the season saw clear winners and losers heading into the first international break.

City and Liverpool have continued to assert the dominance at the top of the Premier League, with Leicester and Palace also finding themselves in the top 4 after impressive weekends.

Watford finally got off the mark this weekend with a draw after three back-to-back defeats, with the gameweek also producing many other key talking points.

So, let’s look at 5 key points that we can take away from gameweek four…

 

Loss of Harry Maguire not affecting high-flying Leicester…

The foxes continued their unbeaten record with an electric performance which saw them beat the Cherries 3-1 at the King Power stadium. Jamie Vardy bagged two goals and an assist, and linked up perfectly with Youri Tielemans to give Leicester an early boost in their push to secure a European spot.

Brutish centre-half Caglar Soyuncu had Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson in his pocket for the duration of the game and has proved the ideal alternative for Harry Maguire. Leicester are definitely one to look out for this season and may even have their thoughts on pushing for a top 4 finish.

 

Liverpool seem the only match for a City team looking to make it three-in-a-row…

Liverpool’s 100% record this season has confirmed early suspicions they are the only side that can prevent City from winning their third Premier League title in a row. Spurs, United and Chelsea all have gained just five points so far this season, with Arsenal also outside the top four.

Liverpool’s formidable front three tore Burnley apart in their 3-0 win at Turf Moor, with Mane and Firmino both getting on the scoresheet after an unfortunate own goal from Chris Wood.

Depth will be a key issue going forward for Liverpool as the volume of games increases when European football kicks off. Although this could affect Klopp, he will be happy with how his side has the played in the first month.

 

Palace continue to impress after their shock win at Old Trafford last week…

Jordan Ayew scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against a defiant 10-men Aston Villa side on Saturday. Gary Cahill’s summer switch to the South London club has added leadership to their defence, and the ex-Chelsea centre-half will be looking to be a key player in the Palace defence this season after a frustrating final year.

It is unlikely the Eagles will continue this form for much longer, but finishing in top half of the table is a realistic target for Roy Hodgson’s men.

 

Lack of experience costing Chelsea…

New manager Frank Lampard will be anxious as his side has failed to hit the ground running after being given a fortunate run of fixtures to start the season. Chelsea have thrown away their lead four times in the last three games.

This weekend’s 2-2 draw at home to Sheffield United was especially frustrating as The Blades bagged a late equaliser courtesy of a Zouma own goal, which is mainly put down to a lack of experience in the Chelsea defence.

Rudiger’s expected return from injury ahead of their trip to the Molineux will be a boost for the side as Zouma, Christensen and Tomori have looked uneasy when defending a lead.

Lampard will however find solace in the superb starts to the season from his ex-academy players. Abraham’s predatory instincts were on show again as he scored another brace, and Mount’s positivity on the ball is quickly making them both fan favourites at Stamford Bridge.

But if Chelsea are looking to push for a top 4 spot this season, they need to stop throwing away their leads.

 

Arsenal suffering from defensive errors…

The North London’s side’s defence affected them again as they drew 2-2 at home to their rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

David Luiz and Xhaka were the subjects of frustration from Arsenal fans, as mistakes proved costly for the second week in a row. Despite being 2-0 down on the 40th minute, they quickly bounced back with a well worked goal from Lacazette before half time, and a 71st minute equaliser from Aubameyang.

Like their fellow Londoners Chelsea, they have looked good going forward this season, but continue to make defensive mistakes which have proved costly. This being said Arsenal have been positive so far this season, and if they can prevent further defensive errors they could be in a good position to clinch a top 4 spot.