Five Takeaways from the Premier League Weekend

Five insights from the Premier League weekend: Haaland’s goal-scoring feats and Sunderland’s adaptability during AFCON.

Haaland’s consistent excellence

Erling Haaland continues to impress. The Manchester City striker scored two goals and provided an assist in the match against West Ham, bringing his Premier League total to 104 goals in just 114 matches.

In only three and a half seasons, he has outperformed Cristiano Ronaldo’s total goals in the league, accomplishing this in fewer than half of Ronaldo’s 236 games.

With 19 league goals this season, Haaland is eight goals ahead of the next player in the Golden Boot race. His current scoring pace would have secured the Golden Boot in three previous seasons, and the season is still ongoing.

Liverpool‘s new signings showing promise

Liverpool may not have wowed everyone this weekend, but a 2-1 victory over Tottenham, who had two players sent off, marks their third consecutive win and sixth unbeaten match. Upcoming matches against Wolves, Leeds, and Fulham present a good opportunity to continue their upward movement in the league.

In the match against Spurs, the summer signings contributed positively. Both goals came from new players, with Florian Wirtz assisting Alexander Isak for the first, and Jeremie Frimpong crossing for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal.

Though Isak’s injury after scoring is a concern, it’s encouraging to see the new signings making an impact as Ekitike leads the contributions from the summer recruits, alongside Wirtz and Milos Kerkez improving their performances.

Leeds benefitting from effective recruitment

Leeds’ recruitment this summer has clearly focused on adding physicality and presence on the field. The team brought in players like Lucas Perri, Jaka Bijol, Anton Stach, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, making them a strong presence in both attack and defense.

Against Crystal Palace, Leeds secured an impressive 4-1 victory, scoring from set-pieces and long throws, with Calvert-Lewin netting twice. Leeds appears to have learned from the struggles of other teams attempting a short passing game in the Premier League.

With 12 goals from set-pieces, Leeds leads the league in this area, surpassing other teams like Arsenal and Chelsea, both with 10 goals.

Sunderland navigating AFCON absences

Sunderland is facing challenges due to the Africa Cup of Nations, with six players leaving to participate. However, they managed a commendable goalless draw against Brighton without those key players.

The club’s signings have proven valuable, with Nordi Mukiele performing well in various positions and Lutsharel Geertruida adjusting effectively to midfield. Sunderland is currently sitting sixth in the league, above giants like Manchester United and Newcastle.

Rogers vying for England’s number ten spot

England’s number ten position is highly contested, with candidates like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer. Morgan Rogers is making a strong case for himself, scoring both goals in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Manchester United.

With this being his second consecutive brace in the league, Rogers now has 10 goals and assists in 17 matches this season. The 23-year-old is not ready to step aside, especially with the World Cup approaching.