Liverpool manager Arne Slot/HANDOUTWith four consecutive defeats, Liverpool have finally lost their "invincibles" image. Coach Arne Slot appeared both unhappy and worried as he left Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium last weekend, having watched his team succumb 3-2 to the Bees.
Liverpool’s performance highlighted significant problems in their formation. Slot admitted, “Teams have a certain way of playing against us, which is a very good strategy and we haven’t found the answer yet.”
That strategy exploits one of Liverpool’s key weaknesses: long balls, which opponents are increasingly using against them, particularly when defending against teams vulnerable at the back.
Liverpool are now facing an average of ten more aerial duels than last season. Brentford’s opening goal illustrated this perfectly.
Michael Kayode’s long throw to the front post allowed Kristoffer Ajer to rise above the Liverpool defence and flick the ball onto Dango Ouattara, who scored at the back post.
Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konate, and Bradley struggled against Brentford’s forwards, and while Van Dijk would normally dominate in the air, he seemed unable to rise above the opposing attackers. Notably, this was Brentford’s third goal from a long throw this season.
Liverpool’s difficulties in handling these aerial threats have become increasingly apparent. The team’s defensive coordination often appears slow, and opponents are adept at exploiting gaps with precision. The long-ball strategy, once considered an occasional nuisance, is now a central problem that has compounded Liverpool’s recent decline.
Mbeumo to challenge Van Persie’s record
Bryan Mbeumo, supported by Ruben Amorim, is confident he can surpass United striker Robin van Persie’s 26 Premier League goals scored in the 2012-13 season. The former Brentford winger and striker is already halfway to overtaking last season’s top scorers, Bruno Fernandes and Armad Diallo, though they managed only eight goals each.
Mbeumo, who netted 20 goals for Brentford last season, revealed his mindset: “I always try to aim big in everything I do. I try not to set limits on myself, on what I can reach.”
Amorim has been equally positive about the forward’s progress. He praised Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes as a formidable trio, emphasising that weekly training sessions are maximised this season because United are not involved in European competition. This extra time allows for more focused improvement, giving the trio every chance to flourish.
Arsenal brings a smile to old boss’s face
George Graham, Arsenal’s coach from 1986 to 1995, was a delighted spectator in the VIP seats at the Emirates last weekend. The fans’ chant of “1-0 to the Arsenal” brought a wide smile to his face, recalling the days when the Gunners were on their way to winning the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
Arsenal’s success this season has given rise to other chants, such as “Set piece again, Ole, Ole,” reflecting the fact that 11 of their 16 goals have come from set pieces. With wins over Manchester United and Fulham by the same scoreline, Arsenal are being viewed as the team to beat, and many are already suggesting it is their title to lose. Graham, now 80, seemed genuinely thrilled by the nostalgia and the current success.
Haaland could break my record — Shearer
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, has admitted that Erling Haaland could eventually surpass his record. Shearer, who scored 260 goals in his career, once thought his tally was unbeatable. Haaland, however, has scored 94 goals in just 104 appearances for Manchester City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2023.
“Haaland is the perfect centre-forward. His record is phenomenal and his appetite to score is fantastic. I love it. He is quick, strong, agile and he reacts quicker than most around the six-yard box, which is impressive, and his ability to put the ball in the back of the net is magnificent. If you are building a footballer or centre-forward, you wouldn’t look too far away from Haaland being the perfect one,” Shearer said.
"If he stays in the Premier League another six or seven years, he’s definitely someone who could and probably will break my record.”
Osula gains Newcastle’s trust
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been particularly impressed by 22-year-old Will Osula, who has shown rapid development since joining the club for £22 million. Initially, Osula was raw and disorganised, but Howe credits former Belgium and England coach Graeme Jones with refining the young player’s natural talent.
Last weekend, Osula replaced Nick Woltemade with only five minutes remaining in the match against Fulham and immediately made an impact, setting up the winning goal for Bruno Guimaraes.
Osula collected the ball on the halfway line, drove forward past Fulham’s defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot that goalkeeper Bernd Leno could only parry into the path of Guimaraes, who scored from the rebound.
Howe praised Osula’s dedication in training and is now focusing on improving him tactically. The Danish player from Copenhagen has a bright future at Newcastle, and the manager believes he could become a key figure in the team.
Fans turn on Pereira in ugly showdown
At Molineux Stadium, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira faced an ugly confrontation with the home fans following a 2-3 defeat to Burnley. The result was the last straw for supporters, who chanted, “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”
Pereira, who has earned only two points from nine matches, said, “When the team gave everything on the pitch to win, but in the end concede a goal, I understand the frustration. What I must say to them is that if we fight with them and stay united, we can win games. If not, without them, it’s impossible. Two months ago, they sang my name because of the work we did last season, which means we are competing in the Premier League and not the Championship. Now they sing my name to sack me. That’s football.”
Defender Toti Gomes and match stewards had to intervene to separate Pereira from the fans. Wolves remain the only club in the four divisions without a victory this season.
Nunes can become one of the best—Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been impressed by right-back Matheus Nunes, who has adapted successfully after initially struggling following his arrival from Wolves in 2023. Nunes, originally a midfielder, has transitioned into defence under Guardiola, particularly following the departure of Kyle Walker and the injury to Abdukodir Khusanov.
“He can be an incredible right-back. He has the physicality and, with focus, can become one of the best. It’s a question of him now…We talk a lot about that. He has special attributes to play on the sides. He has been unbelievable in the last two or three games,” Guardiola said.
Dibling inspired by Robben and Ribery
Everton’s 19-year-old Tyler Dibling has been guided by manager David Moyes, who has shown him video clips of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery to inspire his development. Assistant trainers Leighton Baines and Billy McKinlay have been impressed by the young winger since he joined from Southampton for £40 million.
Moyes is determined to make Dibling more creative and ruthless in attack. “You need your wide players to score goals…I’ve already said to him he should be watching Jack and seeing what he does. Tyler’s a really good footballer and I’ve been impressed since he’s been here,” Moyes said. The club has also asked Jack Grealish to mentor Dibling, providing advice and sharing his top-level experience.
Iraola and Glasner, two of the brightest coaches in the PL
Two of the most outstanding managers in the Premier League this season are Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner. Despite losing key players, both have steered their teams to remarkable performances.
Bournemouth, for instance, sold three of their back four this summer and had already lost striker Dominic Solanke the previous year. Nevertheless, Iraola has driven the Cherries to second place in the league, six points ahead of this time last season, highlighted by a 3-0 win over Manchester United. He prefers 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations, but frequently switches to 3-5-2 with full-backs high on the wings and a defensive midfielder providing cover. His teams play with a forward-moving intensity that has proven highly effective.
Palace, despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, have emerged as a surprise top-six contender.
Glasner, who guided the team to FA Cup glory against Manchester City in May, has turned the side around following a difficult league start. His approach includes high-intensity training, aggressive pressing, and meticulous tactical work, often using small-sided games without goalkeepers to enhance defensive awareness.
Palace lost key players Michael Olise to Bayern Munich last season and Eberechi Eze to Arsenal this season, yet Glasner has kept the team competitive.
He encourages players to learn from the Premier League’s star names, instilling a belief in each other and fostering strong dressing-room camaraderie—a trait Manchester United is often criticised for lacking.
A potential future challenge for Palace will be managing the contract situation of star player Marc Guéhi, a free agent at the end of the season, though Glasner’s reputation ensures he will have opportunities if he chooses to move on.
Both Iraola and Glasner prioritise team bonding, shared meals, and social outings to create a positive dressing-room atmosphere. Their players respond to the collective spirit, demonstrating unity, focus, and resilience, which have been central to their success in a highly competitive Premier League season.
