Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s events | Premier League

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1) Tuchel’s tactics hide his greatest talent

It is true that Thomas Tuchel’s decision to replace Mason Mount Bingolo Kante in the first half against Tottenham had a profound effect on the match. But Tuchel’s managerial skill goes far beyond formations and tactics. With the strong relationships he has forged with players and the team spirit he generates, he has created an environment in which he can make these decisions while not risking alienating players like Mount. “Everyone is humble enough to accept that,” the captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, said of the halftime talks. It pays to have players of Kanté caliber to connect, of course, with your team in the back. But a strong-willed manager with less emotional intelligence than Tuchel will undoubtedly end up with an unhappy and restless group of players, as has happened more than once at Chelsea. Tuchel is a very modern coach, but his old expectations of selflessness and teamwork make Chelsea a formidable force. Luke McLaughlin

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2) Greenwood and Sancho pay the price for Ronaldo’s presence

Cristiano Ronaldo scored and Manchester United won. Outstanding news for both. But while United have been working their way up to a somewhat fortunate victory, you still question his attacking proficiency. The technique of stacking crosses in the penalty area may suit Ronaldo and, to a lesser extent, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, who can serve well and enjoy the second balls. But it’s hard to see Mason Greenwood – who thrives on quick crosses and short passes and who has been frustrated by the afternoon – in this photo. Ditto Jadon Sancho, a late substitute here, or Marcus Rashford when he returns. However, Ronaldo scored and United won. Maybe that’s all that matters now. Jonathan Liu

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3) Konaté offers defensive options for Klopp

When Liverpool beat Crystal Palace in May, he completed a rescue mission with juniors Reese Williams and Nat Phillips at the center of the defence. Come Saturday’s game, where they can share the incomparable Virgil van Dijk and £36m newcomer Brahimi Konate. “The potential is fantastic,” said Jürgen Klopp. There were glimpses of it: when Konate kept up with Wilfried Zaha as they chased a Qatar ball and Christian Benteke forced a plea before he fired. Perhaps the only time he was caught by Odson Edward was before Alisson saved Liverpool. “The Premier League teaches you hard lessons,” Klopp said. “It’s a special league.” But in Konate’s maturity and character, there were indications that Liverpool’s recruitment team may have excelled once again. “The fitness, the technique, the understanding of the game, it’s all there,” Klopp said. With a full squad of four decent centre-backs, it will be interesting how often he uses Konaté. Richard Jolly

Ibrahima Konate made his Liverpool debut on Saturday. Photography: Sebastian Frigg/MB Media/Getty Images 4) Gabriel gives Gabriel a solid foundation for the Gunners

There is still a way for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to prove the doubters wrong after a difficult opening month, but back-to-back victories over Norwich and Burnley at least relieved the pressure on the Spaniard somewhat. Gabriel’s return has been one of the big boosters for Arteta, as Arsenal have scored consecutive clean sheets since the Brazilian’s return from injury. The 23-year-old was thrilled at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon, handling the aerial threat posed by Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes with confidence. Arsenal have always been looking for a player to lead and organize their defence, and Arteta is sure to be hoping to find the solution now in Gabriel, whose partnership with Ben White is showing early signs of real promise. Aaron Bauer

5) Billy could be Villa’s new game-changer

With Aston Villa set to visit Old Trafford next weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may be tempted to remind everyone of Manchester United’s match against Nottingham Forest in February 1999, when Solskjaer scored four goals in 12 minutes off the bench. That could prevent Villa fans from being swept away by the influence of Leon Bailey during his 21-minute appearance against Everton on Saturday. Once again, there is a key difference between the two games: United were already 4-1 ahead against Forrest when Solskjaer came on, while Villa fought a heated battle until Bailey changed the match. In a seemingly brighter post-Jack Grealish environment, Dean Smith is able to change the way his team plays from match to match and within matches. Villa is a growing force. United have been warned. Paul Doyle

6) Tony a competitor in England?

It can’t be long before Evan Toni enters the England conversation. There is even an argument that the striker deserved international recognition last season, having scored 31 goals in his first season in the tournament. Tony scored the usual penalty in Saturday’s win over Wolverhampton but it was a brutal blow all over the field, winning fouls to gain ground and countless aerial duels. The 25-year-old scored (33) or assisted (11) 44 league goals for Brentford, more than any other Premier League player since the start of last season. Ole Watkins, who was replaced by Tony at Brentford after signing from Peterborough, and Patrick Bamford are among those behind Harry Kane in the offside arrangement but if he continues to do so, the tyrannical Tony will surely prove impossible for Gareth Southgate to ignore. Ben Fisher

7) Practice makes Guardiola perfect

Manchester City had a rare miss against Southampton, and their lack of rhythm was noticeable. Pep Guardiola has given an honest assessment of his side’s failures, stating that the link between his back five of Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Fernandinho has failed to build play as demanded. Then the manager said how can this be fixed. “Exercise, practice,” he said. “Convince them [the players] That’s how we’ve done it for so many years and it’s good to do it. When something is not good in the pressure and the game we are playing, we have to train. We know the way [Southampton] They were going to press, because we played with them last season, but we struggled a little bit for that [combat] He. She. Our football depends a lot on how well we do the process in the preparation period and when that happens well, our attackers and wingers play better. And our attacking midfielders, too. We struggled a bit.” Jimmy Jackson

Fernandinho was not at his best against Southampton. Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images8) High-flying seagulls got a deal

In a transfer window dominated by superstars and giants clubs, Mark Cucurella’s £15m move from Getafe to Brighton has gone largely unnoticed, but early signs point to Graham Potter winning the jackpot. Brighton have been strangely lacking in a specialized left-back in recent years, with Dan Byrne generally asking to fill that position. Burns (6 feet 7 inches, broad shoulders, short back and sides) is a good defender, but his spread at full-back has always seemed to go against Potter’s forward-footed approach, and it’s fair to say Cucurella (5 feet 8 inches, thin frame, flowing locks black) is a completely different player. On his home debut, the Spaniard played more passes, and did so with more accuracy than any of his teammates. He also spent more than half of his opponent’s time. A masterfully bearded Spaniard won’t look out of place in Brighton’s trendy cafés; In a department filled with top-tier linebackers, he already looks at home. Alex Hess

9) Sublime Sarr exposes Norwich’s fragility

Norwich and Watford may have been promoted together, but the quality of Ismail Sarr provided a painful lesson in the Premier League for Daniel Varkey’s side. Defensive weakness will be ruthlessly punished in the First Division, and Sarr’s speed and skill have muddied the home team’s defense. Ozan Capac’s poor attempt to challenge Emmanuel Denis before the opener barely helped him with his header. After Norwich worked his way back into what appeared to be a crucial confidence-building game, Sarr scored two goals to keep them out of the match. The winger started to constantly bring in his best, the kind of form that could help the Hornets stay in the middle of the table. Watford’s problem may be holding on to a player who has been linked to bigger clubs over the summer. Norwich is bottomless and useless but if there is one thing to hold on to, it was Teemu Pukki’s finishing touch that tied the match 1-1. His goals can offer hope but Norwich are sure to go down again if they don’t improve in defence. Luke McLaughlin

10) Both Bruce and Bielsa can win

Tactical chaos reigned on the grounds of St James’s Park, while the mood in the stands veered from rebellious to aggressively supportive, sometimes at the same minute. Chaos and confusion prevailed. Make no mistake, Steve Bruce is deeply unpopular with the majority of Newcastle fans – many of whom have made constant head-up calls – but home fans appreciated their team’s determination, particularly Allan Saint-Maximin’s attacking brilliance. The Frenchman’s equalizing goal left both sides in pursuit of their first Premier League win of the season and Marcelo Bielsa looked extraordinarily anxious. It is the first time in his three-year tenure that Leeds have gone five league games without a win, and the injuries to Ravenha and Luke Ailing on Friday highlight the downside of the manager’s determination to rely on a relatively small group of top professionals. The average lifespan of a visitor seat was 19 years, and this lack of expert cover can be costly. Louise Taylor

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