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Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

19 October 2026 at 03:00

Florian Wirtz takes on more responsibility in Liverpool’s attack while Pierre Sage is under pressure at Crystal Palace

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s physicality overpowering Bryan Mbeumo in Manchester United’s area at a corner grabbed him a fifth goal in 10 outings for Leeds: a pretty respectable ratio. “I just tried to cause a ruckus,” said Leeds’ No 9. “I make it difficult for the defender. I read the flight of the ball and was quickest to react. I feel really comfortable [here]. I feel the support from the club and the fans and it is a great feeling stepping on to the pitch, particularly at Elland Road.” Of the contenders to be understudy to Harry Kane as England’s centre-forward, Calvert-Lewin may be the lead act – if he can stay injury-free, which has been a difficulty throughout his career. Jamie Jackson

Match report: Leeds 1-1 Manchester United

Match report: Brentford 1-2 Liverpool

Match report: Manchester City 3-2 Ipswich

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© Composite: Guardian Pictures (via Getty / REX)

© Composite: Guardian Pictures (via Getty / REX)

© Composite: Guardian Pictures (via Getty / REX)

Manzambi maintains Aston Villa progress with win to seal dismal week for Newcastle

17 October 2026 at 14:38

There is a reason why Aston Villa were so desperate to hijack Johan Manzambi’s proposed move from Freiburg to Newcastle this summer, which appeared nailed on. The tall, quick, tricky, clever and perfectly balanced 21-year-old Switzerland attacking midfielder looked worth every penny of the record £50m plus fee Villa ended up paying for him and duly delighted in showing Tynesiders what they missed.

For Newcastle and their disconsolate manager, Matthias Jaissle, there was a cruel irony that Manzambi ended up heading the winner on a day when the Premier League’s CEO, Richard Masters, was in the directors’ box to watch arguably the two teams most affected by the spending rules imposed during his tenure. Those regulations have turned Unai Emery into a master of reinvention at Aston Villa but, in the league at least, the Spaniard’s latest rebuild has been slow to quite click cleanly into place. On this evidence that just might be changing.

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© Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

15 October 2026 at 19:01

Henderson back on Merseyside, Farke threatens more misery for Carrick and Forest are a threat to Arsenal

A lively reception awaits the former Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Xabi Alonso at Everton and, in the case of the former, any jeers can be considered an unintentional tribute. They will speak of what the 36-year-old is able to produce now as much as what, and where, he delivered in the past. With two goals and an assist against Bournemouth last Saturday, Henderson became the oldest player to contribute directly to three goals in a Premier League game, and demonstrated his role at Chelsea is not simply to elevate standards off the pitch. His midfield partnership with Moisés Caicedo gave Alonso’s team balance and enabled the front three of Morgan Rogers, João Pedro and Cole Palmer to flourish. Their confrontation against an Everton defence that had impressed this season, only to litter the draw at Hull with costly mistakes, will provide a stern test of the hosts’ unbeaten start and may well be dictated by the veteran behind them. Andy Hunter

Everton v Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times BST)

Brentford v Liverpool, Saturday 3pm

Fulham v Hull, Saturday 3pm

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© Composite: Guardian Pictures; PA; Reuters; EPA

© Composite: Guardian Pictures; PA; Reuters; EPA

© Composite: Guardian Pictures; PA; Reuters; EPA

Coventry land long-awaited home win as Mfuni seals rout of Newcastle

If ever there was validation needed for attack being the best form of defence, Frank Lampard can point to this game. Coventry climbed out of the relegation zone after their second successive win showcased the benefits of their manager’s willingness to balance risk with reward.

Late goals from substitutes Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni allowed promoted Coventry to pull away from a Newcastle side who, after a strong start to the season, also lost their last game, at Leeds, by this scoreline.

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© Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

© Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

© Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

8 October 2026 at 19:01

Michael Carrick is wary of ‘Dr Tottenham’, Oliver Glasner returns to Selhurst Park and will Manchester City summon a siege mentality at Anfield?

Declan Rice’s future role in England’s midfield was questioned by Gary Lineker after Alex Scott’s impressive first senior international start in the 7-0 thrashing of Croatia. But the decision to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad in an attempt to manage his workload made sense after Rice had only three weeks off post-World Cup before returning to pre-season training. The 27-year-old has struggled with persistent back problems after suffering a hamstring injury last December and Mikel Arteta will hope that the rest has done Rice – who is thought to be close to agreeing a lucrative new contract at the Emirates – the world of good as they prepare to resume the defence of their Premier League title against Leeds on Saturday. Ed Aarons

Arsenal v Leeds, Saturday 12.30pm (all times BST)

Aston Villa v Brentford, Saturday 3pm

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© Composite: Getty Images

© Composite: Getty Images

© Composite: Getty Images

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