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

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West Ham maanger Graham Potter, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Composite: Guardian Picture DeskView image in fullscreenWest Ham maanger Graham Potter, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Composite: Guardian Picture DeskTen talking points from the weekend footballPremier LeaguePremier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s actionWho should be on Arne Slot’s shopping list, Chelsea’s unlikely hero and an angry Ollie WatkinsGuardian sportMon 21 Apr 2025 09.00 CESTLast modified on Mon 21 Apr 2025 09.28 CESTShare1Slot in market for a No 9Arne Slot is set to win thePremier Leaguebut at the same time knows he needs to make plenty of improvements within his squad this summer. One key acquisition will be a new striker. Darwin Núñez was not brought off the bench at Leicester despite Liverpool misfiring, Diogo Jota’s fitness is a constant concern and Luis Díaz, who started on Sunday, does not give off the impression of being a No 9. In tight matches, Mohamed Salah has often been the man to separate them from opponents. They had 28 shots at the King Power Stadium but needed a full-back to score the winner. Núñez will almost certainly depart Anfield to open up a spot for a superior No 9 but they do not come cheap. Plans will be afoot but they know they cannot get it wrong twice, having spent more than £80m on the Uruguayan who has never looked like delivering.Will UnwinMatch report:Leicester 0-1 Liverpool2Merino makes midfield markMikel Merino has proven so adept at centre-forward that it was odd to see him revert to his more familiar midfield role against Ipswich. Mikel Arteta tried out the likely front six that will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg, for which Thomas Partey is suspended. Merino was as impressive as he was understated, winning a game-high 10 duels – despite only playing 57 minutes. Whether his backheel assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was a stroke of genius or a moment of good fortune, he was in the right place at the right time. “That’s where he’s played his whole career,” said Arteta. “We see him as a 9, and now it’s almost strange to see him in midfield. I think he did really well.” When Arsenal’s strikers do return to action, Merino showed he can make just as big an impact as a midfielder as when leading the line.Ben BloomMatch report:Ipswich 0-4 Arsenal3Don’t make Watkins too angryOllie Watkins has a point. What is the appropriate response to losing your starting place in a team you helped drive into the Champions League, to a loan player who has one goal in nine league games? Watkins said he was “furious” and – also, just to be clear – “angry” after being replaced by Marcus Rashford in attack for the prime games against Paris Saint-Germain. He played like it against Newcastle, scoring after 23 seconds, his 15th of the season in the league, and hitting the woodwork twice. Unai Emery made the entirely correct point in victory that football is a squad game and Watkins a fantastic team player. But he is also 30 this year, Villa’s best forward and would slot nicely into the first XIs of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool andManchester United. Maybe don’t make him too angry.Barney RonayMatch report:Aston Villa 4-1 NewcastleView image in fullscreenOllie Watkins takes in the adulation of the Aston Villa fans after his first-minute goal.Photograph: Manjit Narotra/ProSports/Shutterstock4United novices deserve betterA deflated Ruben Amorim had kind words for the local boy Tyler Fredrickson and Harry Amass, from London, as each made a first start and the former his debut. “What I felt today is that they deserved a better memory from their first games. Tyler played really well, also Amass played really well, and they deserved better. The memories are not the best for these kids but they played well.” This is the tale of a terrible season as Amorim noted when asked what his message to supporters is after this latest horror show followed Thursday’s last-gasp heroics against Lyon. “We tell the fans the truth: that we lack a lot of things in our team, that we miss chances, that if we don’t score goals we are not going to win. We have a lot to do and to focus on improving the team step by step. Understanding that until the end of the league it’s going to be like this and then we need to do something.”Jamie JacksonMatch report:Manchester United 0-1 Wolves5George re-energises Chelsea’s hopesPrior to their Craven Cottage visit Chelsea’s away form had been dismal, with nine winless matches, a period exacerbated by a toothless attack. Enter Tyrique George. The 19-year-old academy graduate has emerged as a potential catalyst having played most of his minutes this season in the Conference League. His crucial strike against Fulham, making him Chelsea’s fifth-youngest scorer in the Premier League, injected much-needed dynamism into his side’s Champions League aspirations. “He is a talent, he has to work hard,” said Enzo Maresca. “He’s doing well with us, deserved a chance and the goal was fantastic. It was all very important because it gave us an energy boost for the last push.” It remains to be seen whether Maresca will entrust George with more significant minutes in the crucial run-in while his more established players continue to struggle in front of goal.Yara El-ShabouryMatch report:Fulham 1-2 Chelsea6Injury gives Moyes pause for thoughtJames Tarkowski’s hamstring injury was the turning point and an opportunity for David Moyes to see what a future Everton defence might be like without its dependable core of the captain, the coveted Jarrad Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford. Unconvincing, was the answer. Moyes could have switched Jake O’Brien into his favoured central-defensive position and fielded Séamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson or Ashley Young at right-back, but admitted he did not want to make two changes when the introduction of Michael Keane allowed for one. Keane had not played any competitive football for 10 weeks and it showed, immediately struggling asManchester Citygained control. Everton’s resolve to keep Branthwaite is likely to be tested again this summer but the importance of their defensive foundation was not lost on the manager in the aftermath of defeat. “They are an incredibly strong part of the team and when one of them is out you can see that it can have a big effect,” reflected Moyes. “It’s something we as a club need to consider.”Andy HunterMatch report:Everton 0-2 Manchester City7Brentford’s late charge for EuropeBrentford’s defeat of Brighton brought back memories of early season when the G-Tech was a fortress and Thomas Frank’s team blew away opposition by blitzing them from the first whistle. Though the previous time such a home win happened was December. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa took the headlines. The pair have now scored 34 league goals between them this season, the most prolific African Premier League partnership since Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. Supplying many of the bullets has been Mikkel Damsgaard, whose willowy figure and stop-start gait has created 10 assists. “The quality they have is also nice, but they bring so much more than just goals,” said Frank. “There’s also Kevin [Schade]. All of them are really quick players who like to go behind.” Now for a late charge for Europe over the remaining five matches. “We are dreaming a bit,” said Damsgaard. “But it’s more fun to look up and we don’t have to look down any more.”John BrewinMatch report:Brentford 4-2 BrightonView image in fullscreenYoane Wissa celebrates scoring Brentford’s third goal with Bryan Mbeumo.Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action Images/Reuters8Barrott makes himself unwelcomeNot for the first time this season, after ruling out Eberechi Eze’s free-kick on the opening day, the referee Sam Barrott made himself public enemy No 1 amongCrystal Palacesupporters following the decision to dismiss Chris Richards and not Bournemouth’s Adam Scott on Saturday. But while Oliver Glasner rightly called for more consistency from the officials, he also acknowledged that going down to 10 men had acted as a wake-up call for his players after shipping 10 goals in their last two matches and a lacklustre first-half performance against Andoni Iraola’s side. “Maybe this red card helped us get our confidence back because we need it,” said the Palace manager. Richards will miss Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal, when Glasner is likely to rest some key players with the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa in mind.Ed AaronsMatch report:Crystal Palace 0-0 Bournemouth9Potter should turn to youth“It’s a mindset problem,” Niclas Füllkrug told Sky Sports after West Ham’s latest dismal result, a draw with relegatedSouthampton. The Germany international really was unhappy with his teammates, saying he was “very angry” and stated “we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again”, adding “we were shit”. It is probably not a great sign when one of your team’s most experienced players is openly critical of performance, especially when the target of their ire is colleagues. Things have gone poorly under Graham Potter who is learning why taking on a new job mid-season is very difficult because the players do not fit what he wants to do and, now the team are effectively safe from relegation, they are giving off the impression that many of them know they will not be in east London nest season. Potter might want to consider changing tack and giving minutes to youngsters who have a slight chance of enjoying a West Ham future.WUMatch report:West Ham 1-1 Southampton10Leicester need changes off the pitchLeicester want to be back in the Premier League in August 2026 and big decisions will need to be made this summer if they want to be in the best position to do so. Clearly things have not worked at the King Power Stadium this season. Steve Cooper replaced Enzo Maresca and the style completely changed but the head coach was not helped by the collection of signings who were not up to the job being brought in, and Ruud van Nistelrooy has not been able to turn things around. Everyone appreciates Leicester cannot compete financially with those higher up the league but £33m was spent on Caleb Okoli and Oliver Skipp. Neither have made a difference and were on the bench on Sunday, a sign of how poor the recruitment process has been and changes need to be made at the top of the club to make them more effective when they invest in players.WUPosTeamPGDPts1Liverpool3344792Arsenal3334663Newcastle3318594Man City3322585Chelsea3318576Nottm Forest3213577Aston Villa336578AFC Bournemouth3312499Fulham3334810Brighton3304811Brentford3364612Crystal Palace33-44413Everton33-63814Man Utd33-83815Wolverhampton33-133816Tottenham Hotspur32113717West Ham33-183618Ipswich33-382119Leicester33-461820Southampton33-5411Explore more on these topicsPremier LeagueTen talking points from the weekend footballLiverpoolArsenalNewcastle UnitedManchester CityAston VillaChelseaShareReuse this content

West Ham maanger Graham Potter, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Composite: Guardian Picture DeskView image in fullscreen

West Ham maanger Graham Potter, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Composite: Guardian Picture Desk

Ten talking points from the weekend footballPremier League

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

Who should be on Arne Slot’s shopping list, Chelsea’s unlikely hero and an angry Ollie Watkins

Guardian sportMon 21 Apr 2025 09.00 CESTLast modified on Mon 21 Apr 2025 09.28 CESTShare

Guardian sportMon 21 Apr 2025 09.00 CESTLast modified on Mon 21 Apr 2025 09.28 CEST

Guardian sport

1Slot in market for a No 9Arne Slot is set to win thePremier Leaguebut at the same time knows he needs to make plenty of improvements within his squad this summer. One key acquisition will be a new striker. Darwin Núñez was not brought off the bench at Leicester despite Liverpool misfiring, Diogo Jota’s fitness is a constant concern and Luis Díaz, who started on Sunday, does not give off the impression of being a No 9. In tight matches, Mohamed Salah has often been the man to separate them from opponents. They had 28 shots at the King Power Stadium but needed a full-back to score the winner. Núñez will almost certainly depart Anfield to open up a spot for a superior No 9 but they do not come cheap. Plans will be afoot but they know they cannot get it wrong twice, having spent more than £80m on the Uruguayan who has never looked like delivering.Will UnwinMatch report:Leicester 0-1 Liverpool2Merino makes midfield markMikel Merino has proven so adept at centre-forward that it was odd to see him revert to his more familiar midfield role against Ipswich. Mikel Arteta tried out the likely front six that will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg, for which Thomas Partey is suspended. Merino was as impressive as he was understated, winning a game-high 10 duels – despite only playing 57 minutes. Whether his backheel assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was a stroke of genius or a moment of good fortune, he was in the right place at the right time. “That’s where he’s played his whole career,” said Arteta. “We see him as a 9, and now it’s almost strange to see him in midfield. I think he did really well.” When Arsenal’s strikers do return to action, Merino showed he can make just as big an impact as a midfielder as when leading the line.Ben BloomMatch report:Ipswich 0-4 Arsenal3Don’t make Watkins too angryOllie Watkins has a point. What is the appropriate response to losing your starting place in a team you helped drive into the Champions League, to a loan player who has one goal in nine league games? Watkins said he was “furious” and – also, just to be clear – “angry” after being replaced by Marcus Rashford in attack for the prime games against Paris Saint-Germain. He played like it against Newcastle, scoring after 23 seconds, his 15th of the season in the league, and hitting the woodwork twice. Unai Emery made the entirely correct point in victory that football is a squad game and Watkins a fantastic team player. But he is also 30 this year, Villa’s best forward and would slot nicely into the first XIs of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool andManchester United. Maybe don’t make him too angry.Barney RonayMatch report:Aston Villa 4-1 NewcastleView image in fullscreenOllie Watkins takes in the adulation of the Aston Villa fans after his first-minute goal.Photograph: Manjit Narotra/ProSports/Shutterstock4United novices deserve betterA deflated Ruben Amorim had kind words for the local boy Tyler Fredrickson and Harry Amass, from London, as each made a first start and the former his debut. “What I felt today is that they deserved a better memory from their first games. Tyler played really well, also Amass played really well, and they deserved better. The memories are not the best for these kids but they played well.” This is the tale of a terrible season as Amorim noted when asked what his message to supporters is after this latest horror show followed Thursday’s last-gasp heroics against Lyon. “We tell the fans the truth: that we lack a lot of things in our team, that we miss chances, that if we don’t score goals we are not going to win. We have a lot to do and to focus on improving the team step by step. Understanding that until the end of the league it’s going to be like this and then we need to do something.”Jamie JacksonMatch report:Manchester United 0-1 Wolves5George re-energises Chelsea’s hopesPrior to their Craven Cottage visit Chelsea’s away form had been dismal, with nine winless matches, a period exacerbated by a toothless attack. Enter Tyrique George. The 19-year-old academy graduate has emerged as a potential catalyst having played most of his minutes this season in the Conference League. His crucial strike against Fulham, making him Chelsea’s fifth-youngest scorer in the Premier League, injected much-needed dynamism into his side’s Champions League aspirations. “He is a talent, he has to work hard,” said Enzo Maresca. “He’s doing well with us, deserved a chance and the goal was fantastic. It was all very important because it gave us an energy boost for the last push.” It remains to be seen whether Maresca will entrust George with more significant minutes in the crucial run-in while his more established players continue to struggle in front of goal.Yara El-ShabouryMatch report:Fulham 1-2 Chelsea6Injury gives Moyes pause for thoughtJames Tarkowski’s hamstring injury was the turning point and an opportunity for David Moyes to see what a future Everton defence might be like without its dependable core of the captain, the coveted Jarrad Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford. Unconvincing, was the answer. Moyes could have switched Jake O’Brien into his favoured central-defensive position and fielded Séamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson or Ashley Young at right-back, but admitted he did not want to make two changes when the introduction of Michael Keane allowed for one. Keane had not played any competitive football for 10 weeks and it showed, immediately struggling asManchester Citygained control. Everton’s resolve to keep Branthwaite is likely to be tested again this summer but the importance of their defensive foundation was not lost on the manager in the aftermath of defeat. “They are an incredibly strong part of the team and when one of them is out you can see that it can have a big effect,” reflected Moyes. “It’s something we as a club need to consider.”Andy HunterMatch report:Everton 0-2 Manchester City7Brentford’s late charge for EuropeBrentford’s defeat of Brighton brought back memories of early season when the G-Tech was a fortress and Thomas Frank’s team blew away opposition by blitzing them from the first whistle. Though the previous time such a home win happened was December. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa took the headlines. The pair have now scored 34 league goals between them this season, the most prolific African Premier League partnership since Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. Supplying many of the bullets has been Mikkel Damsgaard, whose willowy figure and stop-start gait has created 10 assists. “The quality they have is also nice, but they bring so much more than just goals,” said Frank. “There’s also Kevin [Schade]. All of them are really quick players who like to go behind.” Now for a late charge for Europe over the remaining five matches. “We are dreaming a bit,” said Damsgaard. “But it’s more fun to look up and we don’t have to look down any more.”John BrewinMatch report:Brentford 4-2 BrightonView image in fullscreenYoane Wissa celebrates scoring Brentford’s third goal with Bryan Mbeumo.Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action Images/Reuters8Barrott makes himself unwelcomeNot for the first time this season, after ruling out Eberechi Eze’s free-kick on the opening day, the referee Sam Barrott made himself public enemy No 1 amongCrystal Palacesupporters following the decision to dismiss Chris Richards and not Bournemouth’s Adam Scott on Saturday. But while Oliver Glasner rightly called for more consistency from the officials, he also acknowledged that going down to 10 men had acted as a wake-up call for his players after shipping 10 goals in their last two matches and a lacklustre first-half performance against Andoni Iraola’s side. “Maybe this red card helped us get our confidence back because we need it,” said the Palace manager. Richards will miss Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal, when Glasner is likely to rest some key players with the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa in mind.Ed AaronsMatch report:Crystal Palace 0-0 Bournemouth9Potter should turn to youth“It’s a mindset problem,” Niclas Füllkrug told Sky Sports after West Ham’s latest dismal result, a draw with relegatedSouthampton. The Germany international really was unhappy with his teammates, saying he was “very angry” and stated “we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again”, adding “we were shit”. It is probably not a great sign when one of your team’s most experienced players is openly critical of performance, especially when the target of their ire is colleagues. Things have gone poorly under Graham Potter who is learning why taking on a new job mid-season is very difficult because the players do not fit what he wants to do and, now the team are effectively safe from relegation, they are giving off the impression that many of them know they will not be in east London nest season. Potter might want to consider changing tack and giving minutes to youngsters who have a slight chance of enjoying a West Ham future.WUMatch report:West Ham 1-1 Southampton10Leicester need changes off the pitchLeicester want to be back in the Premier League in August 2026 and big decisions will need to be made this summer if they want to be in the best position to do so. Clearly things have not worked at the King Power Stadium this season. Steve Cooper replaced Enzo Maresca and the style completely changed but the head coach was not helped by the collection of signings who were not up to the job being brought in, and Ruud van Nistelrooy has not been able to turn things around. Everyone appreciates Leicester cannot compete financially with those higher up the league but £33m was spent on Caleb Okoli and Oliver Skipp. Neither have made a difference and were on the bench on Sunday, a sign of how poor the recruitment process has been and changes need to be made at the top of the club to make them more effective when they invest in players.WUPosTeamPGDPts1Liverpool3344792Arsenal3334663Newcastle3318594Man City3322585Chelsea3318576Nottm Forest3213577Aston Villa336578AFC Bournemouth3312499Fulham3334810Brighton3304811Brentford3364612Crystal Palace33-44413Everton33-63814Man Utd33-83815Wolverhampton33-133816Tottenham Hotspur32113717West Ham33-183618Ipswich33-382119Leicester33-461820Southampton33-5411Explore more on these topicsPremier LeagueTen talking points from the weekend footballLiverpoolArsenalNewcastle UnitedManchester CityAston VillaChelseaShareReuse this content

1Slot in market for a No 9

Slot in market for a No 9

Arne Slot is set to win thePremier Leaguebut at the same time knows he needs to make plenty of improvements within his squad this summer. One key acquisition will be a new striker. Darwin Núñez was not brought off the bench at Leicester despite Liverpool misfiring, Diogo Jota’s fitness is a constant concern and Luis Díaz, who started on Sunday, does not give off the impression of being a No 9. In tight matches, Mohamed Salah has often been the man to separate them from opponents. They had 28 shots at the King Power Stadium but needed a full-back to score the winner. Núñez will almost certainly depart Anfield to open up a spot for a superior No 9 but they do not come cheap. Plans will be afoot but they know they cannot get it wrong twice, having spent more than £80m on the Uruguayan who has never looked like delivering.Will Unwin

Match report:Leicester 0-1 Liverpool

2Merino makes midfield mark

Merino makes midfield mark

Mikel Merino has proven so adept at centre-forward that it was odd to see him revert to his more familiar midfield role against Ipswich. Mikel Arteta tried out the likely front six that will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg, for which Thomas Partey is suspended. Merino was as impressive as he was understated, winning a game-high 10 duels – despite only playing 57 minutes. Whether his backheel assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was a stroke of genius or a moment of good fortune, he was in the right place at the right time. “That’s where he’s played his whole career,” said Arteta. “We see him as a 9, and now it’s almost strange to see him in midfield. I think he did really well.” When Arsenal’s strikers do return to action, Merino showed he can make just as big an impact as a midfielder as when leading the line.Ben Bloom

Match report:Ipswich 0-4 Arsenal

3Don’t make Watkins too angry

Don’t make Watkins too angry

Ollie Watkins has a point. What is the appropriate response to losing your starting place in a team you helped drive into the Champions League, to a loan player who has one goal in nine league games? Watkins said he was “furious” and – also, just to be clear – “angry” after being replaced by Marcus Rashford in attack for the prime games against Paris Saint-Germain. He played like it against Newcastle, scoring after 23 seconds, his 15th of the season in the league, and hitting the woodwork twice. Unai Emery made the entirely correct point in victory that football is a squad game and Watkins a fantastic team player. But he is also 30 this year, Villa’s best forward and would slot nicely into the first XIs of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool andManchester United. Maybe don’t make him too angry.Barney Ronay

Match report:Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle

View image in fullscreen

4United novices deserve better

United novices deserve better

A deflated Ruben Amorim had kind words for the local boy Tyler Fredrickson and Harry Amass, from London, as each made a first start and the former his debut. “What I felt today is that they deserved a better memory from their first games. Tyler played really well, also Amass played really well, and they deserved better. The memories are not the best for these kids but they played well.” This is the tale of a terrible season as Amorim noted when asked what his message to supporters is after this latest horror show followed Thursday’s last-gasp heroics against Lyon. “We tell the fans the truth: that we lack a lot of things in our team, that we miss chances, that if we don’t score goals we are not going to win. We have a lot to do and to focus on improving the team step by step. Understanding that until the end of the league it’s going to be like this and then we need to do something.”Jamie Jackson

Match report:Manchester United 0-1 Wolves

5George re-energises Chelsea’s hopes

George re-energises Chelsea’s hopes

Prior to their Craven Cottage visit Chelsea’s away form had been dismal, with nine winless matches, a period exacerbated by a toothless attack. Enter Tyrique George. The 19-year-old academy graduate has emerged as a potential catalyst having played most of his minutes this season in the Conference League. His crucial strike against Fulham, making him Chelsea’s fifth-youngest scorer in the Premier League, injected much-needed dynamism into his side’s Champions League aspirations. “He is a talent, he has to work hard,” said Enzo Maresca. “He’s doing well with us, deserved a chance and the goal was fantastic. It was all very important because it gave us an energy boost for the last push.” It remains to be seen whether Maresca will entrust George with more significant minutes in the crucial run-in while his more established players continue to struggle in front of goal.Yara El-Shaboury

Match report:Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

6Injury gives Moyes pause for thought

Injury gives Moyes pause for thought

James Tarkowski’s hamstring injury was the turning point and an opportunity for David Moyes to see what a future Everton defence might be like without its dependable core of the captain, the coveted Jarrad Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford. Unconvincing, was the answer. Moyes could have switched Jake O’Brien into his favoured central-defensive position and fielded Séamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson or Ashley Young at right-back, but admitted he did not want to make two changes when the introduction of Michael Keane allowed for one. Keane had not played any competitive football for 10 weeks and it showed, immediately struggling asManchester Citygained control. Everton’s resolve to keep Branthwaite is likely to be tested again this summer but the importance of their defensive foundation was not lost on the manager in the aftermath of defeat. “They are an incredibly strong part of the team and when one of them is out you can see that it can have a big effect,” reflected Moyes. “It’s something we as a club need to consider.”Andy Hunter

Match report:Everton 0-2 Manchester City

7Brentford’s late charge for Europe

Brentford’s late charge for Europe

Brentford’s defeat of Brighton brought back memories of early season when the G-Tech was a fortress and Thomas Frank’s team blew away opposition by blitzing them from the first whistle. Though the previous time such a home win happened was December. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa took the headlines. The pair have now scored 34 league goals between them this season, the most prolific African Premier League partnership since Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. Supplying many of the bullets has been Mikkel Damsgaard, whose willowy figure and stop-start gait has created 10 assists. “The quality they have is also nice, but they bring so much more than just goals,” said Frank. “There’s also Kevin [Schade]. All of them are really quick players who like to go behind.” Now for a late charge for Europe over the remaining five matches. “We are dreaming a bit,” said Damsgaard. “But it’s more fun to look up and we don’t have to look down any more.”John Brewin

Match report:Brentford 4-2 Brighton

View image in fullscreen

8Barrott makes himself unwelcome

Barrott makes himself unwelcome

Not for the first time this season, after ruling out Eberechi Eze’s free-kick on the opening day, the referee Sam Barrott made himself public enemy No 1 amongCrystal Palacesupporters following the decision to dismiss Chris Richards and not Bournemouth’s Adam Scott on Saturday. But while Oliver Glasner rightly called for more consistency from the officials, he also acknowledged that going down to 10 men had acted as a wake-up call for his players after shipping 10 goals in their last two matches and a lacklustre first-half performance against Andoni Iraola’s side. “Maybe this red card helped us get our confidence back because we need it,” said the Palace manager. Richards will miss Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal, when Glasner is likely to rest some key players with the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa in mind.Ed Aarons

Match report:Crystal Palace 0-0 Bournemouth

9Potter should turn to youth

Potter should turn to youth

“It’s a mindset problem,” Niclas Füllkrug told Sky Sports after West Ham’s latest dismal result, a draw with relegatedSouthampton. The Germany international really was unhappy with his teammates, saying he was “very angry” and stated “we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again”, adding “we were shit”. It is probably not a great sign when one of your team’s most experienced players is openly critical of performance, especially when the target of their ire is colleagues. Things have gone poorly under Graham Potter who is learning why taking on a new job mid-season is very difficult because the players do not fit what he wants to do and, now the team are effectively safe from relegation, they are giving off the impression that many of them know they will not be in east London nest season. Potter might want to consider changing tack and giving minutes to youngsters who have a slight chance of enjoying a West Ham future.WU

Match report:West Ham 1-1 Southampton

10Leicester need changes off the pitch

Leicester need changes off the pitch

Leicester want to be back in the Premier League in August 2026 and big decisions will need to be made this summer if they want to be in the best position to do so. Clearly things have not worked at the King Power Stadium this season. Steve Cooper replaced Enzo Maresca and the style completely changed but the head coach was not helped by the collection of signings who were not up to the job being brought in, and Ruud van Nistelrooy has not been able to turn things around. Everyone appreciates Leicester cannot compete financially with those higher up the league but £33m was spent on Caleb Okoli and Oliver Skipp. Neither have made a difference and were on the bench on Sunday, a sign of how poor the recruitment process has been and changes need to be made at the top of the club to make them more effective when they invest in players.WU

PosTeamPGDPts1Liverpool3344792Arsenal3334663Newcastle3318594Man City3322585Chelsea3318576Nottm Forest3213577Aston Villa336578AFC Bournemouth3312499Fulham3334810Brighton3304811Brentford3364612Crystal Palace33-44413Everton33-63814Man Utd33-83815Wolverhampton33-133816Tottenham Hotspur32113717West Ham33-183618Ipswich33-382119Leicester33-461820Southampton33-5411

Explore more on these topicsPremier LeagueTen talking points from the weekend footballLiverpoolArsenalNewcastle UnitedManchester CityAston VillaChelseaShareReuse this content

Premier LeagueTen talking points from the weekend footballLiverpoolArsenalNewcastle UnitedManchester CityAston VillaChelsea

Premier League

Ten talking points from the weekend football

Liverpool

Arsenal

Newcastle United

Manchester City

Aston Villa

Chelsea

ShareReuse this content

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