Three talking points from the English Premier League
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Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike scores their second goal in the 2-1 Premier League win over rivals Everton.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Liverpool opened up a five-point English Premier League lead thanks to their Merseyside derby victory over Everton and a 1-1 draw between their title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
The defending champions’ firepower papered over the cracks of another unconvincing performance, as Hugo Ekitike took his chance to start over British record signing Alexander Isak.
Here is a look at the key talking points from the weekend’s action.
1. Arsenal still nearly men for now
Gabriel Martinelli’s stunning finish in stoppage time saved Arsenal from a second defeat in their opening five games, but failing to beat a fatigued City raised further questions about their ability to usurp Liverpool as champions.
After finishing second for the past three seasons, the Gunners splashed out in the transfer market to add greater depth to their squad. But by stretching their budget, Arsenal were not in the race to rival Liverpool for the signing of Isak.
Erling Haaland showed Arsenal the value of a world-class striker as he stormed through to score his 13th goal of the season in just eight appearances for club and country.
At the other end, Viktor Gyokeres again failed to make his mark on a big game after struggling against Manchester United and Liverpool in August.
Already trailing Liverpool by five points, Mikel Arteta’s men can ill afford another slip-up when they travel to Newcastle United, where they lost twice last season, on Sept 28.
2. Ekitike displays Liverpool’s ‘excellent quality’
Isak, who cost the Reds reportedly £125 million (S$217 million), made his debut against Atletico Madrid in midweek, but Ekitike has started all five league games so far, hitting the ground running after his £69 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 23-year-old French striker scored his third league goal with a composed finish as Slot’s men beat their Merseyside rivals Everton 2-1 on Sept 20.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring their second goal in the 2-1 English Premier League win over Everton at Anfield on Sept 20.
PHOTO: EPA
“Like any other team in this league, every team has two No. 9s,” said Slot.
“We have two No. 9s of excellent quality.”
Ekitike’s form has been vital to Liverpool’s perfect start, with Isak still working his way up to full fitness and Florian Wirtz struggling to match the expectations of his £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite not having hit top form, Liverpool keep winning and already look the team to beat in the title race.
3. Palace’s record unbeaten run
The only other Premier League team still unbeaten this season is Crystal Palace after they piled more pressure on West Ham United boss Graham Potter with a 2-1 win at the London Stadium.
Including a strong end to last season, the Eagles are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions.
That club record run includes beating City in the FA Cup final, two meetings with Liverpool, plus trips to Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
“This is the result of our good results, not just for two weeks, but really for months now,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner. “The players believe in what we are doing. Football is a game of momentum.”
Palace host Liverpool on Sept 27 before the true test of what they can achieve this season comes when the club’s first ever European campaign begins.
Glasner’s side are among the favourites to win the Uefa Conference League after their demotion from the Europa League for breaching rules on multi-club ownership.
But the extra strain of midweek games on a short squad could derail their dreams of a top-six finish. AFP
