EPL takeaways: Arsenal concerns linger; only 2 unbeaten teams remain

Liverpool opened up a five-point Premier League lead due to Merseyside derby victory over Everton and a 1-1 draw between their title rivals Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis.

The defending champions’ firepower papered over the cracks of one other unconvincing second-half efficiency as Hugo Ekitike took his probability to start out over British switch report signing Alexander Isak.

AFP Sport seems to be on the key speaking factors from the weekend’s motion:

Arsenal nonetheless almost males for now

Gabriel Martinelli’s gorgeous end in stoppage-time saved Arsenal from a second defeat of their opening 5 video games, however failing to beat a fatigued Metropolis raised additional questions on their capacity to usurp Liverpool as champions.

After ending second for the previous three seasons, the Gunners splashed out within the switch market so as to add larger depth to their squad.

However by stretching their funds throughout a number of positions, Arsenal weren’t within the race to rival Liverpool for the signing of Isak.

Erling Haaland confirmed Arsenal the worth of a world-class striker as he stormed via to attain his thirteenth purpose of the season in simply eight appearances for membership and nation.

On the different finish, Viktor Gyokeres once more didn’t make his mark on an enormous recreation after struggling towards Manchester United and Liverpool final month.

Already trailing Liverpool by 5 factors, Mikel Arteta’s males can ill-afford one other slip up after they journey to Newcastle, the place they misplaced twice final season, subsequent weekend.

Ekitike shows Liverpool’s ‘wonderful high quality’

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has the posh of two star strikers to select from after the Reds splashed almost £200 million ($270 million) on Isak and Ekitike.

Isak made his debut towards Atletico Madrid in midweek, however Ekitike has began all 5 Premier League video games up to now, hitting the bottom operating after his £69 million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The younger French striker scored his third Premier League purpose with a composed end as Slot’s males beat their Merseyside rivals 2-1 on Saturday.

“Like some other crew on this league, each crew has two quantity nines,” mentioned Slot. “We’ve got two quantity nines of wonderful high quality.”

Ekitike’s type has been important to Liverpool’s excellent begin with Isak nonetheless working his approach as much as full health and Florian Wirtz struggling to match the expectations of his £100 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

Regardless of not having hit high type, Liverpool hold profitable and already look the crew to beat within the title race.

Palace’s report unbeaten run

The one different Premier League crew nonetheless unbeaten this season is Crystal Palace after they piled extra stress on West Ham boss Graham Potter with a 2-1 win on the London Stadium.

Together with a powerful finish to final season, the Eagles are unbeaten in 17 video games in all competitions.

That membership report run contains beating Manchester Metropolis within the FA Cup ultimate, two conferences with Liverpool, plus journeys to Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

“That is the results of our good outcomes, not only for two weeks, however actually for months now,” mentioned Palace boss Oliver Glasner. “The gamers consider in what we’re doing. Soccer is a recreation of momentum.”

Palace host Liverpool subsequent weekend earlier than the true take a look at of what they will obtain this season comes when the membership’s first ever European marketing campaign begins.

Glasner’s facet are among the many favourites to win the UEFA Convention League after their demotion from the Europa League for breaching guidelines on multi-club possession.

However the additional pressure of midweek video games on a brief squad may derail their desires of a top-six end.