Premier League: Talking points ahead of the weekend

Our talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, featuring Arsenal’s record against the ‘Big Six’ and Ruben Amorim’s tactical stubbornness.

There was once a time when Chelsea fans dreaded a team sheet that did not include Cole Palmer’s name. Palmer has been the catalyst for almost everything good about Chelsea over the last two seasons, with his Club World Cup heroics re-emphasising his status as one of Europe’s most exciting players.

The 22-year-old was a late withdrawal at West Ham last weekend, but Chelsea did not feel his absence. Against admittedly poor opposition, Chelsea waltzed to a 5-1 win with new recruits impressing. Joao Pedro scored one and created another, while Estevao Willian marked his first start with an assist. Palmer remains the main man at Chelsea, but there is a supporting cast that can now cover his absence.

Ruben Amorim was apoplectic following Manchester United’s midweek defeat at Grimsby Town. A torrid performance saw his side exit the Carabao Cup to fourth-tier opponents, in one of the club’s worst results of the modern era.

Amorim has insisted it is the players – and not the system – behind his side’s struggles. But the Portuguese coach remains wedded to a two-man midfield pivot, despite not possessing the athletic personnel to fulfil his demands.

– Sunday, 24 August 2025

Bruno Fernandes’ best work comes further forward, Casemiro is not the force of old, and Manuel Ugarte has been a major disappointment. Unless Amorim adapts, he could lose his job for a system he appears wedded to. A tweak to a 3-5-2 could prove more stability in central areas, unless reinforcements are brought in before the deadline.

Wolves have held firm amid interest from Newcastle United in Jorgen Strand Larsen, rejecting three bids for the forward. Though the money on offer was fair value, the short timeframe to find a replacement has ensured Wolves have no plans to sell.

Having already lost creative spark in Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha, Wolves can not afford to lose their leading goal threat with just days of the window remaining. Strand Larsen showed his quality with two goals off the bench in midweek to complete a comeback win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup.

– Tuesday, 1 July 2025

The Norwegian is a real handful and, after a winless start to the Premier League season, Wolves need his goalscoring instincts in their battle to survive.

Elliot Anderson is expected to be named in the England squad for the first time this afternoon. The 22-year-old merits his inclusion, a positive step for Thomas Tuchel as he looks to find the right balance in midfield. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are certain starters next summer, but a third place in midfield appears up for grabs. Conor Gallagher and Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to take their chance at Euro 2024, while Kobbie Mainoo is currently out of favour at club level.

Anderson could be the solution. A star of England’s U-21 Euros over the summer, Anderson has evolved into a complete midfield presence at Nottingham Forest. Across the opening two games of the Premier League season, he leads the division for progressive passes and passes into the final third.

Anderson mixes that positivity with industry off the ball and poise in possession, sitting among the Premier League’s top 10 players for dribblers tackled (9th), touches (3rd), progressive carrying distance (5th), and crosses (7th).

Arsenal head to Liverpool this weekend in a huge early-season match-up between last season’s top two. Both have started the season with consecutive wins, though the Gunners have arguably been the more convincing of the two.

This weekend’s acid-test at Arsenal provides an early opportunity for last season’s runners-up to send a statement. Yet to concede a goal this season, Arsenal also boast a brilliant recent record against ‘Big Six’ opposition.

They’ve drawn on their last three visits to Liverpool and have not lost to the Reds, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea or Tottenham since the start of last season (W6 D5 L0).

Aston Villa have endured a tough start to the new season. Unai Emery’s side have lacked their usual spark, failing to score in clashes with Newcastle and Brentford. Villa will hope to return to their best against Crystal Palace this weekend, in a rematch of last season’s FA Cup semi-final.

Despite starting that tie as favourites, Villa were well beaten 3-0 at Wembley and watched on as Palace went on to win the trophy. Revenge may be on the agenda at Villa Park – but improvement is required.

Read – Power Rankings: Spurs in, Dutch gatecrasher, no Liverpool?

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