1. Szoboszlai stunner sinks Arsenal as Liverpool's new set-piece specialist emerges

In a tense top-of-the-table clash at Anfield, it took a moment of brilliance to separate Liverpool and Arsenal - and it came from an unlikely source.

Filling in at right-back due to injury, Dominik Szoboszlai produced a stunning 32-yard free-kick seven minutes from time to hand Liverpool a 1–0 win and maintain their perfect start to the season. In doing so, he became the first Liverpool player outside of Trent Alexander-Arnold or Philippe Coutinho to score a direct free-kick in the Premier League since 2016.

But it wasn't just the goal that impressed. Szoboszlai handled his defensive responsibilities with composure, nullifying threats from Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze while still showcasing his passing range and positional awareness - echoing the influence of the man he's temporarily replacing.

Arsenal's 13-year wait for a league win at Anfield continues, and their cautious approach was punished by a Liverpool side willing to take risks and chase victory to the end.

As Arne Slot's new-look team continues to gel, Szoboszlai's seamless adaptation and growing influence could be a defining feature of their title push.

2. Late penalty saves Amorim - but cracks at Man Utd keep widening

Manchester United may have snatched their first win of the season with a stoppage-time penalty, but the tension around Ruben Amorim hasn't lifted.

After a humiliating League Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby, the pressure was already intense. And for much of Saturday's nervy 3–2 win over promoted Burnley, it looked like another damaging result was on the cards.

The moment of relief came through Bruno Fernandes, who converted from the spot after VAR deemed Amad Diallo had been pulled back in stoppage time. But while Amorim could breathe - for now - the performance did little to silence deeper concerns.

Set-piece vulnerabilities, an ongoing goalkeeper crisis, and a growing injury list (including Matheus Cunha) exposed United's fragile structure. And with new £72m signing Benjamin Sesko still looking far from ready after an interrupted pre-season, there's little margin for error ahead.

Sesko fluffed his chances off the bench, and Amorim's decision to favour Joshua Zirkzee earlier hinted at his doubts. With Mason Mount also potentially sidelined, United may be forced to accelerate Sesko's integration - ready or not.

3. Grealish leads Everton's new 'fab four' as flair returns to Merseyside

Everton's 3–2 win over Wolves wasn't just another three points - it felt like the unveiling of a new attacking identity.

With Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Iliman Ndiaye combining to devastating effect behind the tireless Beto, the Toffees showcased a fluidity rarely seen in recent seasons.

Grealish was the star once again, providing two assists and dominating the game with swagger and skill. In just three games, he has already racked up four assists - more than any Everton player bar Dwight McNeil since the start of last season.

David Moyes hailed his on-loan playmaker as "even better than I thought he was", and with goals flowing from open play rather than set pieces, Evertonians may be starting to believe in a more expansive future. The Toffees' Fab Four might not be playing guitars, but they're certainly making music.

4. Palace's bright start can't shake the shadow of stars slipping away

Crystal Palace have started the new campaign building on the strong foundations laid at the end of last season.

The momentum from their FA Cup triumph, secured by Eberechi Eze's memorable winner before his big-money move to Arsenal, still resonates around Selhurst Park with Sunday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to 14 matches.

Captain Marc Guehi has been pivotal, both as a leader and with moments of quality like his magnificent strike in the victory over Villa at the weekend. However, with Liverpool reportedly set to poach him on the final day of the transfer window, Palace face the challenge of keeping hold of their defensive linchpin if they want to maintain their upward trajectory.

As they navigate European competition for the first time and aim to secure another strong league finish, Palace must balance ambition with the reality of protecting their best assets - a test that will define their season ahead.

5. Andoni Iraola's Cherries bloom in North London as rebuild gathers pace

Bournemouth have become one of the most impressive stories in the Premier League, and much of that is down to the work of Andoni Iraola - a manager clearly on the rise.

In a transfer window that has seen their defence gutted by high-profile moves for Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Illia Zabarnyi to European powerhouses Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG, many expected a major drop-off.

Instead, Iraola has quietly rebuilt, with smart acquisitions like Bafode Diakite and Adrien Truffert bedding in seamlessly. Their deserved 1-0 victory away at previously unbeaten Tottenham wasn't just a shock result - it was a statement of intent.

Iraola's ability to quickly mould a coherent, tactically disciplined unit, despite major upheaval, underlines his growing credentials. Behind the scenes, Bournemouth remain a well-run club, pairing strong recruitment with a clear footballing vision.

With Iraola reportedly in talks with owner Bill Foley over a new contract, his long-term future may still be uncertain - but his short-term impact is undeniable. This is a club punching well above its weight and showing no signs of slowing down.

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