10 things we learned in the Premier League: Week 4

Week 4 of the 2022-23 Premier League season was less about surprises against the big boys than reminders that when the star teams act stubborn, they’re capable of defying the odds.

Chelsea overcame a red card to outscore Leicester City 2-1 while 10v11. Man United stood firm while clearly still wobbly and new under Erik ten Hag. Arsenal didn’t give up after giving up a goal. Man City showed that two goals down two weeks in-a-row isn’t beneath them, just as finding a result from that deficit isn’t either.

[ MORE: How to watch PL in the USA ]

Here’s a look at 10 things which stood out, as our writers Joe Prince-Wright (JPW), Andy Edwards (AE), and Nicholas Mendola (NM) share their observations from across the most recent PL games.

[ VIDEO: PL highlights ]

Let’s get to it.

1. Surging Arsenal was missing players, doesn’t miss points:(Arsenal 2-1 Fulham): Arsenal needs to win home games against newly-promoted teams — yes, we know we’re supposed to mention something about derbies being difficult — if it’s going to take the next step. GIven the absences of Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko, the moral victory of coming back for a draw would’ve been a nice note and a point would’ve been okay. It also would’ve been more acceptable for a “just get into fourth and back to the Champions League” campaign than it is a true “Arsenal is back” campaign. Those margins matter, and so the scrappy winner provided two big points. Arsenal just may be back, as there wasn’t a hint of softness. (NM)

[ RELATED: Mikel Arteta says ‘We’ve grown up’ mentality-wise ]

2. It wasn’t pretty but Manchester United gets the basics right again (Southampton 0-1 Man Utd): This was far from pretty but United did the basics well, just like they did against