Three talking points from the Premier League
Arsenal underlined their determination to finally win the Premier League title with a gritty victory at Aston Villa.
Manchester United suffered an embarrassing loss against Brighton, while hat-trick hero Noni Madueke inspired Chelsea’s rout of Wolves.
AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the Premier League this weekend:
New season, same Man Utd
Any hope of a new dawn for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag has diminished just two games into the new season.
The Red Devils needed a late goal to beat Fulham on the opening night of the campaign but were undone themselves by a stoppage-time winner against Brighton.
United have now lost more Premier League games to goals scored after the 90th minute (six) than any other side in the past three seasons.
“The game is finished when the referee whistles three times and that is what we didn’t do well. Game management -– we should improve that,” said Ten Hag.
“We have good potential but we have to keep going until the end.”
The Dutchman survived an internal review at the end of last season despite finishing eighth thanks to winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
However, Ten Hag is already under pressure once more, with unbeaten Liverpool heading to Old Trafford next weekend for a crucial clash.
Arsenal’s statement of intent
Arsenal laid to rest some of the ghosts of their failed bid to dethrone Manchester City last season with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
It was two defeats to Unai Emery’s men that effectively cost the Gunners a first league title in 20 years last term.
But Arsenal were not caught out by their former manager this time, registering a win that could be crucial come May.
The visitors needed a stunning save from David Raya to prevent Villa going in front through