Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Diallo flourishes in an unknown role

For the experienced full-back, a winger role must be liberating, permission granted to embark on adventures in the other half. Amad Diallo was faced with the least desirable situation against Ipswich, a striker forced back as he slotted in on the right of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1. Diallo retained his attacking aggression, immediately breaking loose and avoiding challenges to set up Marcus Rashford’s opener. He was responsible in defense and one of United’s brightest players in a rather dismal display, even threatening to give away a late winner by cutting inside the box to let it fly. Diallo is probably just a stopgap in this position, but his ability to adapt has some value as Amorim search for their best XI. Taha Hachim

Delap shows belly for Ipswich fight

Towards the end of the first half against Manchester United, Ipswich’s Liam Delap opted for the unnecessary. As the ball went out for a throw, the striker charged at Noussair Mazraoui, causing a square between the two. Delap was lucky to avoid a yellow but his need to fight is what makes him a player. He harassed United when they dropped deep, using his shots and gestures to gather space and get into the box. His evening was spoiled, however, when Andre Onana saved twice from close range – the first with an outstretched right arm – preventing Delap from improving an already impressive Premier League goalscoring record. The 21-year-old has earned seven yellows this season for his club and England Under-21s. He’s playing on the edge but hasn’t stumbled yet. TH

Spurs should follow Kulusevski’s lead

At 24 and five years into his senior career, Dejan Kulusevski has no doubts about Tottenham’s scintillating performance at Manchester City. “I would say it’s the best result of my career, it’s a big night for the whole club, for the coach [Ange Postecoglou]for the players but it’s not a turning point,” said the striker. “We have to be better in the other games.” The Swede, who impressed throughout the match, was also optimistic about his own abilities “I have something that no other player has so you can’t compare me to any other player – that’s what I’m looking for. Of course I look at the other players. them, but with my engine, you know, with my heart – I don’t don’t get tired – I feel like I can still do a lot in my career. I can’t let anyone surpass me. That’s how I play and how I train. . Jamie Jackson

Hope for the Saints in their latest defeat

Southampton only managed six shots against Liverpool – they have managed more than that in 11 of their previous 14 games in all competitions this season, and have at least doubled that number on five occasions. As they continue to create trouble at the back and remain stuck at the bottom of the table, there aren’t many straws to grasp at, but if they could discover some clinical touch it would certainly help. “What was unlucky for them, I think, is that they normally play a lot better, create a lot more chances and barely score,” Arne Slot said. “Today, they created few chances and scored two. If they combine these things, so the style of play they had in other matches with the efficiency they had today, then I’m sure they will win some matches. As his team had just demonstrated, if a team can play poorly enough and still score a few goals, they may be on the right track. Simon Burnton

Nwaneri offers vital new option to Arsenal

Every week, it seems, brings a new milestone for Ethan Nwaneri. At the age of 15 years and 181 days, he became the youngest player to play in England’s top flight. On September 25 this year, at the age of 17, he scored his first senior goals, scoring twice in a Carabao Cup victory over Bolton. And on Saturday he pushed aside Raheem Sterling’s low cross to finish off Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest; Cesc Fàbregas is Arsenal’s only young goalscorer in the league. He had been on the field for less than two minutes and yet his energy and invention had already brightened up a match which was nearing its conclusion. Whether he is at his best on the outside or in the middle remains to be seen, but Nwaneri is clearly a player of enormous gifts. Arsenal, after years of slightly uninspiring backup options on the bench, suddenly have some truly exciting potential. Jonathan Wilson

Palmer targeted in need of protection

If you can’t beat him, kick him. Cole Palmer is now a target for opposing players. Lisandro Martínez took him out in Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United earlier this month and Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi was even tougher on Saturday. It was cynical of Ndidi, who showed no respect for a fellow professional when he raked his cleats through Palmer’s Achilles tendon. The Chelsea playmaker could easily have been injured. He was down for a while and there was discussion that Ndidi should have been sent off. However, the Leicester midfielder has only seen yellow, and there must be a valid concern over whether Palmer needs more protection from the referees. Chelsea experienced the same thing with Eden Hazard, who often faced heavy challenges from opposing defenders desperate to slow him down. The dangers are clear. Martínez and Ndidi both escaped red cards, but at some point one of England’s best strikers is going to be injured. Jacob Steinberg

Lemina helps Wolves to victory

Necessity – an injury crisis in a relegation battle – begat Wolves’ invention at Fulham. While Matheus Cunha’s contribution with two spectacular goals and a fine assist for João Gomes rightly grabbed the attention, Wolves captain Mario Lemina showed leadership and adaptability in a simple defensive trio. Rayan Aït-Nouri, better known for his attacking skills, was another of the three and made vital interventions, almost scoring an own goal. Lemina, meanwhile, produced a throwback display to recall the sweepers of old by controlling the play deep and providing Cunha’s first, an equalizer at an important moment, with a laser-guided diagonal towards the Brazilian. Free improvisation? Not according to Gary O’Neil. “Straight from the training ground,” says a manager more secure after two successive victories and clearly confident in his abilities. “Matheus would never get to this place if we hadn’t practiced it over the last few months.” John Brewin

Devenny thanks one for their patience

Beyond Crystal Palace, Justin Devenny was a relative unknown until this month. The 21-year-old scored his first goal for the club in his second appearance. His journey to the Premier League has not been the usual story of a steady upward trajectory; The midfielder began his career at Kilmarnock but they allowed him to leave for Airdrieonians in the Scottish Championship, where he was spotted by Palace and brought south. Often people expect to break through as teenagers, but Devenny has shown that patience is beneficial, even for an ambitious young player. He was disciplined and effective against Villa, his goal capping a great week which saw him make his Northern Ireland debut. “He was with us during the pre-season in the United States and he showed that he is an incredible footballer, very technical, he also knows how to run a lot,” Palace manager Oliver Glasner said. “He can play in four positions, he understands the game, he finds space and he can also score goals, and that’s what he showed – we had a lot of confidence in him.” Will lose

Welbeck plays the role of supplier and leader

After six goals in his first nine league matches, Danny Welbeck has calmed down in recent weeks, with João Pedro returning from injury to resume his position as Brighton’s main attacking force. Welbeck’s influence remains, his hold-up play outside the box scoring two goals against Bournemouth, the captain’s armband as he leads in the absence of the injured Lewis Dunk. Under the management of Fabian Hürzeler, two years his junior, Welbeck has started every league match this season, which must give him great joy given the injuries he suffered at Arsenal. His tale some time ago was that of a gifted striker mixed with misfortune, whose career was marked by trophies and major tournaments, but who never really made it past his twenties. Now the central theme is his role as a tireless fighter for Brighton, a key man in establishing them as Premier League mainstays. TH

Blunt Everton need attacking urgency

After a third goalless game, and this time after playing 53 minutes against 10 men, Sean Dyche was asked if he needed to work more on Everton’s attacking play. The question was not impertinent. It was, worryingly for the manager, an entirely reasonable conclusion to draw from his side’s stagnant efforts against a Brentford side who had neither kept a clean sheet nor gained a point away all season. season before arriving at Goodison Park. “We have worked tirelessly since I have been here to attack better,” Dyche replied with a hint of disbelief. “We have some really good players here and it’s my responsibility to make them better or, if I can’t make them better, to make them win as a unit.” The problem for Dyche – aside from the rankings, a daunting December schedule and the prospect of working for new owners – is that individuals aren’t improving and the collective isn’t winning. And Everton never looked like winning against Thomas Frank’s 10 men. It will take more work to end the status quo. Andy Hunter