After a difficult week for Liverpool, the Reds go into the international break on the back of a much-needed boost. A 3-0 win over Brentford was just the tonic needed after disappointing results against Luton and Toulouse.
Not only that, but it proved to be a good weekend for Jürgen Klopp’s side, barring a growing injury list. Results elsewhere in the Premier League mean Liverpool now finds itself just a point off leaders Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side was made to settle for a point on its travels to Stamford Bridge following a thrilling 4-4 draw. With a trip to the Etihad next on the fixture list for Liverpool, Klopp’s side has a real opportunity to lay down a marker this season.
Elsewhere, there were defeats for Tottenham and Newcastle, providing the Reds with a further boost to its hopes of making an immediate return to the Champions League. Aston Villa though continues to look a real contender for a surprise top-four finish after a convincing win over Fulham — here’s what we learned from the weekend’s action in the Premier League.
Stand-out performance The performance of the week though has to go to Bournemouth. The Cherries have looked like contenders for the drop so far this season, but they were well worth their 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, with former Liverpool man Dominic Solanke doing his old side a favor with both of the goals.
Shock of the weekend Despite not picking up a win, Sheffield United perhaps produced the shock of the weekend by earning a draw at Brighton. Many wouldn’t have given the Blades a hope, but the game turned on Mahmoud Dahoud’s sending-off in the second half, with an Adam Webster own goal seeing the points shared.
Everton is certainly in with a shout after its 3-2 win at Crystal Palace. Liverpool’s neighbor is now one of the Premier League’s in-form sides with three wins from its last five games, and the Toffees look as though they might just be able to avoid another relegation scrap this season. There is still a long way to go on that front though.
Again, Everton and Bournemouth are real frontrunners here. Wolves could also lay a claim, although having beaten Manchester City and pushed Liverpool all the way already this season, beating Tottenham was perhaps not too big a shock.
