5 Things We Learned: Premier League Matchweek 8
A momentous shift in the Premier League top four has resulted in some unexpected results and teams riding the momentum into the international break.
Everton loses three straight
The Toffees have gone from the top of the table to seventh place in a flash. A 3-1 loss to Manchester United has given Everton its third loss in a row. Two goals from Bruno Fernandes and a goal from Edinson Cavani was enough to seal the three points.
With this dip in form, Everton seems to have lost the gas that it started with in the beginning of the season. Everton needs to be mentally strong in order to get back into the top four or maybe even the title race.
Southampton stays hot
Southampton won its third straight game with a 2-0 win over Newcastle. Sitting in fourth place, the Saints only have one loss and seem to be over-performing without top striker Danny Ings.
Che Adams has appeared on the scoresheet more frequently, which has helped Southampton enormously in their goal-scoring efforts.
But like Everton, will this team have enough to challenge all season? Last year, the Saints went on a late surge. But will they have enough juice this time to last the entire marathon?
Spurs at top of the league
Tottenham Hotspur sits at the top of the league after a 1-0 win versus West Brom and a Liverpool draw versus Manchester City. Another Harry Kane goal sealed the win for Spurs, as the in-form striker stayed at the top of his game. Kane has the most assists in the league with eight and the second most goals in the league with seven.
Tottenham has its eyes set on finishing top-four, but challenging for the league title would be a massive step forward for the North London club.
Burnley is struggling badly
One of the most consistent teams in the Premier League is struggling to get going. Burnley sits in 19th place currently. No one would have expected them to be fighting in the relegation battle.
Sean Dyche has turned Burnley into a consistent mid-table team, but this season, Burnley has failed to lift off, as it is yet to win a game. Could this be the end of Burnley in the top flight?
Should the Premier League go back to five substitutions?
At the end of the game match Liverpool and Manchester City, both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp spoke out about the Premier League not having five substitutions this season. Both teams have been hit hard by the injury bug, but because of the shortened offseason, the players have not gotten their full rest and are not fully fit for a 38-week season.
However, Sheffield United CEO Stephen Bettis said that changing the rule midway through the season would ruin the integrity of the game.
If having five substitutions will help the majority of the clubs, then the Premier League should consider looking for a change midseason.
Cole Koffler is a freshman majoring in communications. To contact him, email colekoff13@gmail.com.
About the Contributors
Cole Koffler
Sophomore / Broadcast Journalism