The following are some of the major talking points from the Premier League weekend:
SALAH STAKES PROFESSION TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Although Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick, Mohamed Salah’s name was on everyone’s lips during Liverpool’s 5-0 hammering of Watford, which featured another stunning strike from the Egyptian.
Salah began with a fantastic early assist that set up Sadio Mane for the game’s first goal, but it was his second-half shot that stunned supporters and reignited debate over whether he is the finest player in the world right now.
He somehow manoeuvred himself into a sliver of space before sending a defender the wrong way and shooting the ball into the net for another incredible solo finish, prompting manager Juergen Klopp to call him the finest player on the globe at the moment.
All of Liverpool’s forwards scored, which is encouraging, but Salah’s effort, which comes after his amazing goal against Manchester City, puts him in a class of his own.
THE DEBATE IN LEICESTER PROVES THAT MAN UNITED IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS.
Manchester United were anticipated to transform into serious Premier League title challengers this season thanks to high-profile summer purchases, but a draw and two defeats in their previous three games suggest it will be a tall task once again.
The 4-2 defeat against Leicester City, who came into the game on the tail of a four-game losing skid, revealed United’s flaws in many areas, most notably a shaky and error-prone defense.
The loss will only add to the strain on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has come under fire from a large number of supporters.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning return to United and the Premier League has waned in recent weeks, as he struggled to make an impression against the Foxes, with Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane still finding their feet.
United have a tough month ahead of them, with matches against Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and a Champions League doubleheader with Atalanta.
CHELSEA MAKES ANOTHER CHANGE
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was forced to make another backline change against Brentford on Saturday, and the way his players held out against a late barrage from the visitors demonstrated why the Blues are considered real title contenders.
Tuchel gave Malang Sarr, 22, his league debut alongside Trevoh Chalobah, who was making only his fourth start for the Blues, and Denmark’s Andreas Christensen, when Antonio Rudiger was injured and Thiago Silva returned from Brazil duty too late to participate.
Tuchel made a point of applauding Frenchman Sarr as he matched the pace of winger Bryan Mbeumo in the final 25 minutes, helping the Blues cling on for a 1-0 triumph that maintained them top of the table.
“We have faith in the young men. You cannot gain experience until you play “Tuchel remarked.