Arsenal Eye Top Spot as Weekend Kicks Off

Arsenal Eye Top Spot as Premier League Weekend Kicks Off

Arsenal can climb to the top of the Premier League table before kick-off at Stamford Bridge if they defeat struggling West Ham, while third-placed Crystal Palace defends the league’s only unbeaten record. AFP Sport highlights the key storylines ahead of this weekend’s action.

Liverpool’s New Look Faces Early Tests

Just a week ago, defending champions Liverpool looked unstoppable, winning all seven of their opening games across the Premier League, Champions League, and League Cup. But cracks are starting to show in a team reshaped during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool spent nearly £450 million ($606 million) on new players, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, yet neither has opened their Premier League account. Meanwhile, the club lost key figures such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz.

Mohamed Salah’s influence has also dipped, with the star forward starting on the bench in Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. Defensively, new full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have struggled, while Ibrahima Konate is out of form and his future is uncertain.

Liverpool isn’t playing football at the moment; they are playing basketball. It is just end-to-end and I don’t think top teams play like that,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

Chelsea Lagging Behind

Despite Liverpool’s struggles, Chelsea would likely welcome their situation. Enzo Maresca’s side sits seven points off the pace after collecting just one point from their last three matches. The Blues may be feeling the after-effects of their Club World Cup triumph in July, compounded by injuries and suspensions.

Manchester City Stumbles in Europe

Manchester City also faces challenges after being denied victory in the Champions League by Monaco. Key players such as Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, and Levi Colwill are sidelined, while Trevoh Chalobah serves a suspension following a red card in a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton.

Ruben Amorim’s Fate at Manchester United

With a two-week international break looming, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim faces a must-win clash against fifth-placed Sunderland. Amorim has collected just 34 points in 33 Premier League matches since taking charge last November.

After a disastrous 15th-place finish last season, United needed a strong start this campaign. Instead, they enter the weekend 14th following a 3-1 home defeat to Brentford.

Wayne Rooney, United’s record goalscorer, did not hold back: “Players, they’re not deserving to wear that shirt and it hurts.”

Sunderland, meanwhile, arrive at the Theatre of Dreams brimming with confidence. The promoted side has taken 11 points from their opening six matches, bucking the usual trend of immediate relegation.

Weekend Fixtures

Friday (GMT)

Bournemouth vs Fulham – 19:00

Saturday

Leeds vs Tottenham – 11:30

Arsenal vs West Ham – 14:00

Manchester United vs Sunderland – 14:00

Chelsea vs Liverpool – 16:30

Sunday

Aston Villa vs Burnley – 13:00

Everton vs Crystal Palace – 13:00

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest – 13:00

Wolves vs Brighton – 13:00

Brentford vs Manchester City – 15:30