Arne Slot was left fuming after Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United, claiming the second goal should have been disallowed for handball by Benjamin Sesko. 'The curve on the ball changed so there must have been contact,' the Liverpool head coach argued. However, PGMO confirmed there was 'no conclusive evidence' of handball, and Slot's complaints could not mask Liverpool's poor first-half performance, which left them without a threat until capitalising on two second-half errors.
Mikel Arteta took a big risk by starting 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield for Arsenal's home game against Fulham. The gamble paid off as Lewis-Skelly delivered a fine performance, setting a blistering tempo with secure passing and energy. Despite speculation that Arsenal might sell him for pure profit, Arteta's decision suggests the youngster has a future at the club.
Newcastle's 3-1 win over Brighton ended a five-game losing streak, prompting chair Yasir al-Rumayyan to celebrate with a kickabout on the pitch. However, the mood was tempered by the sight of record signing Nick Woltemade, who spent another match on the bench. With five expensive signings warming a £335m bench, Rumayyan must decide whether to trust Eddie Howe with a summer rebuild.
Aston Villa's gamble of making seven changes for their match against Tottenham backfired as they lost 2-1. Unai Emery's decision to rest key players for the Europa League second leg left Villa outfought, with only one effort on target. Spurs, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, capitalised on Villa's weakened midfield to secure a win built on industry rather than craft.
Brentford fans chanted for Josh Dasilva throughout the second half of their win over West Ham, and manager Keith Andrews obliged by bringing him on in the 89th minute. Dasilva's emotional return was a highlight for the home crowd, capping a memorable afternoon for the club.
