Premier League news: Six things we learned from Gameweek four

The Premier League is back! After a break in which fans saw their favourite players ball out for their respective nations, they now return to compete in England’s top division.

Teams are now starting to settle into the new season and are beginning to show signs of how their season will go. 

Don’t get us wrong - it wasn’t like this weekend was a goal fest or a direst display of quality games the Premier League can provide, but there were certainly some interesting talking points throughout. Sports News Blitz writer Sarim Ahmed is here to discuss them.

Liverpool love leaving it late

Mohammed Salah secured the champions' three points on Sunday after smashing home a penalty in standard Salah fashion. This came after Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the 95th minute due to a Hannibal Mejbri handball. 

It’s not a surprise Liverpool found it hard to break down Burnley. The hosts sat back throughout the majority of the 90 minutes at Turf Moor, only mustering up 19% of possession. 

This, in addition to the fact that Burnley have proven they are a tough rock to move, with the team only conceding 16 goals in their 42-game season in the Championship last season.

Thankfully, it all worked out for the visitors - Salash’s last-gasp penalty preserved a perfect start to their title-defending campaign, making it four wins from four.

And it’s not the only time they have won by the skin of their teeth. 

Starting from Gameweek 1, their match-winning goals were scored in the minutes 88’, 90+10’, 83’ and 90+5’. In fact, Liverpool became the first team to win four back-to-back games in the last 10 minutes of a game.

Whilst some may see it as rigid and lucky, there is definitely a positive outlook to take on this.

The team is fighting to the end every game, no matter how tough it gets - and that’s what winners do.

Hopefully for the blood pressure of their fans, Liverpool will start putting the game to bed earlier - perhaps a problem that can be solved by a certain Swedish striker they have signed...

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Have Arsenal fixed what’s been holding them back?

Moving on to Liverpool’s direct contenders last season - Arsenal. And it looks like this season will be an even tougher challenge for the title.

A dazzling display from the Gunners this Gameweek meant that they sit in second place going into their next game against titans Manchester City.

Arsenal managed to dismantle a Nottingham Forest team who were playing under their new manager, Ange Postecoglou, for the first time. 

Although the opposition may not be up to scratch at this moment in time, there were clear signs that last year's runners-up have what it takes to go all the way this year.

This game was proof of the depth and resilience that Mikel Arteta’s men have, which they may have lacked in the past.

Many Arsenal fans would state that the start of their demise last year was because of injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhães.

Well, after a stellar summer transfer window, it seems they no longer need to worry.

Despite Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz all out and Martin Ødegaard being forced off early through injury, Arsenal never seemed to wobble. 

Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze worked wonders on the wings, Victor Gyökeres netted another goal, and Cristhian Mosquera did not look out of place at all in the league’s best defence.

If Arsenal are to sustain a title push against Liverpool, the ability to rotate without dropping intensity will be decisive - and this past weekend was a big statement that they are ready for the grind ahead.

Newcastle’s new arrival delivers

For Newcastle, the international break could not have come at a better time - a pause to reset after a sluggish start left them winless.

But against Wolves this weekend, there was finally a spark, and it came from their new striker, Nick Woltemade.

The 6’6” striker unsurprisingly scored a header to net his first Premier League goal, which sealed a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park.

The German forward was signed this summer to fill in the big boots of the former fan favourite Alexander Isak. 

His instinctive finish not only gave Newcastle three vital points but also offered hope that their summer recruitment is already starting to pay off.

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Amorim needs to change his approach

If Manchester United’s season needed a reset after a mixed start, the Manchester derby only underlined just how far they still have to go.

A 3-0 defeat to Man City at the Etihad was not just painful in scoreline to their bitter rivals and neighbours, but it showed how easily United were pulled apart. 

Ruben Amorim’s side looked passive and disjointed, unable to cope with Manchester City, who have also not looked up to their best during the start of this season.

There is no shame in losing to Man City - Pep Guardiola’s side is still regarded as one of the best teams in the world. But there is shame when a team shows no signs of improvement or identity after nearly a year.

Amorim has only earned eight Premier League wins out of his 31 games managed. A stark contrast from his previous team, Sporting Lisbon, where it seemed like losing was an unfathomable idea.

The issue is that Amorim is doubling down on his philosophy. After this week's derby, he told the press that "When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man."

It seems as though if United continue down the path they are going, their manager has already given the solution.

Change the man.

Donnaruma impresses new team

Now onto the winners of the derby, and it was a dream start for City’s new number one. 

Gianluigi Donnarumma made his highly anticipated debut for Manchester City, overthrowing James Trafford to earn his spot in the starting XI following the departure of Ederson to Fenerbahce.

The Italian goalkeeper showcased his shot-stopping prowess, making key saves to deny Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo - the latter being an impressive dive down to his right-hand side, helping City keep a clean sheet. 

The only issue shown was that his distribution was less precise than expected. It is clear to see he is not a typical Guardiola keeper, after only completing 57% of passes and 32% of long balls.

It highlights the adaptation required to fit Guardiola’s possession-based style.

But when you’re arguably the world's best goalkeeper, I’m sure that you will be allowed a little bit of leeway to get into the swing of things.

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