Hits and misses: Spurs falter, Arsenal falter, but others impress

Tottenham's current form is concerning. Five games without a win sees them back in the relegation zone. Their issue lies in both boxes: wasteful in attack and prone to self-destruction defensively, with sloppy passes, poor decisions, and defensive lapses gifting chances to opponents. Manager Roberto De Zerbi labelled the defending for Aston Villa's second goal 'unacceptable', and his silence after the defeat spoke volumes. The recurring mistakes and persistent problems continue to plague Spurs. The upcoming international break further disrupts any chance of immediate improvement on the training ground, with some players unavailable for over two weeks. Despite the talent in the squad, this habit of self-inflicted harm is holding them back. Without a quick fix, this project risks becoming another season of disappointment.

Nicolas Jackson was a standout performer against Tottenham, showcasing a blend of skill and physicality that troubled their central defenders. His ability to hold up play and involve teammates made him a constant threat. This performance recalled why Chelsea invested in him. Jackson's value extends beyond goals; his confidence fuels the team, creating opportunities for midfielders and wingers, and opening space for runners. His crucial goal, which doubled Villa's lead, was a testament to his quality as a centre-forward and highlighted what Tottenham is missing.

Arsenal suffered a surprising 3-0 defeat to Brighton, a scoreline that flattered them as Brighton missed further significant chances. This was an uncharacteristic performance, especially away from home, where Arsenal has been dominant in recent years. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the team was second-best from the outset, but stressed it was an isolated bad day, not a systemic issue. He pointed to a challenging season with late arrivals from the World Cup and defensive injuries. While this loss echoes past struggles that led to a dip in form, Arsenal's overall record this season suggests this was a blip rather than a return to problems. The international break should offer respite, but Arsenal must ensure this defeat doesn't lead to further inconsistency.

Brighton has started the season impressively, leading the league in scoring and boasting a strong defence. Their ability to secure wins against top teams, even when depleted, is remarkable. Under manager Fabian Hurzeler, they have a knack for overcoming challenges, with players stepping up when others are unavailable. The win against Arsenal, in full flow, marks their most significant victory of the three against top clubs in recent seasons. Manager Hurzeler praised Pascal Gross, comparing him to 'a fine wine', and the team's continuous improvement is evident.

Everton, despite having the league's smallest squad after a difficult transfer window, continues to overachieve under David Moyes. They remain unbeaten in their opening seven games across all competitions, with five clean sheets. Even with VAR intervention, they secured a victory against Ipswich. Moyes sees room for improvement, urging his players to be more clinical, as evidenced by their 21 shots against Ipswich – their highest in a Premier League game at home. Despite squandering chances, Moyes' ability to maximize his limited resources is commendable, pushing Everton further than their recruitment limitations might suggest.

Newcastle's victory over Hull was secured by resolute defending, but their first-half attacking prowess, particularly from Harvey Barnes, was the decisive factor. Barnes provided two assists within seven minutes, setting a new club record for the earliest multiple assists in a Premier League game. This performance against a strong Hull defence showcased Barnes' creativity and impact. His deft passes led to goals for Joe Willock and Lewis Hall, and he continued to be a creative spark throughout the match. Despite his impressive form, Barnes' omission from the England squad is notable, but continued performances like these should earn him recognition.

Coventry secured a significant 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, their first Premier League win in 25 years. VAR played a role in overturning a potential equalizer for Forest, ultimately allowing Coventry to secure the win. The Sky Blues displayed resilience, spirit, and quality, with Jay Dasilva's winner assisted by goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. This victory proves they belong in the Premier League after a difficult start. For Nottingham Forest, however, home defeats are becoming a concern. Only Tottenham has a worse home record among ever-present teams since last season. Manager Glasner believes the "heaviness of the past" affects their home performances, but the team generated 24 shots, their second-highest since returning to the division. The upcoming break offers Glasner a chance to address their home form and finishing.

Chelsea's attack lacked its usual potency in their match against Brentford, with the absence of Joao Felix due to injury impacting their performance. Danny Welbeck started in Felix's place, a pairing that historically has seen him score against Brentford. However, the new front line of Welbeck, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers managed only one shot on target, a significant drop from their previous average. Felix is not just a goalscorer but also a crucial link-up player. Manager Xabi Alonso may publicly downplay the impact of Felix's absence, but privately, his quick return is likely hoped for.

Brentford's summer signing, Jannik Schuster, has made a strong impression in the Premier League following his £13m move from Red Bull Salzburg. While Brentford showcased impressive attacking play, scoring three goals and benefiting from Igor Thiago's first of the season and Kevin Schade's assists, their defence was equally vital. They became the first team to prevent Chelsea from scoring this season, with Schuster playing a key role. His 12 clearances were the most by any Brentford player, a remarkable feat in his first home start against a seasoned Chelsea attack. Pundit Keith Andrews praised Schuster's fearless and wholehearted defensive approach, highlighting his character and aggression.