Winners and Losers: Premier League Gameweek 4

Another exhilarating week of Premier League action comes to an end. Liverpool destroyed Bournemouth while City pulled off another ‘remontada’. A lot to unpack, so let’s jump right into this gameweek’s Winners and Losers.

Also read: Winners and Losers: Premier League Gameweek 3

Winners

Roberto Firmino

Darwin Nunez’s arrival almost meant that Firmino would have to accept a backup role to Liverpool’s shiny new toy. Firmino once again reminded the world why he is a world-class operator.

The two goals he scored over the weekend saw him reach a century of goals for the Reds. Just in case anyone thought his brace was not enough, he provided three assists to record a performance that will go down in the Premier League record books.

The Brazilian has been at Liverpool since 2015 and is in the final year of his contract; a loyal and revered servant of the club who turned on the magic.

This also creates a considerable dilemma for Klopp with Nunez returning from suspension and available for selection for the Merseyside Derby.

Graham Potter

I never thought I’d say this, but maybe Sam Allardyce was right. There is a bias against English managers because Potter’s job at Brighton is unreal. The settled style of play and their ability to retain their philosophy against the big teams and seamlessly replace outgoing stars, in really commendable.

Just look at the Seagulls’ debutant Estupiñán’s classy performance. The outgoing Cucurella is barely missed, and Brighton has just moved on to their next iteration.

Sitting pretty in fourth place, having picked up 10 points in the first 4 games, is a testament to how good Potter is at his job.

He is a straightforward communicator who is able to get the best out of the players he has at his disposal. A move to a top team is on the horizon for this talented young manager.

Erling Haaland

Man City seem to be making it a habit of returning from the dead. Just like the final day of last season, City found themselves 2 goals down at halftime, outplayed by a well-coached Palace side under Vieira who deserve a lot of credit for tactically outplaying City for 45 minutes.

But Pep’s ace was ready to do what he does best. Score goals.

Any doubts on Haaland’s ability to gel with this team, Pep, or adaptability to the Premier League should be quelled now.

After Bernado pulled one back early in the second half, a beautiful 19-minute hattrick saw Man City come out 4-2 victors in the end. 6 in 4 already, maybe the Premier League ain’t that difficult after all.

Losers

Steven Gerrard

Well, it’s not looking good for Stevie G. After the investment that has been made by the higher-ups, the blame for Villa’s poor form and style of play lands solely on the manager’s doorstep.

All too often, Villa depend on Coutinho to pull a rabbit out of his hat, and the Brazilian is just not that kind of player anymore.

Losing a game that looked set for a 0-0 stalemate is quite damning, and the pressure on Gerrard’s shoulder out has increased a little more.

Villa face Man City and Liverpool in the next two games, so there will be no respite for Stevie, who looks like he is sleepwalking toward getting the sack.

VAR

Can we collectively agree that the Premier League has the worst refs in the game right now? Another weekend of awful decisions that could have swung the game if the correct decision had been made.

Fabian Scar looked like he was trying to break Pedro Neto’s leg with a terrible tackle high up on his shin. The Portuguese winger has to count himself lucky to have come out of that unharmed.

Southampton have to feel really hard done by not getting a penalty after McTominay basically juggled the ball in his own box and it being overlooked by VAR. Even Erling Haaland could have been sent off booting Anderson in the head while he tried to kick the ball.

The FA really need to get the VAR sorted to ensure the Premier League retains its status as the best league in the world.

Comments on Anthony Taylor anyone?

Leicester City

Where has it all gone wrong for Leicester City? The Foxes finished 5th twice in a row only 2 seasons ago and now languish at the bottom of the table, winless in 4.

Add to that the announcement that their star defender Wesley Fofana’s move to Chelsea looks done and manager Brendan Rodgers remains constantly disgruntled at the board.

While Leicester did get an excellent fee for their star Frenchman, it’ll be interesting to see who and if they are able to sign players this late in the window.

The team lacks leadership and is really thin, it’s sad to say, but if nothing changes soon Leicester could be in a relegation battle.

Also read: Winners & Losers Premier League Gameweek 2