Newcastle players look revitalised, Liverpool’s curious transfer strategy and a worrying start for Palace
Amid the concerns at Manchester United, one player unquestioned is Senne Lammens. The goalkeeper produced some important first-half saves against Ipswich to keep his side in the game in difficult circumstances. A relaxed character, the Belgian is a calming influence in an emotional environment, especially with a panicked defence. When Julio Enciso was through on goal, Lammens had to decide when to come and how far, getting his distance and angles perfect to ensure the Paraguay attacker was repelled. His distribution was also excellent, instigating rapid attacks and bringing the dynamism demanded from the modern goalkeeper. Will Unwin
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Oliver Glasner said he would celebrate the closure of the transfer window with a pint on Wednesday night. Andoni Iraola would surely be tempted to join his Nottingham Forest counterpart – perhaps in Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – were it not for the distance between them. It underlines the strangeness of Liverpool’s recent transfer strategy that the understandable excitement generated by Bradley Barcola’s impending £123m arrival from Paris Saint-Germain is offset by concern over the gaps in Iraola’s squad that have not been filled – right-wing, right-back and central midfield being the most obvious ones. The need to improve in all three departments was evident as Liverpool had to fight back to salvage a late 2-2 draw for the second Premier League game in succession. “We don’t know what the squad is going to be on 2 September,” said Iraola, surely holding out hope that wingers are not the only incomings before Tuesday. “I think every analysis I can make is when I know and when everything finishes, when I will know who is going to be here all the season or until January.” Andy Hunter
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Chelsea prioritised control under Enzo Maresca but they have been counterattacking under Xabi Alonso. They have had little of the ball during the Spaniard’s first two league games. Chelsea had 38.1% possession during last week’s win over Fulham and 25% when they beat Brighton on Sunday, although Alonso insists this is not a strategy. “You need context to data,” he said after the Brighton game. “After 30 minutes we have scored [to make it] 3-0. Probably, in that moment, we have played too much with the result, instead of keep playing. But it is never that approach, I don’t say today we need to have 60% or 20%.” Jacob Steinberg
Deciding not to sell Harrison Armstrong will quell unrest at Everton for now but perhaps not for long. Factions are apparent. David Moyes has been on the defensive since the chief executive, Angus Kinnear, said the Friedkin ownership group saw last season as a “failure”. Moyes aligned himself with those fans at Bournemouth threatening to protest should Armstrong be sold to Nottingham Forest. Selling a local boy for “pure profit” was beyond the pale. “I’d say the manager’s an Evertonian,” Moyes said. “Supporters aren’t always wrong.” His harking back to harmonious working relationships at Preston and his initial spell at Everton was pointed. A manager who faced criticism as Everton slumped in the closing months of the season threw it back to his employers. “I have said we could do with strengthening,” he said, after a performance where the lack of a proper right-back was apparent. The remainder of the transfer window, in which Everton have little wriggle room, may deepen battle lines. John Brewin
Matthias Jaissle laughed when asked if he felt a responsibility to develop players who had signed for the club before he had. “The job of the coach is to get the best out of your players,” the Newcastle manager replied. With all the focus before Saturday’s game on summer spends and squads in transition, Jaissle built victory over Spurs with revitalised performances from players written off after poor seasons. Yoane Wissa led the line with ferocious energy, Anthony Elanga took his chance coolly to open the scoring. There was also an energetic showing from Joe Willock, and even an assist for the maligned Nick Woltemade. New signings were impressive too – notably Nico González and his range of passing – with more to be bedded in still. But Jaissle has shown he can build a team from the parts available, an achievement that can make victories feel all the more sweeter. It is notable that the Toon Army seem very much onboard with their German head coach already. Paul MacInnes
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