Brighton provide perfect response, Everton are embarrassed, Liverpool have concerns beyond defence and Rafael Benítez sees progress from afar
Eddie Howe has worked wonders in overseeing Bournemouth’s exhilarating rise but his present task looks rather less attractive. They have yet to win a point and, while a defeat at the Emirates Stadium is not cause for concern on its own, the warning signs are stacking up. On Saturday they lacked initiative, invention, power and presence; it was a non-event of a display and it clearly bothered Howe, whose team have looked flat in all bar the late reverse against Manchester City. “I’m worried by the performance,” he said. “The four performances we’ve had, I’d accept one of them. I won’t accept three of them. That’s a pretty damning verdict, so I have to do better to solve the issues we have and make sure we put on better displays in the future.” Friday’s home meeting against Brighton already looks significant and Howe was clear in stating points need to start coming soon. If nothing else, the return of the rhythm and tempo that used to characterise their play would be a step in the right direction. Nick Ames
Related: Excitement at painful odds with reality as Renato Sanches makes Swansea bow | Nick Ames
Related: The Dozen: the weekend’s best Premier League photos
Related: Kevin De Bruyne’s perfect touch delights Pep Guardiola and keeps Silvas at bay | Sachin Nakrani
Continue reading...