Five Things We Learned from the Premier League Weekend
1. Has Ruben Amorim Inherited an Impossible Job?
Before the season began, there was a wave of optimism surrounding Manchester United. New owners and arrivals were expected to propel the Red Devils back into the top four. However, the reality has been starkly different. With Erik ten Hag’s departure and Ruben Amorim’s arrival, United have struggled to find their rhythm. The team managed a fortunate draw against Everton, marking just four wins in 15 league games under the new manager.
Amorim’s transition to Old Trafford has not been smooth. He initially wanted to stay at Sporting Lisbon until the summer, but a now-or-never stance from Manchester United forced his hand. The Portuguese manager has faced significant challenges, as his squad seems ill-suited to his tactical approach. The silver lining is Patrick Dorgu, Amorim’s sole senior signing, who showed encouraging form in the draw against Everton. However, Amorim needs more to implement his complex system. The club’s financial constraints, exacerbated by Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures, make a quick fix highly improbable.
2. Rashford’s Renaissance at Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford was a casualty of the changing dynamics at Manchester United, deemed unsuitable for Ruben Amorim’s methods. However, a move to Aston Villa has breathed new life into his career. Rashford came off the bench to assist in both goals as Villa overcame Chelsea 2-1 at Villa Park. This performance followed an impressive substitute appearance against Ipswich the previous weekend. Since joining Villa, Rashford leads all Premier League players in big chances created (4), and is tied for the most successful dribbles (15) and assists (2). His resurgence is a clear indication that a fresh start can reinvigorate a player’s form and confidence.
3. Quality Gap Between Top Two Tiers a Growing Concern
For the second consecutive season, all three promoted teams are heading back to the Championship. Southampton, rooted to the bottom, have just nine points and have not eclipsed Derby County’s record low of 11 points after 26 games. Leicester, who replaced Steve Cooper with Ruud van Nistelrooy, has lost 11 of their last 15 games. Ipswich, in 18th place, has not won a Premier League game in 2025. This season’s struggles highlight a concerning quality gap between the Premier League and Championship.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of parachute payments, which have given recently relegated teams a financial boost, disrupting the competitiveness of the second tier. The top three teams in the Championship have all spent time in the Premier League in the last two seasons. This phenomenon is raising questions about the need for more support and development within the Championship to avoid the Premier League becoming a closed shop.
4. Guehi Not the Only Palace Defender in Demand
Crystal Palace has been a haven for developing and retaining talented defenders. Marc Guehi, despite receiving huge offers from Newcastle and Tottenham, has remained with the club. Interest in Guehi is expected to intensify in the summer, with his contract running down to just 12 months. However, Guehi might not be the only Palace defender attracting attention.
Daniel Munoz, an £8m signing from Genk, has been a revelation at full-back. His goal against Fulham was a highlight, and he has consistently impressed with his attacking and defensive contributions. Munoz ranks in the top six percent of full-backs in Europe for non-penalty xG, attacking penalty area touches, tackles, and aerial duels won per 90.
Maxence Lacroix, an £18m replacement for Joachim Andersen, has also been a standout performer. Lacroix, who impressed under Oliver Glasner at Wolfsburg, has adapted well to English football. In the win against Fulham, he made 12 clearances and won 100% of his defensive duels. These performances highlight Crystal Palace’s ability to identify and develop quality defenders, making them a valuable asset to the team and potential targets for other clubs.
5. The Good and Bad of Jeremy Doku and Trent Alexander-Arnold
One of the defining moments in Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool was the performance of Jeremy Doku and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Doku, the Belgian winger, gave Alexander-Arnold a torrid time, dancing around him with ease. Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties were on full display, as Doku dribbled past him 11 times in the game—a Premier League record since 2016/17. Doku’s pace and agility were a constant threat, but he struggled to convert his promising positions into goals, a recurring issue in his career.
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, demonstrated why Liverpool values him despite his defensive shortcomings. His passing range and vision were on full display, with an exquisite cutting pass setting up Mohamed Salah for the second goal. Another audacious outside-of-the-boot ball further emphasized his creativity. Liverpool’s willingness to accept his defensive flaws in exchange for his attacking contributions underscores his critical role in the team.
Conclusion
The Premier League weekend provided a wealth of insights, from the challenges facing Ruben Amorim at Manchester United to the resurgence of Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa. The quality gap between the top two tiers remains a significant concern, and Crystal Palace’s defenders continue to attract attention. The battle between Jeremy Doku and Trent Alexander-Arnold highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both players. These developments provide a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of the Premier League and the challenges that lie ahead.
