6) Howe’s capacity for analysis augurs well
The most impressive element of Bournemouth’s 4-0 schooling by Manchester Citywas Eddie Howe’s post-game demeanour. The manager might have offered weary acceptance of the defeat due to the high-end talent of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and company. But, no. He was cross his side had not managed to disrupt them and sent a message that he, like Pep Guardiola, is on the drive for constant improvement. Howe said: “My nature is always to analyse and reflect that we could have done something different. You only get one shot at it and we didn’t make a good fist of it.” Pushed if he could admire City, Howe said: “I can do that when I’m watching the game and they’re playing someone else. There’s no appreciation of how good they are. It’s just focusing on our team and how we can stop them and get a foothold in the game.” It is precisely this attitude that may allow Howe to reach the very top himself. Jamie Jackson
Injuries: None.
7) Pickford shines but may be harmed by defeats
On another day and with another goalkeeper, Sunderland could have conceded half a dozen against Tottenham. Jordan Pickford, who was in possession of the ball more than any other visiting player at White Hart Lane, undoubtedly has all the attributes to become one of the best keepers in the country. However, is facing a deluge every week going to be good for him in the long run? The defenders in front of the 22-year-old are so poor and never too far away from committing a cheap error that his reputation will be embellished when he saves his team time and again. Yet he could badly do with a game where he does not have to be in action every couple of minutes. Being part of a losing side, no matter the impressive nature of his performances, is not a good look. And for all the praise he is receiving, a defeat is never good for confidence. Alan Smith
Injuries Tottenham: Dembélé, Dier (both hamstring), Kane (ankle). Sunderland: None.
Suspended Sunderland: Januzaj (two yellows).
8) Fàbregas recall can give Chelsea much-needed control
It has been well flagged up since he got the Chelsea job that Antonio Conte’s gameplan is built upon high intensity and a lot of hard running. It is the prime reason Cesc Fàbregas has been left on the substitutes’ bench, but when they were being overrun by Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Friday night and badly in need of some control, the one midfielder that could provide it remained sitting in the dugout until six minutes from the end. There are several issues for Conte to iron out but it is clear he does not have the personnel required to execute his desired system to a high level. Arsenal are up next for Chelsea on Saturday evening and the Spain midfielder will, of course, relish an opportunity to get one over on his former club. With Nemanja Matic far from resounding, it may be time for the Spaniard to be given a first start of the campaign. AS
Injuries: None.
9) Absentee’s experience could be Taylor-made for Swansea
It does not get any easier for Francesco Guidolin. After defeat by Southampton,Swansea City face an unforgiving few weeks with a double-header against Manchester City next up before matches against Liverpool and Arsenal. It is now that Guidolin could do with leaning on the experienced heads within his group, including their talisman Gylfi Sigurdsson, the captain Jack Cork, Àngel Rangel and the estranged left‑back Neil Taylor. The defender has been a consistent performer over the past six years in south Wales – and for his country at Euro 2016 – but was omitted from Guidolin’s matchday squad at Southampton after being substituted during the first half against Chelsea. Taylor, though, will be given another opportunity to impress against City on Wednesday, according to his manager. “In this period I prefer Stephen [Kingsley],” said the Italian, who was forced to bat way questions as to whether his players respected him enough in his post-match press conference. “Kyle Naughton can play left-back as well so I do not need another left-back on the bench. If Neil against Manchester City shows me other or different things, I’m ready to change. It’s not a problem between me and him. I spoke with him yesterday and he is ready for Wednesday.” Taylor will not change everything of course but his experience could prove invaluable in coming weeks. After flitting between formations and personnel, a return to the basics is needed for a team who have not tasted victory since 13 August, the first day of the Premier League season. It is usually at this point that Swansea would look to Ashley Williams, the leader they lost to Everton in the summer. Ben Fisher
Injuries Southampton: Jay Rodriguez (leg, will miss League Cup match with Crystal Palace on Wednesday). Swansea City: None.
10) Resurgent Chadli making up for lost time
Nacer Chadli found game time hard to come by at Tottenham last season, which perhaps explains why he looks in such a hurry to make up for lost time since joining West Bromwich Albion last month. The Belgium international missed out on the European Championship after spending much of last season on the bench and, having previously spoken of his pride to play for the Red Devils, the omission must have hurt. He gave one of the most economical performances in recent memory against a diabolical West Ham on Saturday, scoring twice and assisting the other two goals despite having only 39 touches of the ball. That was fewer than every West Ham outfield player with the exception of Simone Zaza, who was hooked at half-time. Chadli can flourish at the Hawthorns and become their go-to player. Is it beyond the realms of possibility that he could finish the season in double figures for goals? AS
Injuries: None.
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