🔬 The Debrief on Saturday’s Premier League action

Five Premier League games took place on Saturday, with half of the top flight in action.

Here’s what we made of it all.

What happened? 📝

Liverpool played with 10 men for over 70 minutes but they fought back twice to draw 2-2 with Fulham at Anfield, dropping two vital points in the title race.

However, Arsenal were unable to capitalise as Arteta’s side could only manage a 0-0 draw with their Merseyside rivals Everton.

At the other end of the table, Ipswich piled the pressure on Gary O’Neil as a late Jack Taylor goal gave them just their second win of the campaign.

But Leicester City’s good form came crashing down as they were thrashed 4-0 by Newcastle United.

There was also late heartbreak for Aston Villa, who threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 against midlands rivals Nottingham Forest in the late kick off.

Player of the Day 🔥

He may have had a slow start to the season, but it seems like Alexander Isak is firing on all cylinders again now for Newcastle after another goal and an assist against Leicester City.

Stat of the Day 📊

What a time for Forest to get it…

What this means 🤔

With Liverpool and Arsenal both dropping points, the focus moves to Chelsea on Sunday, who can close the gap at the top to just two points with a win.

Ipswich Town are also moving up, and are just a point away from safety, though Wolves are at risk of being cut adrift.

Newcastle’s win moved them up to 11th, but the congested nature of the table means that they are just five points outside the top four, with fourth place now occupied by Nottingham Forest following their win over Aston Villa.

What they said 🗣

📸 Carl Recine – 2024 Getty Images

Under pressure Wolves manager Gary O’Neil pulled no punches after his side fell to defeat again, warning his players they needed to step up or be replaced.

“You need to be good enough or you get replaced, that goes for me and it goes for the players – especially at Premier League level.”

But Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was happy to be on the right side of lady luck for a change this season.

“We have missed out on points lately that we feel we should have won. To pick up those points was really good. We will train this week and take each one as it comes. We will enjoy every one.”

Everton’s Jordan Pickford was very happy to escape north London with a point.

“Two defeats in 10 or 11. The discipline is there. Against Arsenal you’d smash and grab a point all day long. I made some good saves at good times. The lads made some brilliant blocks. A good performance from everyone.”

Despite dropping points, Arne Slot was keen to praise his players, who rescued a draw with 10 men.

“I don’t think I could’ve asked for more from my players, especially after going down to 10 men. I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of performance and results.”

And Anthony Elanga hailed a new, ruthless Nottingham Forest after their win over Aston Villa.

“We’re playing good football, and that’s all credit to the manager. It’s how the manager wants us to play. The season is very very long, and we have to take it game by game. Just enjoy the journey really. Last year was very difficult for us. Now we’re more clinical in front of goal, and long may it continue.”

What’s next? 👀

It’s a long Sunday of Premier League action, with another 10 teams facing off across the day.

It begins with Brighton against Crystal Palace, before the Manchester Derby takes the primetime Sunday afternoon spot.

However, thanks to European commitments, Chelsea (Vs Brentford) and Tottenham (Vs Southampton) both play in an even later Sunday slot.

📸 Shaun Botterill – 2024 Getty Images