Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring Igor Thiago’s Brazil bid and a super start for Newcastle’s summer signing.
Igor Thiago making push for World Cup place
Brazil have been blessed with elite centre-forwards as a nation. The likes of Romario and Ronaldo Nazario are among the best the game has seen, but the South Americans have endured a dearth of out-and-out goalscorers of late.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Carlo Ancelotti is still searching for his main man. Could the answer be in the unlikely destination of Brentford?
Igor Thiago is having some season and extended his record to 11 goals in 13 league appearances this weekend. A brace against Burnley saw him close the gap on Erling Haaland in the Premier League Golden Boot standings.
Igor Thiago has been a goal machine for @BrentfordFC this season 🤖 pic.twitter.com/UNhHF7Ko3N
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 29, 2025
Thiago is uncapped for Brazil at any level, but after an unorthodox route from Cruzeiro, through Bulgaria and Belgium, he’s now thriving in the most competitive domestic league on the planet.
The 24-year-old is the leading scorer among Brazilian players across Europe’s major leagues. Ancelotti has been unconvinced by options including Richarlison, Joao Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Endrick, and Vitor Roque, while Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha has been used as an auxiliary number nine. The Brazil boss could do far worse than give Thiago an audition when the Spring fixtures roll around.
Sunderland made of stern stuff
There had been suggestions from some that Sunderland’s super start was beginning to fade. The Black Cats had gone three without a win in the Premier League, with some premature to claim the wheels might be coming off. Those claims were louder when Regis Le Bris’ side fell 2-0 down inside 15 minutes against Bournemouth this weekend.
Sunderland, however, are made of sterner stuff. A brilliant fightback had Sunderland level just a minute into the second half and, with momentum with them, Brian Brobbey’s goal sealed all three points. A rousing comeback sees Sunderland sit sixth as December arrives, ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham. They’re closer in points to leaders Arsenal than the relegation zone.
Sunderland have won a Premier League match coming from 2+ goals down for the first time ever 👊 pic.twitter.com/kTEsiKnlUR
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 29, 2025
Malick Thiaw a contender for signing of season
As many of the big-name summer signings have struggled this season, some less heralded additions have thrived. Sunderland have taken plenty of plaudits for their recruitment, with the likes of Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele and Granit Xhaka in the Signing of the Season conversation. Just up the road at Newcastle, another recruit has entered those thoughts.
Malick Thiaw has hit the ground running as a Premier League player, with the centre-back’s calming presence a noticeable addition to the Magpies’ backline. His defending has made Thiaw an instant fans’ favourite, though he showed another string to his bow this weekend.
Malick Thiaw, Malick Thiaw, Malick THIAW, THIAW, THIAW 🎶🔊 pic.twitter.com/PAlxsnLgI7
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) November 29, 2025
Thiaw scored twice in the 4-1 win at Everton, rising highest to score a brace and showcasing a striker’s instinct in the box. Signed for just a little over £30m from AC Milan, he’s emerged as one of the best-value deals of the summer window.
Aston Villa eye Champions League again
Aston Villa may have suffered a hangover from their Champions League disappointment last season. A controversial decision on the final day contributed to a defeat at Manchester United that saw Villa miss out on a place in Europe’s elite on goal difference. It was a devastating blow for The Villans, who opened the current campaign with a five-game winless run.
From there, however, Unai Emery’s side have found their groove. A hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolves this weekend made it five consecutive wins in all competitions, while it’s seven wins in eight games in the Premier League. Villa have surged into third and look well placed for another crack at Champions League qualification.
✅ 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞
📈 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 3rd 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘮Aston Villa are flying 🦁✨ pic.twitter.com/I6KXsnCoeP
— The Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) December 1, 2025
Isak goal needs to be Liverpool lift-off
Alexander Isak admitted his first league goal for Liverpool had been ‘a long time coming’. The record recruit opened his account in the Premier League at West Ham, with a fantastic first-time finish breaking the deadlock at the London Stadium.
Isak has endured a tough start since his £125m arrival in the summer and will no doubt be relieved to hit the back of the net for the first time in the league. His goal ensured Liverpool snapped their losing run, in what Arne Slot will hope is the kickstart for his team and number nine.
Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for @LFC 🔴✅ pic.twitter.com/g0uA0YyybJ
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 30, 2025
Liverpool face Sunderland (H) and Leeds (A) over the next week, in fixtures the Reds will be targeting maximum points from. Isak’s workload will be managed after missing pre-season, but he will be desperate to keep the momentum going. This needs to be the moment that ignites his – and Liverpool’s – fortunes this season.
Read – Premier League Team of the Week – Thiaw, James, Foden
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