Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend, featuring Yankuba Minteh, Liverpool’s return to form, and Manchester City’s lucky charm.
Five things we learned from the Premier League weekend
Minteh might be Brighton’s next gold mine
Brighton have banked a fortune in recent seasons, with only Chelsea and Manchester City making more from player sales over the last five seasons. Last summer saw Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra and Pervis Estupinan all leave for sizeable fees, but the Seagulls continue to impress.
There has been much talk about Carlos Baleba and potential interest from Manchester United, but Yankuba Minteh may be the next name to draw attention. The Gambian winger has been arguably Brighton’s standout this season and was excellent in the win over Leeds, involved in each of the opening two goals of the 3-0 win.
Minteh makes defenders look static with his sharp bursts of acceleration and nimble feet, the sort of game-opening attributes that will appeal to suitors. Given the fees spent on wingers, including Anthony Elanga, Noni Madueke, and more last summer, Minteh might be the next to command a significant sum.
Shot-shy Spurs shock Frank
Thomas Frank faced boos after Tottenham’s dreadful loss to Chelsea at the weekend, a derby clash that saw Spurs fail to land a glove on their rivals. Fortunately, for Frank, Guglielmo Vicario was in fine form to prevent an embarrassment.
In the 1-0 defeat, Spurs created an xG of just 0.05, their lowest-ever in a Premier League game since records began, dating back 504 games to the 2012/13 season. Creativity was badly missed in the absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevki, with Xavi Simons poor since arriving, after Spurs had missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. The positive is that, unlike last season, Spurs remain well placed despite some miserable performances. Frank, however, knows improvement is needed quickly if his team are to remain in the European chase.
“I would say that of course hurt massively,” Frank said.
“I’ve never been in charge of a team that created that little in one game. Never. So, that of course I will look into what we’ve been doing. That’s one thing. Everything is a little bit linked.”
0.05 – Tottenham’s xG total of 0.05 this evening was their lowest on record (since 2012-13) in a Premier League game, with this their 504th game in the competition since the start of 2012-13. Stalled. pic.twitter.com/wufuvPxT5r
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2025
Liverpool lean on old-guard
Liverpool snapped their losing streak with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield, a morale-boosting win ahead of a crucial week. The champions have struggled amid much change in the summer, and Arne Slot chose to lean on the tried and tested to turn around his side’s struggles.
Of the starting side against Villa, nine were part of last season’s title-winning squad. There was the mandatory inclusion of Giorgi Mamardashvili in place of the injured Alisson, while Hugo Ekitike – one of the few summer signings to make an instant impact – led the line.
Liverpool reverted to the trusted midfield of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai, a trio that enabled greater control of the engine room. This was much better for Liverpool, but leaves question marks over their new arrivals.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak cost a combined £241m in the summer, but neither have a clear role in this side. Similarly, Milos Kerkez was signed as the heir to Andy Robertson, though has failed to show the level that made him sought-after in the summer. Ahead of huge games against Real Madrid and Manchester City this week, Slot may choose to keep faith with the old-guard and build momentum.
Newcastle away-day blues continue
Eddie Howe said he could not defend Newcastle’s performance after watching his side beaten at West Ham. The Magpies were well below their best to crash to a 3-1 defeat at the London Stadium, to a West Ham side who had not won on home soil since February.
The result continues an inconsistent campaign for Newcastle, who are 13th in the table. Howe’s side have yet to win back-to-back games in the Premier League this season, while their away form is a huge concern. Defeat at West Ham extended their record on the road to five games without a win this season. Only Wolves and Fulham have taken fewer away points.
Newcastle United are now without a win in their last eight away games in the Premier League (D4 L4).
It’s their longest run without an away win in the competition since December 2021. 😬 pic.twitter.com/OE5hFmkavV
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 2, 2025
Is it time to question the summer recruitment? Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw have been super signings, but there’s an argument that none of Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Aaron Ramsdale or the yet-to-be seen Yoane Wissa have made the first XI better. £150m was spent on that latter quartet.
Nico O’Reilly – Manchester City’s lucky charm?
Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, extending his record to 13 goals in just 10 league games. Pep Guardiola has admitted his over-reliant side would have found it ‘tough’ with Haaland’s goals, but if the Norwegian is irreplaceable, Nico O’Reilly might just be City’s lucky charm.
The 20-year-old scored the third against Bournemouth to cap another accomplished outing for the academy graduate. O’Reilly has featured regularly this season, with City’s results improved with him in the side.
Pep Guardiola celebrates Nico O’Reilly’s goal 🥹@ManCity | @PepTeam pic.twitter.com/UD3ahjBVTg
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 2, 2025
In the Premier League, O’Reilly’s six starts have seen City remain unbeaten, winning five. Contrast that to his absence, where City have lost three of the four Premier League games he has not been named in the starting XI. O’Reilly brings balance to the backline, and Guardiola should stick with him.
Read –Â Premier League Team of the Week – Haaland, Rice, Gomez
See more –Â Man Utd trim delayed, Frank blanked and Scottish football’s mental week
