Adrian Kajumba reviews the notable players and highlights from Matchweek 3.
Comeback recognition: AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth has established itself as the Premier League's comeback specialists, having previously secured the Oracle Most Improbable Comeback award for their remarkable recoveries from half-time deficits against Nottingham Forest and Luton Town in the last two seasons. Their latest comeback against Everton, where they overturned a 2-0 deficit late in the match, puts them in contention for the award again. No other team has managed to win after being 2-0 down as late in the game as Bournemouth was at Goodison Park.
With just minutes remaining, Bournemouth appeared to be heading for defeat, a sentiment echoed by head coach Andoni Iraola, who acknowledged Everton's dominance. However, a sudden resurgence from Bournemouth capitalized on a significant drop in Everton's energy. The shift in momentum was evident as the shots on target tally flipped from 8-1 in favor of Everton to 6-0 for Bournemouth after the 86th minute. Antoine Semenyo, Lewis Cook, and Luis Sinisterra each scored during a remarkable nine-minute stretch, turning the game around. “We have done it before and had some good comebacks,” Iraola commented, reflecting on the belief sparked by their first goal.
Best set-piece execution: Aston Villa
Aston Villa has seen a notable enhancement in their set-piece tactics under coach Austin MacPhee, highlighted during their 2-1 victory against Leicester City. The opening goal stemmed from a meticulously planned routine. While many anticipated a cross into the penalty area from Youri Tielemans, Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins were positioned outside the box. With perfect timing, they made their runs into the area as Tielemans delivered the pass, allowing Ramsey to assist Amadou Onana for the goal.
Onana also scored from a set-piece during his debut at West Ham, heading in a corner. “We work on set-pieces a lot,” Onana remarked. “It’s hours and hours of repetition, so I’m pleased it paid off.”
Best pressing: Brentford
Southampton’s playing style is well-known, with manager Russell Martin emphasizing a passing game from the back. Brentford effectively capitalized on this approach at the Gtech Community Stadium. The first two goals came from Southampton being pressured into mistakes just outside their penalty area, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis losing the ball prior to Bryan Mbeumo's first goal, followed by a miscommunication between Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens leading to Mbeumo's second.
Selflessness award: Jacob Murphy
Late in the match against Tottenham, Jacob Murphy had the opportunity to become the hero as he found himself clear on goal with the score at 1-1. Instead of taking the shot himself, he displayed great awareness by passing to the better-positioned Alexander Isak, allowing Isak to score his first goal of the season. This unselfish play exemplifies Murphy’s team-first mentality, which did not go unnoticed by head coach Eddie Howe.
Key moment: Declan Rice
A small action by Declan Rice had significant consequences for him and Arsenal. They were performing well against Brighton & Hove Albion until Rice inadvertently flicked the ball away from Joel Veltman during a quick free-kick attempt. Having already received a yellow card for a foul on Veltman, this second incident resulted in Rice's second booking and the first red card of his career.