Three talking points from the Premier League
Arsenal seized the Premier League lead from Liverpool as the reigning champions suffered a concerning third consecutive loss against Chelsea.
The Gunners secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Ham to move into first place while Manchester City remain strong title contenders following a narrow 1-0 win at Brentford, fuelled by Erling Haaland's ongoing scoring prowess.
Antoine Semenyo's brace propelled Bournemouth into fourth position, whereas Ange Postecoglou continues to search for his first victory as Nottingham Forest manager after a 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
AFP Sports highlights three key themes from the weekend's Premier League action.
Liverpool missing Trent
Arne Slot has a two-week international break to address Liverpool's recent downturn in form.
The Reds' decision to overhaul the squad that triumphed last season has proven unsuccessful so far, despite a record investment of nearly £450 million ($606 million) on new players.
Although Liverpool began the campaign with a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, inconsistent displays were often hidden by moments of individual brilliance and last-minute goals.
Hugo Ekitike remains the only recent signing to have made a strong impression, yet he was notably absent from the starting lineup during the 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge as £125 million forward Alexander Isak took his place.
Neither Isak nor £100 million attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz have scored in the Premier League this season. Their integration, combined with Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid, has significantly disrupted Slot's squad balance.
The Dutch manager has frequently relied on Dominik Szoboszlai, a midfielder, to cover the right-back role previously occupied by Alexander-Arnold.
Mohamed Salah is also finding it difficult without the creative support he formerly received from Alexander-Arnold, the Premier League's all-time leading defender for assists.
Liverpool trail Arsenal by just one point, and their abundance of attacking options under Slot should eventually deliver results.
However, having finished as runners-up for the past three seasons, Mikel Arteta's team are now well positioned to end their title drought since 2004.
Is Postecoglou Likely to Retain His Position?
Postecoglou remained characteristically resolute, affirming his commitment to reversing Nottingham Forest's fortunes.
Yet after only seven matches in charge, doubts are already emerging about whether the club's demanding owner, Evangelos Marinakis, will grant the Australian sufficient time.
Following a 3-2 Europa League loss to Midtjylland on Thursday, some Forest supporters called for Postecoglou's dismissal.
Marinakis' decision to end Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure over personal differences was widely criticised, especially after the Portuguese manager guided the club into European competition for the first time in three decades.
Forest now find themselves nervously looking over their shoulder, sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
During Postecoglou's brief spell, the team have been eliminated from the League Cup by Championship side Swansea and collected only one point from their opening two Europa League matches.
Semenyo's Dedication Boosts Bournemouth
Remaining unbeaten since the season's opening fixture at Anfield, Bournemouth have overcome the departure of several key players during the transfer window.
The Cherries received over £150 million from the sales of defenders Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi, who secured high-profile moves to Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
In contrast, Semenyo demonstrated his loyalty by agreeing to a new contract with the club.
The Ghanaian has scored six goals and provided three assists in seven matches, making him the second-highest Premier League scorer this season behind only Haaland.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola stated, This extension is crucial as it reflects his desire to stay with the club.
It demonstrates his satisfaction and confidence in the direction we are heading.