The Premier League's top ten talking points from the weekend

Tonali bids his heartfelt farewell

Newcastle's Sandro Tonali made his final Premier League appearance of the season, only days after admitting to breaking Italian betting laws. Tonali will find out the exact length of his almost unavoidable and hefty suspension this week. Newcastle should be able to function without him based on this data. By the time the Italy midfielder, Eddie Howe's headline £55m summer acquisition, came off the bench in the 69th minute, Crystal Palace had already been defeated by goals from Callum Wilso, Anthony Gordon, Sean Longstaff, and Jacob Murphyn. Howe's unstoppable squad - undefeated in eight games in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and allowing only three - must have worried Borussia Dortmund ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash. However, Saturday was about feelings, not numbers. "The hardest part is ahead for Sandro," Howe remarked, thanking fans for their "love" for a sobbing Tonali. Mrs. Louise Taylor 

Ortega seizes his opportunity

Pep Guardiola elected to rest Ederson for Brighton's visit, instead starting Stefan Ortega for the first time this season. Ederson had been to South America for two matches and had returned exhausted. The City manager is also aware that his backup goalkeeper requires playing time, and with no Carabao Cup matches, there will be less possibilities.

Though it might be challenging at times, it's my responsibility to support the group and never give up on Eddy," Ortega stated in a prepared statement. "I'm ambitious, so I'm not happy sitting on the bench, but we're a team." I make an effort to get ready as though I'm going to play because you never know what can occur and if you're not ready, you can't play.."

Villa emphasizes the Emery impact

Aston Villa's tremendous strides under Unai Emery may be evaluated by comparing previous season's home results against West Ham to Sunday's runaway rout. Last August, the club, still managed by Steven Gerrard, was booed off the field after a 1-0 loss to a West Ham side in dismal early-season form, and falling well short of the depth and talent they brought to Villa Park 14 months earlier. Despite this, only Danny Ings of that day's Villa starting eleven has left the club. Making such short work of David Moyes' squad was no aberration as an 11th consecutive home win, the rapid breakouts and furious finishes reminiscent of last month's same 6-1 thrashing of Brighton. Moussa and Pau Torres , The newcomers have made an effect, but it is the form of players like Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey, the hitherto unreliable attacker, that underscores their Basque manager's ability. Mr. John Brewin

Garnacho is deserving of a starting spot.

Marcus Rashford returned to something resembling his best with a stunning England goal against Italy last week, but it's still not clicking in Manchester United colors. After a 30-goal season for his team last season, the statistics were accurate in expecting a drop-off for Rashford, but one goal in 11 games for United this season is cause for concern. He's looked timid and confusing in the final third, and it wasn't until Alejandro Garnacho was added to the left wing at Sheffield United that Erik ten Hag's squad found their offensive rhythm - with Rashford shifted across to the right flank. Garnacho is such a gifted player that Ten Hag will find it difficult to keep him on the bench for much longer. Sharper, brighter, and more decisive than Rashford at the moment, he makes United a more dangerous threat in attack, as seen by his efforts in the buildup to Diogo Dalot's winner. Rashford may be in for a struggle. Dominic Booth., .

 

Sánchez faces criticism.

Mauricio Pochettino defended Robert Sánchez despite the Spaniard's mistake costing Chelsea all three points. "We are so happy with him," stated Pochettino of the 25-year-old. "Of course, he is disappointed and upset with his decision, but mistakes happen in football." It is not to point fingers. It's possible. It will come with experience, knowing when to remain calm and when to take risks, and we are still a very young squad getting to know one other." Sánchez was a surprising decision to replace Real Madrid-bound Kepa Arrizabalaga when he went to west London for an initial £20 million in August, having slid down the pecking order under Roberto De Zerbi previous season. If things don't improve, he may face pressure from understudy Djordje Petrovic, a Serbia international who joined the club from the New England Revolution in the summer. Ed Aarons' 

Poor refereeing in the mars derby

Sean Dyche was asked if the controversy surrounding Liverpool's controversial defeat at Tottenham, which led to Jürgen Klopp proposing a replay as the fairest solution to the VAR shambles, influenced Craig Pawson's decision not to show Ibrahima Konaté a second yellow card with the Merseyside derby at a stalemate. Thankfully, Everton manager David Moyes did not go down the conspiracy road, insisting that the referee had missed what was clearly in front of him during a performance replete with terrible decisions against both clubs. Pawson was bad throughout, looking to rely on VAR to save him on important calls (albeit it couldn't assist in the Konaté incident). He is not alone in this regard. Since the harmful introduction of VAR, the authority and quality of officiating at the top level have diminished. Pawson was only .another episode, not proof of a larger conspiracy. Andy Hunter

 

Elanga flourishes with Forest

Naturally, there was plenty of regret at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest surrendered a two-goal lead against Luton Town in the closing 10 minutes of the game, but there were some positives to take. Anthony Elanga was undesired at Manchester United and persuaded to transfer to the east Midlands rather than Everton. The Swedish winger has swiftly adapted under Steve Cooper and provided two assists for Chris Wood in Forest's most recent tie. After a stop-start career at Old Trafford, where he never came close to being a regular, he arrived with confidence that is developing the more he plays. Elanga is dangerous on either wing, which might become more significant now that fellow summer recruit Callum Hudson-Odoi has been ruled out for six weeks due to injury. Elanga should like the added responsibilities. WU

O'Neil makes a satisfying comeback

Gary O'Neil's feat of keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League last season appears even more impressive in light of his former club's troubles since his dismissal in the summer. O'Neil deserved much better from Bournemouth, and Wolves' triumph on his return enhanced his reputation. While Bournemouth's successor, Andoni Iraola, has been unable to convert his high-pressing style into wins since his hiring, with the team deep in relegation trouble, O'Neil has thrived once again despite considerable budget restraints. O'Neil stated: "There is a slight difference in depth between the squads." We obviously had a totally different summer than they had. We made an £8 million profit while they spent over £100 million, which is a significant difference." Wolves' loss has surely been Bournemouth's benefit. Mail from Simon

Fati scares the city

For the opening hour of their defeat to Manchester City, Brighton lacked danger. When Ansu Fati came off the bench, their troubles in the final third vanished. The Spain international, on loan from Barcelona, equalized late on at the Etihad, and his entire performance aided Brighton's tempo. With a clever pass over the top, he set up Kaoru Mitoma for a wonderful opportunity and was able to move City defenders about, something the Seagulls had struggled to accomplish for the whole of the game. Fati is in the Premier League to restart his career after breaking through at Barcelona but unable to establish a permanent spot .He has yet to play a Premier League game, but his cameo against City could win him one shortly. WU

 

Maupay has a lot to offer.

At Everton, Neal Maupay had the unenviable reputation of being a goalless striker. The hunt now spans 31 games, but back at Brentford, where he earned his reputation in English football, Maupay, making his first start since his loan return, shown that, while he is unlikely to surpass Ivan Toney's goal production, he can be a productive component of Thomas Frank's offensive trident. Both Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo scored, and Maupay's hold-up play as a center attacker was exceptional, playing vital roles in his teammates' goals. Despite a handful of missed opportunities Despite a feeble attempt that just touched James Trafford's palms, he talked confidently afterwards. "My entire life, I have scored goals," he said. "There's no denying that Ivan is a terrific striker. It'll be great to see him again. But my name is Neal Maupay, and I score goals as well." ,