Premier League talking points: Calvert-Lewin shines for Leeds, Wirtz runs Liverpool's comeback and Sage feels the heat

The latest round of Premier League fixtures delivered standout individual displays, controversial refereeing decisions and growing pressure on managers. Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his fine scoring form for Leeds, Florian Wirtz took charge as Liverpool fought back to beat Brentford, and Pierre Sage was left in a precarious position after Crystal Palace were thrashed in the derby against Brighton.

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin has five goals in ten games for Leeds and is pushing for an England role behind Harry Kane.
• Florian Wirtz created nine chances and drove Liverpool's comeback against Brentford.
• Pierre Sage is under enormous strain after Crystal Palace lost 5-0 to Brighton.
• Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed on his first league start for Manchester City.
• Sven Botman avoided a red card in Newcastle's defeat to Aston Villa.

Calvert-Lewin makes his case for an England call-up

Dominic Calvert-Lewin used his physical edge over Bryan Mbeumo at a corner to score his fifth goal in ten appearances for Leeds. The striker, who is clearly enjoying life at Elland Road, explained that he tried to create havoc, make things difficult for the defender and react quicker than anyone else to the flight of the ball.

I just tried to cause a ruckus. I make it difficult for the defender. I read the flight of the ball and was quickest to react.

His form puts him firmly in the conversation to be Harry Kane's deputy for England. The main question, as it has been for much of his career, is whether he can stay fit enough to hold down that spot over a sustained period.

Manchester United's rebuilt midfield earns a point at Elland Road

Manchester United took a draw from Elland Road in a match that offered encouraging signs in midfield. Carlos Baleba, signed from Brighton for £65 million, made his first start alongside Andrey Santos, a £50 million arrival from Chelsea, and the pair held their own against Leeds' combative trio.

Michael Carrick praised the two young players, noting that they are still adjusting to the club and that their performance was a massive positive. The downside came with Lisandro Martínez, who was withdrawn at half-time due to a tight thigh.

Wirtz steps up and builds connection with Muñoz

Florian Wirtz produced one of his best displays in a Liverpool shirt during the 2-1 win over Brentford. The German playmaker created nine chances and took on greater responsibility in the second half, particularly after the hosts were reduced to ten men.

Andoni Iraola was pleased with the growing understanding between Wirtz and Víctor Muñoz, the £34.5 million summer signing from Osasuna whose speed stretches defences. Both of Wirtz's league assists this season have set up Muñoz, and that partnership looks set to thrive in such a direct, vertical system.

Bouaddi announces himself with a composed Manchester City debut

Ayyoub Bouaddi made his first Premier League start for Manchester City and looked like an experienced campaigner. The teenager controlled the tempo against Ipswich, kept possession simple and reacted well to danger when required.

The Morocco international, an £85 million arrival from Lille, is competing with Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson for a midfield spot. Enzo Maresca joked about his performance and stressed that the club must protect the young player rather than overburden him every week.

Sage under threat at Crystal Palace and Newcastle's defensive worries deepen

Pierre Sage is walking a tightrope at Crystal Palace after the 5-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium. The result matched Brighton's biggest win in the rivalry and left Palace with 17 goals conceded in seven league games, the worst record in the division.

Steve Parish had already admitted during the international break that the Frenchman's position remained on high alert. The failure to properly replace Maxence Lacroix in central defence after his sale to Chelsea has added to the frustration. Thursday's Europa League trip to face Besiktas now looks like a defining moment.

Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa, with Johan Manzambi heading the first-half winner. Sven Botman was extremely lucky to avoid a red card for a dangerous challenge on Nicolas Jackson, an incident that highlighted the centre-back's decline since a serious knee injury three years ago.

The team has now gone thirteen consecutive Premier League home games without a clean sheet. That defensive fragility, combined with a lack of attacking threat — just one shot on target — raises questions about a change of system and personnel at the back. The win also marked Unai Emery's 100th Premier League victory as a manager.

Eze struggles to fit in at Arsenal and Sunderland stumble on two fronts

Eberechi Eze's move to Arsenal is raising more doubts with each game. The playmaker, used to being the main man at a mid-table club, was anonymous against Nottingham Forest and was replaced at half-time. His substitute, Noni Madueke, offered far more threat and scored the winning goal. With a Champions League trip to Bayern Munich on the horizon, Eze is running out of time to establish himself.

Sunderland's problems are piling up. Brian Brobbey's injury absence is beyond Régis Le Bris' control, but the defeat at Bournemouth was self-inflicted. Kevin Danso saw red in a performance full of defensive errors, and Granit Xhaka could not exert the influence he showed last season. With trips to Poznan, Milan and Anderlecht coming up, the squad is struggling to cope with competing on two fronts.

Frequently asked questions about the Premier League weekend