3 Things We Learned in Gameweek 7: Premier League 24/25

The Premier League delivered yet again as we saw an 8-goal thriller between Brentford and Wolves, fights breakout in Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest and Spurs being Spurs yet again (when will the pain ever end for me). Here are 3 things we learned in Gameweek 7 in the Premier League - notable mention for James Ward-Prowse and his dynamic goal-saving abilities outfield.

Saka Scintillates Again

Bukayo Saka, already one of the best wingers in the world, is now pushing for the best winger in world football after another incredible performance in Arsenal's 3-1 win against struggling Southampton.

The star boy was involved in all 3 Arsenal goals with 1 goal and 2 assists, providing devastating pace and delivery down the right-hand side. Saka had an xGI of 1.24 including: 71 touches, 92% pass completion rate, 7 key passes and 3 big chances created. He left The Saints at sixes and sevens as he ran rings around them.

What I find remarkable with Saka is his consistency when it comes to ball delivery. Whether on corners or from open-play, the Englishman always crosses with precision and pace. For Martinelli's goal, the intelligence to see the late run and deliver the ball bang on the six-yard box is ridiculous skill and ingenuity.

If Arsenal can deliver trophies this season, I could see Saka making a claim to be in the FIFA Team of the Year. His main competitors could be Salah, Raphinha, Rodrygo and many more. But Saka's level of consistency is unreal, fully deserving of Premier League glory and world-class status.

Jonny Evans Rolls Back the Years

In rather turbulent times in Manchester, The Red Devils managed to secure a 0-0 draw against a confident Villa side away from home. Many tipped The Villains to thrash United but key performances from Onana and Evans gave Man United a fighting chance. It is worth remembering that the Northern Ireland international is no spring chicken at 36, but still demonstrated a defensive masterclass.

He finished the game with some good numbers: 3 clearances, 4 tackles, 5 aerial duels won (100%), 6 ground duels won (86%). Yet, the most intriguing number was that he was not dribbled past once, despite being an aging and slow defender. Evans kept Watkins at bay, dropping back to ensure Watkins couldn't stay tight to him and get in behind, using his defensive intuition to limit Watkins' threat. Watkins was limited to 2 shots, both of which were off target.

In a time in Manchester United's season where pressure has been mounting, sometimes turning to the old ways is not so bad. Evans will likely not get consistent game time but his knowledge and leadership is vital for The Red Devils and Ten Hag in a tricky period.

VAR Frustrates Again

Week on week I've been trying to keep VAR out of the limelight but I felt that now was an appropriate moment to bring your attention to it again. I'm referring this weekend to Crystal Palace's claims for a penalty as Marc Guéhi was impeded by Virgil van Dijk.

VAR wrote this tweet to explain the decision:

"The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by van Dijk on Guéhi is checked and confirmed by VAR - deeming that the challenge was not sustained holding and had no impact on the play."

I implore football followers to watch the video back. What a find incredible is that van Dijk uses 2 hands to forcefully hold Guéhi back, preventing him from closing down Alisson and possibly having an effect on the goal, even if the ball didn't drop down to him.

The term "sustained holding" is yet again another grey area in the book of VAR. What exactly defines "sustained holding"? Is it the force? Is it the duration? Is it where the offence takes place (if this was outside of the box it would've been given no doubt)? VAR's raise of the bar is sometimes ludicrous, not even giving the referee on field an opportunity to review the situation.

In West Ham's 0-3 loss to Chelsea, a similar situation occurred when Fofana pulled back Summerville.

The passage of play was described as a "fleeting" moment, and deemed not enough for a penalty. Whilst where the dubious offence began is difficult to identify, Fofana clearly impedes Summerville and prevents him from reaching the ball, denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

In my opinion, the van Dijk foul was longer contact as well as being more forceful yet, was not reprimanded. Conversely, I would have no issue if the referee was referred to have a second look and not give the penalty as then the referee has the final verdict on the event. But, for me, VAR is taking away the referee's responsibility to have another look on proceedings. VAR is here for a reason, to get things correct as often as possible, permitting objectivity.

On the other hand, one could argue that the guidance for referees needs to be updated or better clarified like had been done with handballs where we now see more logical handballs being given. The same may be needed with other rules of the game.