The Premier League weekend brought another round of excitement, tactical intrigue, and fresh storylines as new faces made their mark and established stars reaffirmed their worth. From Old Trafford to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the weekend’s matches showcased the unpredictable drama that continues to make English football the world’s most-watched league. Among the standout performances, two names emerged prominently — Senne Lammens and Mohammed Kudus.
Lammens, the young Belgian goalkeeper, marked his Manchester United debut with a composed and commanding display, earning a clean sheet that silenced doubts over the Red Devils’ defensive stability. Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus reminded Tottenham fans why his signing was worth every penny, turning in a masterful display of creativity and energy that lifted Spurs to an important result. But beyond those headline acts, the weekend also provided plenty of talking points — from defensive lapses to inspired substitutions — that painted a vivid picture of where each club stands in their early-season journey.
Lammens’ Commanding Debut United Find a Safe Pair of Hands
When Erik ten Hag named Senne Lammens in the starting lineup for Manchester United’s clash against Crystal Palace, eyebrows were raised. The 22-year-old Belgian, signed quietly from Club Brugge, had been seen more as a long-term prospect than an immediate solution. Yet with André Onana unavailable due to a minor injury and Altay Bayındır struggling for form, Ten Hag handed Lammens the opportunity — and the young keeper did not disappoint.
From the first whistle, Lammens exuded confidence. His positioning was sharp, his distribution crisp, and his communication with the backline surprisingly assured for a debutant. Palace attempted to test him early with high balls into the box, but Lammens’ aerial command stood out — claiming crosses that Onana himself had sometimes hesitated over.
The defining moment of his debut came in the 63rd minute, when Palace’s Eberechi Eze broke free and unleashed a low curling effort toward the bottom corner. Lammens’ reflex save, stretching fully to his left, not only denied a certain goal but also drew a roar from the Stretford End. His calm presence radiated confidence through the back four, with Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane visibly more composed under pressure.
After the match, Ten Hag praised the youngster’s professionalism:
“Senne has trained with real focus, waiting for his chance. Today, he showed everyone what he can bring — calmness, intelligence, and courage.”
For Manchester United fans, Lammens’ performance was more than just a promising debut — it was reassurance that the club’s future between the posts might be in good hands.
Kudus the Catalyst Tottenham’s Spark of Brilliance
Over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mohammed Kudus produced a performance that perfectly encapsulated his style — fearless, inventive, and relentlessly energetic. The Ghanaian international, who joined Spurs from West Ham in the summer, was instrumental in Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Brentford, proving that he has quickly adapted to Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic attacking philosophy.
Kudus operated as a roaming playmaker, drifting between the lines and unsettling Brentford’s compact defense. His first-half goal, a curling effort from just outside the box, highlighted not only his technical brilliance but also his growing confidence in a Spurs shirt. Beyond the goal, his influence on the tempo of Tottenham’s play was immense — constantly linking with James Maddison and Son Heung-min, creating a fluidity that Brentford struggled to contain.
But what truly impressed was Kudus’ work ethic. Even after his side took control, he continued pressing high and tracking back to help defensively. His blend of flair and discipline has quickly made him a fan favorite, and his performance sparked discussions about Tottenham’s potential to break into the top four again.
Postecoglou, known for nurturing attacking talent, couldn’t hide his admiration post-match:
“Kudus brings energy and creativity. He’s brave with the ball, but he also does the hard work when we don’t have it. That’s exactly the kind of player we want at Tottenham.”
Kudus’ display was a reminder of how modern football demands versatility — and how the Ghanaian’s adaptability could make him one of the season’s standout performers.
Manchester United’s Tactical Shift: Defensive Solidity Returns
While Lammens stole headlines, Manchester United’s improved defensive organization deserves recognition. Ten Hag’s men, often criticized for their inconsistency at the back, finally looked cohesive. The pairing of Varane and Martínez, supported by disciplined fullbacks Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, limited Palace to half-chances.
A notable tactical shift was the use of Casemiro in a deeper role, allowing Bruno Fernandes to push forward more freely. This adjustment not only stabilized the midfield but also reduced the pressure on Lammens, who benefited from fewer direct threats.
Analysts have noted that Ten Hag’s willingness to tweak his system shows a growing maturity in his management. After months of defensive fragility, United fans will be hoping that Lammens’ debut coincides with a broader turnaround in form.
Tottenham’s Resurgence Under Postecoglou
For Tottenham, the victory over Brentford continued a positive trend. After a turbulent season marred by inconsistency, the North London side appears rejuvenated under Postecoglou’s leadership. The Australian manager has instilled a sense of belief and fluidity that has reconnected fans with their team.
Kudus’ emergence as a central creative force perfectly complements Maddison’s vision and Son’s finishing. The trio’s chemistry has injected unpredictability into Tottenham’s attacks, reminiscent of the club’s prime under Mauricio Pochettino.
Defensively, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are growing into a formidable partnership, while goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario continues to prove reliable. The balance between defense and attack, often elusive in recent years, finally seems attainable.
With Kudus adding flair and energy, Tottenham are no longer just hopeful contenders — they are legitimate challengers aiming for Champions League qualification.
Premier League Hits and Misses The Weekend in Focus
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HIT – Senne Lammens (Manchester United)
The Belgian keeper’s dream debut could hardly have gone better. Calm, composed, and decisive, Lammens not only made crucial saves but also showed an understanding of Ten Hag’s build-from-the-back philosophy. If he maintains this form, he could create genuine competition for Onana — and perhaps even reshape United’s goalkeeping hierarchy.
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HIT – Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur)
Kudus’ ability to control games with flair and intelligence makes him a standout performer. His goal and overall influence prove he’s more than just a flashy attacker — he’s a difference-maker.
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HIT – Patrick Bamford (Leeds United)
Elsewhere, Bamford’s return to form for Leeds in the Championship drew attention, as he netted twice in their 3-1 win. His resurgence could be crucial for Leeds’ promotion hopes.
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MISS – Everton’s Lack of Cutting Edge
Sean Dyche’s Everton once again failed to convert chances in their 1-0 loss to Wolves. Despite solid defensive work, their attack continues to falter.
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MISS – Chelsea’s Inconsistency
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea struggled to maintain rhythm, drawing 1-1 against Nottingham Forest. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Blues remain unpredictable — a reflection of their ongoing rebuilding phase.
Lammens’ Future Can He Challenge for the No. 1 Spot
While it’s too early to make bold claims, Lammens’ debut raised valid questions about Manchester United’s goalkeeping hierarchy. Onana’s mixed start has left some supporters uneasy, and Lammens’ calm presence could offer Ten Hag an intriguing alternative in certain fixtures.
At 22, Lammens represents both potential and competition — a dynamic that could push Onana to rediscover his best form. His ability to play out confidently from the back aligns perfectly with United’s tactical evolution, and his maturity under pressure bodes well for his future.
If he continues to impress in cup games or substitute appearances, Lammens may find himself more involved in Premier League action than initially expected.
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