Gameweek 5 arrives with little respite for clubs and a compact schedule that could reshape early-season narratives. Several clear storylines emerge, from late finishes and goal droughts to managerial pressure and assertions of title intent.

Liverpool’s habit of scoring decisive late goals has become a defining trait this term. All five of their matches in all competitions have featured decisive strikes from the 83rd minute onwards, and the Reds’ recent fixtures suggest another Merseyside derby at Goodison Park could again produce late drama. James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser last season and past late efforts by Gary McAllister, Sadio Mané and Divock Origi underline the fixture’s capacity for last-gasp moments.

Wolverhampton Wanderers remain the only Premier League side without a point and face newly-promoted Leeds United at Molineux in a match the Old Gold will view as a must-win. Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to miss out again, leaving Wolves with the problem of replacing his goalscoring output, though home advantage offers hope of a first league point.

Tottenham Hotspur have started well under Thomas Frank, following three wins from four in the Premier League with an important Champions League victory over Villarreal. Their trip to Brighton will test Tottenham’s top-four credentials; last season Spurs lost both meetings with the Seagulls and have suffered four defeats in seven meetings.

Alejandro Garnacho is still being eased into life at Chelsea and is likely to feature in Chelsea’s trip to Manchester United, the club he left over the summer for £40 million. Garnacho “will be desperate to silence his former followers” if given the chance, though a hostile reception is expected at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim, the United head coach, will be focused on a response after a subdued display against Manchester City and remains under pressure following a recent defeat to Chelsea.

Aston Villa head to Sunderland still searching for a Premier League goal after two goalless draws and two defeats. Harvey Elliott scored in the Carabao Cup midweek, but Villa must end their league drought. Finally, Arsenal host Manchester City, a fixture that carries title implications after Arsenal’s earlier criticism for a negative approach at Anfield and Dominik Szoboszlai’s fine free kick that punished them in Gameweek 3.

The Premier League returns on Saturday, Sept. 13 after the September international break, and Gameweek 4 could bring a series of first appearances for players who arrived on deadline day. With many newcomers away for World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies immediately after signing, this weekend offers fans an early chance to see them in club colours.

At Liverpool, Alexander Isak is the most high-profile candidate for a league debut. Isak came on for Sweden during the international break in an upset loss to Kosovo. His preseason was disrupted by a standoff with his former club, but manager Arne Slot has suggested the striker is part of a long-term plan and that Liverpool will manage his introduction. Hugo Ekitiké and Cody Gakpo are also in the squad and could influence selection.

Aston Villa completed two deadline arrivals and Unai Emery will be keen to get both Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott on the pitch quickly. Sancho left Manchester United after being peripheral to Ruben Amorim’s plans at United this summer and now has an opportunity to impress his new manager. Elliott departs Liverpool as a Premier League champion and could have extra motivation to prove himself.

Manchester City reshaped the goalkeeper department with the arrivals of Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli after Éderson moved to Fenerbahçe. Trafford’s difficult outing against Tottenham Hotspur during the window may have influenced City’s business. Donnarumma could be in line to stake a claim for the number one role, with the Manchester derby a possible debut stage.

Newcastle lost Alexander Isak and brought in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa late in the window. Wissa scored 19 goals for Brentford last season while Woltemade netted 12 in the Bundesliga for VfB Stuttgart. Eddie Howe also added Anthony Elanga earlier in the summer, giving the club multiple attacking options.

Tottenham Hotspur reshaped their attack with Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons. Kolo Muani can provide cover amid Dominic Solanke’s injury concerns and Simons is expected to play a creative role while James Maddison is set to miss a considerable period.

Below is a brief club-player list mentioned in this piece:
Arsenal: Piero Hincapié
Bournemouth: Veljko Milosavljević
Brentford: Reiss Nelson
Brighton & Hove Albion: Charalampos Kostoulas
Burnley: Florentino Luís
Chelsea: Alejandro Garnacho
Crystal Palace: Christantus Uche
Everton: Tyler Dibling
Fulham: Kevin
Manchester United: Senne Lammens
Nottingham Forest: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Sunderland: Lutsharel Geertruida
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Tolu Arokodare

Several high-profile squad issues from the summer transfer period remain unresolved as windows in other countries stay open. A number of players who sought moves during the summer have seen potential destinations narrow, but transfers are still possible.

Emiliano Martínez looked to have said farewell to Aston Villa supporters at the end of last season but did not complete a move and now faces an uncomfortable return. He was linked with Manchester United late in the window, but United signed Senne Lammens instead. Martínez has been connected with the Saudi Pro League and could still be a target there; Galatasaray are another reported option after failing to sign Éderson.

André Onana has not actively pursued an exit and is content at Manchester United, yet the arrival of Lammens has altered the goalkeeper pecking order. Onana has been replaced by Altay Bayındır for all three of United’s Premier League matches this season and only featured in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town. A move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia remains a possibility if offers appear.

Tyrell Malacia was the only member of Manchester United’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ who did not secure an exit, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all leaving. A late loan to Elche fell through and the left back is currently in limbo, with first-team minutes at Old Trafford unlikely.

Raheem Sterling’s loan at Arsenal diminished his standing and a permanent exit from Chelsea did not materialise despite reported interest, including from Fulham. Sterling has never played abroad and, given Chelsea’s reported weekly wage commitment, a move away will be costly for the club if they fail to shift him.

Axel Disasi arrived at Chelsea from Monaco for £39 million but fell down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca and spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. Villa declined to sign him permanently and links to Bournemouth and Monaco did not progress. Chelsea continue to pay his reported wages and clubs in Turkey, Portugal or Saudi Arabia could offer a solution.

Yves Bissouma has been marginalised since Thomas Frank’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur and was even omitted from the club’s league phase Champions League squad. Reports link him with interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia as Spurs seek to recoup a fee before his contract runs down next summer.

Jamaal Lascelles has been pushed further down the pecking order at Newcastle United following the signing of Malick Thiaw. He has not featured this season, though he was on the bench for the goalless draw at Leeds United, and The Athletic reports Newcastle may allow him to leave this summer despite the domestic deadline.