Premier League talking points: Alexander Isak, Bryan Mbeumo shine as Arteta get the better of old mate

Alexander Isak is beginning to look like the striker Liverpool believed they were buying when they smashed the English transfer record to sign him from Newcastle United for £125 million.

The Sweden international of Eritrean descent has already scored three Premier League goals this season – matching his entire tally from an injury-hit first campaign at Anfield – and his latest performance suggested the forward is finally finding his rhythm under Andoni Iraola.

Isak needed just 10 minutes to settle Friday’s meeting with Ipswich, scoring twice to secure Liverpool’s first victory of the Iraola era. After a difficult introduction to life at Anfield, the 26-year-old appears to have benefited from a full pre-season and the confidence gained from his performances at the World Cup.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes there was never any question about Isak’s ability.

“I don’t think the quality is anything that we doubt,” said Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk.

“We’ve seen how good he is playing against him and now he’s going to show the world with a Liverpool shirt as well.”

The early signs suggest Isak could become one of the defining attacking figures of the Premier League season.

Mbeumo, Sesko lead United’s attacking response

Manchester United may have serious questions to answer defensively, but their attacking options again offered encouragement in the dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton.

Bryan Mbeumo, a Cameroonian international, produced another composed finish to put United ahead.

Benjamin Sesko then came off the bench to score an excellent goal, while Marcus Rashford continued to provide a threat as United repeatedly exposed Everton’s defence.

But United’s attacking promise was undermined by another fragile display at the other end.

Everton twice recovered from going behind, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles producing a spectacular strike virtually with the final kick of the game to rescue a point for David Moyes’ side.

The result leaves United already five points behind the leaders and raises fresh concerns about the decision not to strengthen their defence during the transfer window.

Arsenal hand Alonso a painful reality check

Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the campaign by overturning an early Chelsea lead and delivering Xabi Alonso a timely reminder of the gulf between promising challengers and genuine title contenders.

Chelsea had entered the Emirates with considerable optimism after an impressive start to Alonso’s reign. Seven goals in victories over Fulham and Brighton, followed by a League Cup win over Luton, had suggested the Blues could challenge Arsenal and Manchester City at the summit.

Morgan Rogers strengthened that belief when his stylish volley put Chelsea ahead inside two minutes.

Arsenal, however, responded with the composure expected from champions.

Kai Havertz exposed weaknesses in Chelsea’s three-man defence when he drifted towards the edge of the area before firing a low effort that beat Emiliano Martinez.

Chelsea’s attacking trio of Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro struggled to make the same impact after their early breakthrough, as Arsenal’s defence – featuring a first start for Ezri Konsa – gradually took control.

The Gunners completed the turnaround five minutes after half-time when Martin Odegaard finished a flowing team move with precision.

For Alonso, it was a valuable lesson against a side operating at a different level.

City win, but United’s defensive alarm grows

Manchester City also preserved their perfect start with a narrow 1-0 victory over Coventry, although Pep Guardiola’s side were less convincing than Arsenal.

The result nonetheless keeps City alongside the Gunners at the top, with the two sides already beginning to separate themselves from the chasing pack.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have work to do.

Everton’s late equaliser exposed defensive weaknesses that had already appeared against Hull and Ipswich. With Manchester City next on the schedule, Michael Carrick’s decision not to reinforce his back line could prove costly.

United have the attacking quality to compete, with Mbeumo and Sesko among those offering genuine firepower. But unless that attacking strength is matched by greater defensive stability, the gap to Arsenal and City could widen quickly.