Winners and losers from Matchday 4 of Premier League

James Sharman, Jim Brennan and Craig Forrest recap Manchester United's performance against Burnley plus Watford's magical start to the Premier League campaign.

With four matches played in the Premier League, the international window puts a halt on the proceedings for another couple of weeks.

Some players and coaches will enter the break on a high, while others will be raring to return to the pitch to correct their wrongs from the previous matchday.

Here are three winners and three losers from Matchday 4 of the Premier League.

WINNERS

Sanchez-Lukaku combo

Manchester United returned to winning ways on Sunday, thanks in large part to the dynamic duo of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku.

Sanchez was particularly effective, which has been an uncommon theme since he joined Man United in January. The Chilean created four chances, as did Lukaku, who generated two shots (and a goal) via Sanchez’s assists.

Burnley’s defence has been leaky, so critics will point out players of this calibre should produce man-of-the-match performances in these situations. But given United’s slow start and Sanchez’s disappointing stint at Old Trafford thus far, it was refreshing to see both players thriving.

Javi Gracia

Four games, four wins for Javi Gracia’s Watford as the international break begins. The Spanish tactician is also up for the Premier League manager of the month award for August.

The victories over Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley and Crystal Palace were somewhat expected. Defeating Tottenham, especially after conceding the first goal, is mighty impressive, to say the least.

Tottenham also held a perfect record entering Sunday’s match, until Gracia’s side completely nullified Spurs in the final third. The Hornets held their opposition to 11 shots, most of which were low-quality attempts, as evidenced by expected goals.

Watford’s midfield held firm against Tottenham, who struggled to foray into the penalty area. Credit centre-backs Christian Kabasele and Craig Cathcart for their efforts as well as Gracia, who begins September on a high.

James Maddison

Like against Manchester United in the season opener, James Maddison stood out against another Premier League giant, this time with England manager Gareth Southgate in attendance.

Maddison was somewhat quiet in the opening 20 minutes against Liverpool, but then he grew into the game and dictated the tempo of the match for Leicester City, which nearly resulted in a remarkable draw.

At this rate, the 21-year-old will end up in an England squad in the near future.

LOSERS

Mauricio Pochettino

It’s matches like these when the inactivity in the summer transfer market hurts Tottenham.

When gameplans go awry, which happens from time to time, it’s always reassuring to have one or two impact substitutes who can influence a match. Unfortunately for Mauricio Pochettino, he wasn’t able to salvage a result after Watford foiled his scheme.

Pochettino, clearly weary of the threat Watford pose on the counter, switched to a back three for this game. In doing so, Harry Kane, Lucas Moura, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen were bunched up together. Kane and Alli especially suffered because they excel at darting into the box. It caused far more commotion for Spurs as a result.

Kane and Alli’s combined touch map vs. Watford, via WhoScored.com. Both players registered just 11 touches in the box.

Ball-playing goalkeepers

It was a weekend to forget for Liverpool’s Alisson and Petr Cech of Arsenal.

Thankfully for them, both of their sides managed to win their respective matches in spite of their errors on the ball. Alisson’s was avoidable, though, while Cech is clearly uncomfortable as a ball-playing goalkeeper.

Alisson will likely commit the occasional error because he is comfortable on the ball. However, it’s evident that Bernd Leno has to start over Cech if Unai Emery sticks to this current system at Arsenal. A superior side to Cardiff City would’ve capitalized far more often and might’ve even defeated the Gunners in a similar situation.

A pair of United’s

Two of the three relegation spots are held by Newcastle United and West Ham United. Both are marquee English clubs that should be faring much better than 18th and 20th.

Newcastle is somewhat unlucky as they’ve already faced Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City, losing by a one-goal margin in each match. The draw with Cardiff City was, however, pretty unforgivable. West Ham, meanwhile, might need a few more weeks for new signings to settle into the team and learn Manuel Pellegrini’s system.

Regardless, it’s a sad sight to see two clubs of this stature who are struggling. Most of their issues are down to the higher-ups neglecting the club for several years, especially Newcastle with Mike Ashley.

Hopefully, for the sake of the fans, this trend doesn’t continue.

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