Manchester United and Sheffield United have some worrying stats to put right this weekend, while West Ham's Jarrod Bowen and Newcastle United can do little wrong right now.
You can get more weekend build-up on The Football News Show here
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Image source, Getty ImagesPaul Heckingbottom says Tommy Doyle "was what we were looking for and what we were after" but Sheffield United could not afford the midfielder.
Doyle made 38 appearances for the Blades as they won promotion last season and faces Heckingbottom's side with his new club Wolves on Saturday.
On whether Doyle was close to a Bramall Lane return in the summer, Heckingbottom said: "No. Listen, he wanted to and we'd have taken him, without a doubt. But City were keen to sell. Finances, that's all it was.
"I knew his character and also his technical ability. I was pretty sure he was what we were looking for and what we were after. He did great. We were good for him and he was good for us. I have nothing but praise for him, he's a good lad.
"We've had lots of good loans like that. Some [loan players] transition into it easier than others. Things fall into place and they can do it.
"I wouldn't necessarily say Tommy was like that, or Macca [James McAtee]. They had to fight and scrap to get in, and we had to work hard to get them to the level that would improve the XI.
"But it will always be about what you do on the pitch. Always."
Image source, Getty ImagesPaul Heckingbottom says speculation over his Sheffield United future is "a distraction" but maintains he has support from the club's hierarchy.
Reports the Blades boss was facing the sack after the 5-0 defeat by Arsenal were circulating but he feels such matters are part of the job when you're not winning.
"When you’re in this job, until anyone has done it sometimes results are the easier thing to take care of," he said.
"I can’t deny that results dictate how you feel a lot of time but football is the business you’re always in and what you enjoy doing. From that respect, I try and focus on that and make sure that part of the job is always at the forefront for me. Sometimes it’s not and there are a lot of distractions. This is a distraction but it’s not particularly different."
On if recent criticism has been unfair, Heckingbottom said: "No because we’re not winning. It comes with the territory.
"We continue to work. If you come in and see us, we continue to do the job as best we can and we will continue to push and push and push with the resources we’ve got and that wont change."
He said he doesn't need a statement from the club's owners showing their support: "Myself, Steve [Bettis], Prince Abdullah and the board speak all the time about lots of issues, the club going forward, where we need to improve, where we need investment. We speak all the time.
"It has to be [business as usual]. I’ve sat here lots of times and tried not to shirk any questions and I’m trying not to shirk this, but I’m probably the last person you need to be speaking to.
"What I can say is what I’m saying now. There’s nothing to add, nothing at all. We go about our work, we enjoy what we do but it’s a results business so there’s always going to be that when you’re not winning."
Paul Heckingbottom has been speaking to the media before Sheffield United's Premier League game against Wolves.
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Heckingbottom doesn't think the criticism he has faced is unfair and said: "We're not winning, it comes with the territory."
On whether a statement from the owners backing him would be welcome, Heckingbottom added: "No, I don't need that."
On if he feels the Blades are close to a win, Heckingbottom said: "There's evidence. We can talk about how close we’ve been, but that confidence will only come when we get over the line."
He added: "The belief has to be there, the performance has to be there, the energy has to be there to get in positions to scrap and fight to get over the line. Three points changes the outlook of the season, but it won’t change our approach."
Heckingbottom was asked whether the players-only meeting which took place this week was a good thing: "There's got to be some element of ownership, so I think it's healthy."
George Baldock "is in a good place" and is being considered for the weekend.
On whether Billy Sharp could return to the club after finishing with LA Galaxy, Heckingbottom said: "That ship has sailed."
On Wolves, he said: "They've got a real strong squad with some real talent. We know what type of team are coming to Bramall Lane and we know it's going to be tough."
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Sheffield United are only the fourth team in English top-flight history with one point or fewer in their opening 10 games of a season, along with Manchester United in 1930-31 (0), West Bromwich Albion in 1985-86 (1) and the Blades themselves in 2020-21 (1), all of whom went on to finish bottom of the table.
Wolves are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches (W2 D3), their best unbeaten run since June 2020 (eight in a row).
Sheffield United have conceded 29 goals in their first 10 Premier League matches this season, the most ever by a Premier League side at this stage of a campaign.
Wolves have the highest ratio of any Premier League team to have goals scored by substitutes (4/13). Sasa Kalajdzic has two of these and he has the best minutes-per-goal ratio of anyone to score in the Premier League this term - one every 26 minutes.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has conceded 29 goals in his 10 Premier League starts this season, with only Mark Travers (31) and David Watson (30) conceding more across their first 10 starts in the competition.
Wolves players have scored 12 goals in the Premier League this season (excluding own goals), with Hwang Hee-chan (6 goals, 1 assist) and Pedro Neto (1 goal, 7 assists) scoring the goal or providing the assist for all 12.
Ben Meakin, BladesPod, external
With every passing defeat it feels like a change of manager is less of a choice than an inevitability. I have a ton of respect for Paul Heckingbottom – both his achievements and how he’s handled himself – and would be genuinely sad if this is the end of his tenure.
Performances, though, have been even more concerning than results. We are the lowest scorers, with the worst defence. We have taken the fewest shots in the league, and allowed the most – by an upsettingly large amount.
We don’t keep the ball, with a pass completion percentage only a shade above Luton who play unapologetically fast and long football. No team has conceded as many shots from set pieces as United – something that I thought would be a strength.
A 'new manager bounce' is a phenomenon often cited by football fans, although that overlooks how often the 'bounce' coincides with a comparatively kinder run of fixtures than the one that got the previous boss the sack. Upcoming home games with Wolves and Bournemouth would fit that description.
I would like to see the club hold its nerve and give Heckingbottom those games at least to see if he can improve performances. I am at peace with relegation being a virtual certainty from here regardless, so it is all about the future – are we in a terminal decline with Heckingbottom, or is this merely reaping what was sown in the summer?
He has earned the right to show us either way.
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We asked for your views on Saturday's game between Arsenal and Sheffield United.
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Jonah: It was an all-round great performance from the team. While Eddie Nketiah and his hat-trick will be the headline, the whole team played well from William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior in defence to Bukaya Saka captaining the side from the wing. The whole team appeared to be more comfortable and confident. For the first time in years, we have a bench of players good enough to start.
Rob: Arsenal were absolutely awesome. Great to see Mikel Arteta changing the side and bringing Emile Smith Rowe back. Ben White was teriffic and Eddie Nketiah had the game of his life. I was also impressed with Kai Havertz and thought he put in a great shift. His goals will come.
Josh: Nketiah has had plenty of critics, both Arsenal fans and rivals. He’s a vintage number nine and I’m really pleased he’s getting his praise today. Whatever Arsenal fans think of him, he offers unbelievable cover for Gabriel Jesus. Arteta deserves praise for sticking with him through thick and thin.
Sheffield United fans
Jon: Awful, big changes are needed. The players are waiting for us to go behind so they can slump their heads. No battle, no passion, no tactics. Iliman Ndiaye clearly paved over the cracks last season. The whole club needs a reset from the top to the bottom. We're a mid-table Championship team at best.
Hasland: The Blades are simply not good enough to compete in the Premier League. The manager has had to compete against the world’s finest players with a squad of average Championship players. The Sheffield United manager’s job is a poisoned chalice.
Eric: Very poor. There are rumours Paul Heckingbottom is going - who do we bring in? Chris Wilder is old hat, he’s had his time and it would be a step backwards. God forbid Neil Warnock! We need someone with a Premier League proven track record, not an odd season here and there.
On the latest episode of the BBC's Blades Heaven Podcast, former Sheffield United forward Carl Asaba discusses Saturday's 5-0 defeat at Arsenal with fans and hears from manager Paul Heckingbottom and midfielder Ollie Norwood.
Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis of Friday and Saturday's five Premier League fixtures.
If you missed Match of the Day, then fear not- you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.
And Match of the Day 2 brings you a round-up of Sunday's games here.
Listen back to Saturday's commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:
Image source, Getty ImagesSheffield United have the ignominy of making the worst start after 10 games to a Premier League season, after losing 5-0 at Arsenal.
However, former Newcastle forward Alan Shearer said he has "sympathy" for Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom on Match of the Day: "They are shipping goals for fun - 29 let in through 10 games. You have got no chance when you are conceding that many goals.
"I do have a bit of sympathy for Paul Heckingbottom because what chance have you got when you sell two of your best players in Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye, before a ball is even kicked?
"All of a sudden, and straight away, you are under pressure."
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Blades have now recorded six straight losses in the Premier League, conceding at least two goals in each of those games.
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast it is right to "be harsh" on Sheffield United after their latest defeat at Arsenal: "They were really poor. They didn't offer anything going forward. They weren't brave in any way.
"I understand it because of the gulf in class between the two teams means they are so afraid of committing players forward as it will leave gaps in behind.
"However, I was here a few weeks back when Fulham [won] here. They committed players forward and it causes problems for the opposition and Arsenal suffered on that day. You've got to ask questions but there were none asked of Arsenal.
"David Raya made no saves. Nothing. No shots on goal for Sheffield United. I mean, how do you win a football game? It's embarrassing and really poor.
"What will really annoy Paul Heckingbottom is the goals that have been conceded. They were set pieces. Don't come to the Emirates and concede from set pieces. Make sure you're at least organised for them. If beaten, be beaten by quality.
"It's been far too easy as Sheffield United didn't lay a glove on them. I think there will be some harsh words or, if there's not, there should be."
Marissa Thomas, BBC Sport
It was another difficult afternoon for Sheffield United as they were comprehensively beaten at Emirates Stadium.
The Blades had two shots in the game, none on target, and lacked an attacking threat throughout the match.
Rhian Brewster made his first start of the season, replacing the injured Oli McBurnie, but he was unable to make an impression in the struggling United side.
Lapses in concentration were punished with Oliver Norwood giving away a penalty late on after fouling Fabio Vieira in the area.
In stoppage time, Takehiro Tomiyasu reacted quickest from a corner to fire in from close range as United switched off once again.
Sheffield United have lost nine of their 10 Premier League matches this season (D1) which is the worst ever start to a league season after 10 games.
Paul Heckingbottom's side host Wolves next weekend, as their search for a win continues.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think the first half to the second half was chalk and cheese.
"Although Arsenal had a lot of the ball in the first half, Wes [Fotheringham] only had one save to make. In the second half, the goals were really poor.
"They out-fought us as well as out-played us in the second half. That's what good teams do, they have the physicality as well.
"We know we are down to the bare bones, but the boys getting the opportunity need to grasp it. This is the level we're at.
"We've worked so hard to get here, no-one will take it easy on us, but it is fair to say Arsenal away won't define our season."
Sheffield United have lost nine of their 10 Premier League matches this season (D1), with a goal difference of -22. It’s the worst ever start to a Premier League season after 10 games.
Sheffield United have lost each of their last 10 Premier League away games in London, only Sunderland in January 2008 (14) and Norwich in October 2021 (11) have had longer such runs in the competition.
Arsenal are unbeaten after 10 games of a Premier League season for the first time since 2007-08. They’ve also only had more than their current 24 points after 10 games on four occasions in the competition, in 2004-05 (25), 2007-08 (26), 2013-14 (25) and 2022-23 (27).
Eddie Nketiah is the first Arsenal player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against Leeds United in February 2021, and the first Englishman to do so since Theo Walcott against West Brom in May 2015.
Takehiro Tomiyasu became the first ever Asian player to score a Premier League goal for Arsenal.
Eddie Nketiah scored his first Premier League hat-trick as Arsenal extended their unbeaten start to the season with victory over Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium.
He opened the scoring with a deft touch and swivelled finish, after Declan Rice's threaded ball caught out the United defence.
Nketiah's thumping effort into the roof of the net increased Arsenal's lead against Paul Heckingbottom's struggling side.
A sensational strike from 25 yards out completed a perfect afternoon for the England forward, who has five league goals this season.
Fabio Vieira scored a late penalty after the video assistant referee (VAR) adjudged Oliver Norwood to have fouled him inside the area.
Takehiro Tomiyasu got on the end of a flick from Mohamed Elneny and poked home from a corner in stoppage time.
Victory lifted Arsenal up to second in the table, two points behind north London rivals Tottenham.
Were you at the match or did you follow it from home?
Arsenal fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here
There are four games being played out in the Premier League on Saturday and we'll bring you every moment.
Follow all the action and reaction here
Live commentaries:
Arsenal v Sheffield United - BBC Radio 5 Live
Wolves v Newcastle United - BBC Radio 5 Live
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.
This week, he takes on the stars of two CBBC shows - Tash, who features in The Football Academy, and Gabe from Jamie Johnson FC.
Sutton's prediction: 3-0
Sheffield United have one point from their first nine games, and with a quarter of the season gone, they are basically relegated, aren't they?
Things look desperate for the Blades already and you do wonder how they can shape up to try to stop Arsenal.
We already know that is what they will do - just hang in there and be resilient, and hopefully nick something, but I don't see it working out for them at the Emirates.
Arsenal's main worry ahead of this game is their schedule and their squad, because the games are coming thick and fast for them at the moment, but I think they will be pretty comfortable here.
I am still not sure about Gunners boss Mikel Arteta sticking with David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale in goal, but that situation is unlikely to affect how this game goes.
Tash's prediction: 3-0
Gabe's prediction: 4-0
Former Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba on Rhian Brewster: "For someone who's had a career of injuries, I know mentally how tough it is and how easy it is to not deal with it and fade away.
"Rhian is a bubbly character and infectious around the training ground. He's our biggest fan in the stand. Lots of injured players you see depressed but he supports, gets involved and cheers them on. He's putting himself second and I think the world of him.
"His ability is just there, everyone knows. The level he's got to, he's played at Liverpool and England Under-21s. All that's hampered this boy is his injuries.
"I think he's one of the most unselfish strikers I've seen. Two seasons ago when he was asked to play right midfield he was getting pelters for not scoring. He was doing the graveyard shift where you have to try to help the attackers and get back. He was working just as hard, if not harder, to help his team-mates going back to goal. He gives everything.
"He could be the player who turns the season, he's got the confidence and the ability and he knows he can do it. He's going to come good.
"He's a player that can excite and ignite the season. Rhian can do it with a bit of flair and blistering pace. This is the thing that could change our season and I hope it does because he deserves it. Who knows what this boy's limits are."
Image source, Getty ImagesSheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom says his side must "relish" the challenge of facing unbeaten Arsenal on Saturday.
The Blades are still looking for their first win back in the Premier League but Heckingbottom believes his players "shouldn't fear" their trip to Emirates Stadium.
"It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest," he said ahead of the match.
"In my opinion, anyone who finishes above them this season probably wins the league, so yes, it's as good as it gets for us.
"In terms of the challenge, we have to relish it. When you're playing, you can't always see these moments as opportunities, but they are. You've got to enjoy going to the toughest place and putting in a performance.
"These are the games that can kick-start people's careers and really establish them, so someone's career, someone's rise to success, someone's whatever it is that gets them to the top level has to start somewhere and it's getting that mindset into players.
"We shouldn't fear going there. We should accept how tough it's going to be and what level of performance we have to put in to get points.
"Again keeping that realistic head on it, that might not be enough, but so long as we can deliver that, then we'll be happy."
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