Premier League Gameweek 5: Eight Must-Watch Drama-Filled Storylines That Could Shape the Season

Premier League teams have had minimal recovery time before the arrival of Gameweek 5 in England's elite division.

European competitions and domestic cup matches have exhausted numerous Premier League squads, while clubs fortunate enough to have clear midweek schedules possess a notable edge entering this round of matches.

Tiredness might balance the scales in this weekend's marquee encounters, though it shouldn't diminish the appeal of a fascinating collection of contests nationwide. Critical battles await throughout the league table, featuring clashes between the traditional 'big six' powerhouses.

Here are the key narratives to monitor during Premier League Gameweek 5.

Another Late Show for Liverpool?

Liverpool's tendency for late strikes has been extraordinary this campaign. Each of their five matches across all tournaments has featured crucial goals scored in the 83rd minute or later, with the Merseysiders preserving their flawless streak through thrilling finishes.

Liverpool meet city rivals Everton in Saturday's early Merseyside derby—a match famous for stoppage-time drama. James Tarkowski's 98th-minute leveler highlighted last season's encounter at Goodison Park, while the Reds cherish fond recollections of late strikes from Gary McAllister, Sadio Mané and Divock Origi during the Premier League years.

Arne Slot will crave a more straightforward triumph this weekend compared to his previous experiences this term, though he's unlikely to refuse another dramatic winner in such an important match.

Wolves Seeking to End Pointless Streak

Wolverhampton Wanderers remain the sole Premier League team without any points this season and will consider Saturday's home encounter against newly-promoted Leeds United as essential. The Old Gold, who have at least secured victory in the Carabao Cup, haven't performed terribly overall, but an immediate improvement in results is necessary to prevent falling further behind.

Jørgen Strand Larsen is anticipated to remain sidelined this weekend, presenting Wolves with the challenging prospect of compensating for his scoring contributions, though the Midlands club possess home field advantage to secure their inaugural points of the campaign.

Tottenham Seeking to Break Brighton Jinx

Tottenham Hotspur have delivered a tremendously promising beginning to the Thomas Frank tenure. Three victories from four Premier League fixtures was complemented by a tight but significant triumph over Villarreal in Champions League action midweek, yet Spurs now travel to face one of their recent nemesis teams.

The North Londoners suffered defeats in both encounters with Brighton & Hove Albion last campaign and have experienced losses in four of their previous seven clashes with the Seagulls. Fortunately for Frank, Saturday's adversaries have generally disappointed this season, but it will serve as an examination of Tottenham's top four aspirations along the south coast this weekend.

Alejandro Garnacho's Old Trafford Return

Alejandro Garnacho continues his gradual integration at Chelsea, with the dynamic winger needing progressive increases in match time to regain peak fitness. Nevertheless, he should feature in his team's journey to Manchester United this weekend—the organization he left amid controversy for £40 million during the summer.

The United youth product is unlikely to enjoy a warm welcome upon his Old Trafford homecoming, with jeers and disapproval more probable responses. Garnacho, who remains without his first Chelsea start, will be eager to quiet his former supporters should he receive playing time in Manchester.

Ruben Amorim Under Pressure

Ruben Amorim is unlikely to exchange pleasantries with Garnacho before, during or following Saturday's encounter given their strained relationship, but the United manager will concentrate entirely on easing the mounting pressure this weekend. Following another lackluster and spiritless performance against crosstown rivals Manchester City last weekend, the 40-year-old desperately needs a positive response against Chelsea.

Amorim suffered defeat in his initial Chelsea meeting in May—though that occurred merely five days before the Europa League final—and expectations for a different result at Old Trafford this weekend remain extremely low. With increasing scrutiny on Amorim's position, he urgently requires improvement from his squad.

Can Aston Villa Break Their Scoring Drought?

Aston Villa have endured difficulties alongside their Midlands neighbors Wolves this season. While the Old Gold have lost all four Premier League matches, Villa have failed to find the net in any of their league appearances. Two scoreless stalemates and two losses represent a disappointing beginning for last season's Champions League quarter-finalists.

Harvey Elliott found the scoresheet in Carabao Cup action midweek, but Villa will be anxious to end their goal famine in Premier League competition on Sunday. They travel to Sunderland, who have claimed both their home league victories this term, hoping to conclude their winless and goalless sequence.

Arsenal Confront Second Championship Examination

Arsenal received legitimate criticism for their defensive tactics during the visit to defending champions Liverpool in Gameweek 3. Mikel Arteta appeared content to settle for a stalemate at Anfield, but was penalized by Dominik Szoboszlai's spectacular free kick in the Gunners' initial Premier League title examination of the season.

Their second championship test arrives this weekend when they welcome eight-time champions Manchester City—the squad that has denied them the title in two of the past three campaigns. Arsenal emerged 5–1 victors against the struggling Citizens in this fixture last season and Arteta will expect similar energy and offensive ambition from his team on Sunday.

Losing points at home to City would deliver another crushing setback for the Gunners.

Unstoppable Erling Haaland

Man City will journey to north London seeking to make a statement following two losses from their opening four Premier League fixtures. Victory at the Emirates propels them back into title discussions and they will depend on Erling Haaland's exceptional finishing to claim maximum points against Arsenal.

The Norwegian has maintained his characteristically lethal form this season and has already accumulated 12 goals and two assists for club and country. He continued six strikes for Norway during the September international window with a clinical double in the Manchester derby last weekend and a header midweek versus Napoli.

In achieving this, he became the quickest player to reach 50 goals in Champions League history.

Haaland scored in both encounters with the Gunners last season and remains the prime contender to influence Sunday's captivating showdown.