The inevitability of Haaland, Everton’s new weakness, Fulham’s Arsenal connections – Data column

Erling Haaland has made a remarkable start to the 2024-25 Premier League season, scoring seven goals, including a hat-trick against West Ham. This achievement marks his first away hat-trick and elevates him to joint-fourth in all-time Premier League hat-tricks alongside legends like Thierry Henry. His scoring prowess continues to highlight his ability to impact games without being heavily involved in build-up play, showcasing his clinical finishing and fitness. On the other hand, Everton is facing significant defensive challenges, having conceded ten goals in their first three matches. A concerning trend has emerged, with half of these goals resulting from their inability to defend against crosses. This issue was particularly evident in their recent match against Bournemouth, where poor positioning led to two goals from crosses. The team has now recorded the highest number of successful crosses conceded in the league, indicating a pressing need for improvement in their defensive organization. Meanwhile, Fulham is showing promise with a developing attacking synergy on their left side. In their recent 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, a well-coordinated move involving Antonee Robinson, Alex Iwobi, and Emile Smith Rowe resulted in their equalizer. Both Iwobi and Smith Rowe have been instrumental in Fulham's early-season performances, having scored in their previous match against Leicester, suggesting that their connection could be pivotal for the team's success this season. Overall, the early weeks of the Premier League have revealed both individual brilliance and team vulnerabilities, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead as teams strive to address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.