Premier League talking points: Harry Kane, Benjamin Mendy, Petr Cech, Richarlison

Kane scores in August

Harry Kane’s goal against Fulham at Wembley on Saturday was his first in the Premier League this month. He had failed to find the net in 14 previous outings in August but finally got on the scoresheet after 77 minutes on Saturday. “Kane’s goal, a typically assured finish after a neat turn inside the penalty box, was celebrated with notable joy. His failure to score in August was slowly becoming a burden, rather than just a statistical quirk,” says Sam Dean of the Daily Telegraph.

Mendy gives Man City a new dimension

Sergio Aguero notched a hat-trick in Man City’s 6-1 mauling of Hudderfield, but it was full-back Benjamin Mendy who caught the eye. His contribution suggests that City will adapt their style this season.

“Mendy provided 12 crosses in total against Huddersfield – no player has put in more in a Premier League game so far this season. Tellingly, it is also more crosses than any Manchester City player attempted in any game last season, beating his own tally of 11 that he put in on his Premier League debut against Bournemouth last August,” says Adam Bate of Sky Sports.

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Same old problems at Arsenal

Chelsea inflicted a second successive defeat on Arsenal on Saturday, highlighting the problems facing new Gunners manager Unai Emery. The defence looked shaky, keeper Petr Cech is uncomfortable playing the ball out from the back and Mesut Ozil was anonymous once again. “At the minute, the Gunners look a million miles away from launching a challenge for the Premier League. And with their current team, I would very much doubt that they will even get into the top four,” says Alan Shearer in The Sun.

Richarlison proves his doubters wrong

There was much scoffing when Everton forked out a cool £40m for Watford midfielder Richarlison this summer. But the Brazilian has made a splendid start to the season and was on target when Everton beat Southampton on Saturday.

“It is still early days but the 21-year-old’s impact has been impressive, not only with three goals in his first two appearances but with a prodigious work-rate that meets the demands of Everton’s new manager and was evident in the victory over Southampton,” says Andy Hunter in The Guardian.

Kenedy fails to impress

The weekend began with a goalless draw between Newcastle and Cardiff, with Toon winger Kenedy lucky not to be sent off for a wild kick at Victor Camarasa. “Kenedy had a day to forget in the 0-0 draw at Cardiff. Aside from the penalty miss, and the expected retrospective ban, he also failed to complete a single pass in the first half – the first outfield Premier League player to do so in a half since Blackburn’s Nikola Kalinic against Birmingham City in March 2010,” says the BBC.