The Premier League roared back into action after the international break, delivering a weekend packed with drama, tactical talking points, and headline-grabbing performances. Here are three key narratives emerging from the latest round of matches:

Haaland's Dominance Continues in Manchester Derby

Erling Haaland reaffirmed his status as one of the world's top strikers with a dominant display in Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Haaland scored twice, showcasing his clinical finishing and proving a constant menace to the United defense. Despite a first Premier League start for Benjamin Sesko, United's attack was largely neutralized, highlighting the contrast in firepower between the two Manchester clubs. Haaland's performance further cemented his impressive record against United, with eight goals in six Premier League appearances since joining City. Beyond the goals, Haaland's overall contribution and the way he terrorized United's backline served as a stark reminder of his importance to City's title ambitions. The match underscored City's continued dominance in the Manchester derby and raised further questions about United's direction under their manager.

Arsenal's Squad Depth on Full Display

Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest demonstrated the impressive squad depth that Mikel Arteta has cultivated. Despite missing several key players, the Gunners delivered a commanding performance, with Martin Zubimendi scoring twice. New manager Ange Postecoglou had a disappointing debut with Forest, as his squad was unable to contain Arsenal's attacking prowess. The Gunners' ability to maintain a high level of performance even with squad rotation is a promising sign for their title aspirations. The likes of Zubimendi, making a significant impact, highlight the strength in depth that Arsenal possesses this season. This win emphasized Arsenal's readiness to compete on multiple fronts, with the depth to navigate the challenges of a long and demanding season.

Liverpool's Late Show Masks Underlying Issues

Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season with a late 2-1 victory over Burnley, but the performance raised concerns about their overall form. A 95th-minute penalty from Mohamed Salah secured the win, but Liverpool struggled to break down a resolute Burnley defense for much of the match. New signing Alexander Isak was surprisingly left out of the squad, and Liverpool lacked cutting edge in the final third. While the ability to grind out results is a hallmark of potential champions, Arne Slot will need to address Liverpool's attacking fluidity and reliance on late drama. Salah reaching a new Premier League goal milestone in the match was overshadowed by the team's overall performance, suggesting that Liverpool still has work to do to reach their peak.