We’re heading toward the end of October and with that, the final weekend of matches for the month happening all across Europe. As always, there is drama and excitement within various storylines that go beyond the final scores of matches.

On Friday, we saw Tottenham continue their unbeaten Premier League streak under new manager Ange Postecoglou, defeating Crystal Palace 2-1. On Saturday, we saw Brentford lead a second-half charge as they defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. In Spain, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham struck twice, including the winner in a 2-1 victory against Barcelona in El Clasico. Finally in Germany, we saw a chaotic match as Bayern Munich hit SV Darmstadt for eight goals, as Harry Kane scored another hat trick.

On Sunday, Manchester City reiterated that the city is indeed blue, after thrashing Manchester United 3-0. Liverpool enjoyed a similarly comfortable scoreline in their victory over Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Here is your look back at all the fun from this weekend so far.

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SUNDAY REVIEW

The Sunday lead: If Liverpool finally have a midfield, look out

Liverpool took the field Sunday and expended little energy in dispatching Nottingham Forest 3-0 in a game that showed just why Jurgen Klopp & Co. focused their summer business on fixing that midfield. The Reds dominated proceedings from start to finish, enjoying nearly 75% of possession, racking up 21 shots to Forest’s nine and causing United States keeper Matt Turner no shortage of stress between the posts.

Much has been written about Liverpool’s work-in-progress XI this season, as they rebound from an underwhelming campaign last year that saw them finish outside the top four, but Sunday showed that they’re further along than their rivals might think. Alexis Mac Allister was a capable holding midfielder tasked with screening the back four and disrupting passing lanes, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were constant two-way threats, winning possession in transition and always looking to surge upfield.

Together, the trio controlled the middle of the park and helped the home side ensure there would be only one winner.

Diogo Jota opened the scoring, converting the rebound after Darwin Núñez’s shot forced a fine save from Turner, the ball spilling to the Portugal international for an easy finish on the half-hour mark. (Jota celebrated by holding Luis Díaz’s shirt aloft in recognition and solidarity with his teammate, whose parents were confirmed as kidnapped in their native Colombia over the weekend.)

Núñez then doubled the hosts’ lead less than five minutes later, smashing home from close range after fine approach play by Mohamed Salah and Szoboszlai, who found plenty of space to exploit down the right all afternoon. Salah added a third with just under 15 minutes left, gleefully scoring from Turner’s error.

Discounting the dramatic Spurs defeat, Liverpool’s rebuild appears firmly on track, with seven wins and two draws from their opening 10 league games. — James Tyler

Sunday talking points around the leagues

History suggests Ten Hag may be running out of time

Manchester United will do everything they can to stick with Erik ten Hag as the defeats stack up this season, but the history books are making uncomfortable reading for the Dutchman. A lengthy injury list isn’t helping but it’s now five defeats in the league — the most after 10 games since 1986. In more recent memory, Jose Mourinho (in 2018-19) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (in 2021-22) were both sacked before Christmas, but on both occasions, United had better records after 10 games than Ten Hag does now. They lost three of their first 10 games under both Mourinho in 2018-19 and Solskjaer in 2021-22, but neither manager lasted much longer.

Ten Hag isn’t under pressure yet, but questions will be asked about his decision to bench Manchester United legend ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

And finally, on Saturday …

With all the talk about Bellingham and Kane flying the Premier League.

In North London, Arsenal pic.twitter.com/q1VkzOXav3

— Eddie Nketiah 📞 (@EddieNketiah9) October 28, 2023

With that win, Arsenal continue unbeaten as they currently sit in second place just two points behind their bitter rivals Tottenham. Even if Kane and Bellingham will be certain starters for Gareth Southgate’s England team, this Nketiah performance at least sends a message to the England boss that he definitely wants to be considered for the future and be part of an already stacked attacking Three Lions side. — Rojas