With Erling Haaland in a rare three-game drought, Manchester City needed other forwards to step up. Phil Foden did exactly that, scoring twice in a 3-2 win over Leeds as City continue to build a season of growing promise. Pep Guardiola called Foden “special” after the game and stressed these matches are not ones City win often when they lose control — something that happened in a chaotic second half. The victory was “massively important for our mood after two defeats,” Guardiola said, as City closed the gap on Arsenal to four points and moved back to second. Foden, 25, described his hunger to play and score: “not prove to anyone but myself that I can still score.” He is becoming a leader in City’s evolving side, a dependable match-winner when others struggle. — Laura Hunter
Tino Livramento did more than defend in Newcastle’s 4-1 win at Everton — he became the team’s creative hub. Operating from right-back, Livramento often drifted inside to become a hybrid playmaker, varying between No.8, a quarterback and occasional overlapping full-back. He completed more final-third passes than any player (18) and was central to Newcastle’s best moves, lifting the team’s tempo whenever he touched the ball. Eddie Howe’s tactical tweak to get Livramento on the ball reshaped Newcastle’s approach and will excite supporters. — Lewis Jones
Sunderland’s summer spending has drawn scrutiny, but Regis Le Bris appears to have found a winning blend. The newly promoted side moved up to fourth after a 3-2 home win over Bournemouth and remain unbeaten at the Stadium of Light. The comeback featured another vital contribution from substitutes — Brian Brobbey’s winner came less than 10 minutes after he entered — and showed the squad depth Le Bris values. Granit Xhaka has been especially influential, now joint-top of the league with four assists for Sunderland; his leadership and willingness to change games have been pivotal. Le Bris praised his finishers and the connection between starters and impact subs, stressing the toughness of the league ahead with fixtures against Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle looming. — Charlotte Marsh
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half introduction at the Etihad altered Leeds’ threat. Replacing Dan James at half-time, Calvert-Lewin scored and won a penalty in a cameo that terrified City’s defence; his physical presence gave Leeds someone to play off and helped them make Manchester City work despite ultimately losing. The 28-year-old’s injury record is a concern, but his performance suggested he still has Premier League influence if he can remain fit. — Callum Bishop
Tottenham’s problems run deeper than Guglielmo Vicario’s mistake in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham. Manager Thomas Frank acknowledged fans’ right to boo but defended players targeted individually after Vicario rushed out and erred. Even without that individual error, Fulham looked likely to extend their lead. Spurs appeared stagnant and disjointed going forward and open defensively, with home form particularly poor. Only Burnley have recorded more Premier League games with an xG total under one than Spurs this season (eight), and the squad are averaging their fewest shots since records began. Frank now faces Brentford at home and must address structural problems rather than isolated mistakes. — Patrick Rowe
Samuel Chukwueze impressed on his first Fulham start, justifying Marco Silva’s comment that he had been “knocking on the door.” Having had limited Premier League minutes before Saturday due to injury and selection, the Nigerian winger produced a lively display at Tottenham, repeatedly troubling Pedro Porro and forcing world-class defensive interventions from Micky van de Ven. Chukwueze has already provided two assists in earlier cameos and looks to be adapting well to Silva’s style, suggesting he can be an important attacking option. — Ron Walker
Igor Thiago delivered late to secure Brentford’s 3-1 win over Burnley. He had only 23 touches but converted an 81st-minute penalty — his fifth for Brentford — and followed with an instinctive finish at the far post for his 11th goal of the season. That tally made him the quickest Brentford player to reach double figures in the Premier League and positions him as a surprising contender in the Golden Boot conversation with half the season still to play. — Dan Long
Bournemouth’s slump continued as they failed to win in November and conceded at least two goals in each of their last four matches. Andoni Iraola rued the timing after surrendering a 2-0 lead at Sunderland; while his side started well, they could not close out the game. Losses of key players over the summer appear to be showing as Bournemouth slide down the table — they must regroup before a run of home fixtures against Everton and Chelsea ahead of Christmas. — Charlotte Marsh
