1)
Much of the praise heaped on Frank Lampard about this time last year focused on his apparent eagerness to find a place in the first-team setup for the academy graduates that had been rendered collateral damage by the money and splendour of the Abramovich era. But against Liverpool, the spearhead of last season’s locally sourced side, Tammy Abraham, was consigned to the bench by the £47m Timo Werner and the £72m Kai Havertz was picked ahead of Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose mettle will be further tested when Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are fit. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was not in the squad at all. Fikayo Tomori’s emergency introduction was the first time he had kicked a ball since February. And Mason Mount is playing in the position preferred by Havertz. Suddenly Lampard’s new-look Chelsea begin to resemble the old one: expensive signings, a squad overflowing with pedigree – and a manager who needs to get results in the here and now. Alex Hess
• Match report: Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool
2) Silky James helps Everton recover their steel
Everton were not faultless against West Brom. “We didn’t get the balance right early on,” said Séamus Coleman after his 250th start for the club. “When people were overlapping we weren’t covering in.” But among the many impressive features of their performance was character, something the captain conceded was lacking last season. Everton remained composed after falling behind and, guided by the outstanding James Rodríguez, took control before Kieran Gibbs’ stupidity made their afternoon easier. It was a marked departure from their reaction to setbacks in recent seasons. “These top players bring that sense of calm,” Coleman reflected. “James is quite calm picking out these passes in the final third and he’s not forcing it. His range of passing and decision making is fantastic. He’s been great in the changing room too, he’s been great for a couple of our other foreign lads who are really coming into their own as well.” Andy Hunter
• Match report: Everton 5-2 West Brom continue reading