Premier League Update: Salah's Form, Villa's Revival and City vs Everton Preview

The 2025/26 Premier League season is rapidly shaping up with intriguing storylines, including Mohamed Salah's early-season struggles, Aston Villa's breakthrough victory, and an eagerly awaited Manchester City versus Everton fixture at the Etihad Stadium.

Salah's Influence and Michael Owen's Defense

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic winger, has experienced an unusual slow start this season, netting only two goals (one from the penalty spot) and providing two assists in Liverpool’s first seven league matches. This stands in contrast to his normally explosive output and has sparked discussions about whether the 32-year-old's influence might be waning. However, former England striker Michael Owen has dismissed such speculation as premature. "We all know there’s slight dip but Mohamed Salah is exceptional player. He’s shown incredible consistency over the years. I’m not worried at all. It’s still early in the season. Salah’s fitness, professionalism and mentality are second to none .. he’ll be back quickly," Owen said. He added, "He’ll go down as 1 of the greatest ever in the Premier League and certainly Liverpool legend. This's just passing phase." Liverpool have endured a difficult recent run with three consecutive defeats in the league and Champions League, but Salah will have a chance to regain form when they face Manchester United at Anfield on October 19.

Aston Villa Secure First Win of the Season

After a challenging start with no victories in their opening five league matches, Aston Villa finally broke their duck in a thrilling 3-1 comeback win against Fulham at Villa Park. Raul Jimenez’s early header put Fulham in the lead, only for Ollie Watkins to restore parity before half-time with his first Premier League goal of the campaign. The second half saw a significant boost for Villa following the introduction of Emiliano Buendia, who assisted John McGinn’s sublime strike and then sealed the win with a goal of his own just two minutes later. Villa’s head coach Unai Emery praised the team's improvement: "To win is the consequence of how you are building the team, how you are individually and tactically as well, being consistent and being demanding. We are getting better..." The victory lifts Villa out of the bottom three to 16th place with six points, while Fulham slipped to 10th.

Upcoming: Manchester City vs Everton

Manchester City will host Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, October 18, in a Premier League clash kicking off at 15:00 UK time. Due to broadcasting restrictions, the game will not be televised live in the UK, but fans can follow minute-by-minute updates via Manchester City’s official website and app. Everton are managed by David Moyes, one of the most experienced coaches in the league, currently overseeing the Toffees’ transition to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Notably, Everton’s on-loan Jack Grealish will miss the match due to loan terms; however, players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye remain key creative threats. City come into the game having maintained strong form, including a recent 1-0 victory over Brentford courtesy of an early Erling Haaland goal. Guardiola marks his 250th Premier League win this season, having achieved this milestone faster than any previous manager.

Ollie Watkins’ England Update and Injury Report

In international news, Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in England’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley on October 9. Despite a painful collision with the goalpost late in the first half, Watkins insisted on finishing the half before being substituted. England coach Thomas Tuchel described the injury as 'very painful' but reassured fans that there was 'no harm done.' The forward was covering for the injured Harry Kane, who is expected to return for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Watkins and Villa will next return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur on October 19 following the international break.