Elanga and Wissa reborn under Jaissle

Jamie Carragher captured the mood best on Sky Sports, declaring: "In Elanga and Wissa, it's like two new players!" — and it is hard to argue. Newcastle United claimed their first win of the campaign by beating Tottenham Hotspur, powered by a partnership that head coach Matthias Jaissle appears to have unlocked where Eddie Howe could not.

Anthony Elanga scored his second goal of the season, building on a bright display in the earlier 2-2 draw against Liverpool. Yoane Wissa opened his account for the campaign alongside him, and the two — signed for a combined £110m last summer — are finally beginning to justify that outlay.

Jaissle also handed midfielder Nico Gonzalez his debut, and it was Gonzalez's incisive pass that carved open the path to Elanga's opener. For a club braced for a difficult season after another turbulent transfer window, their supporters left Tottenham Hotspur Stadium chanting about Europe. Whether tongue in cheek or not, there is a tangible sense of freedom and cohesion about this Newcastle United side.

Cherki fills the void Kevin De Bruyne left at Man City

Rayan Cherki is establishing himself as Manchester City's creative talisman, and his display at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace underlined exactly why. With Erling Haaland ruthless in front of goal as ever, it is Cherki who is providing the spark between the boxes.

Two goals and two assists in the opening weeks of the campaign tell part of the story. At Selhurst Park, he weaved through Palace's defence with a neat slalom before producing an audacious strike with his weaker foot from distance. City needed a creative force to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne, and many assumed Phil Foden would step forward. Instead, Cherki's sheer audacity has pushed Foden into a supporting role.

At the PFA awards this week, Bruno Fernandes noted that Cherki had the ability to threaten his assist record — the one Fernandes claimed just three months ago. On current form, the young Frenchman looks capable of challenging for far more than that.

Gakpo's future in doubt amid transfer interest

Cody Gakpo has been among Liverpool's most consistent performers during a stuttering start to the season, yet his future at the club remains uncertain. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have both registered interest, while the imminent arrival of Bradley Barcola has intensified speculation that the Dutch winger could be heading for the exit before Tuesday's 11pm Deadline Day.

Against Tottenham, Gakpo delivered a sumptuous cross from the right flank — not his favoured side — to set up Alexander Isak's goal. He was Liverpool's brightest presence in the first half, and his ability to operate across the front line is a quality that Andoni Iraola values highly. Should an offer arrive, Liverpool face a difficult decision over a player who has never looked better.

Scott's Bournemouth masterclass raises big questions

Alex Scott is 23 years old and is already the heartbeat of Bournemouth's midfield. Against Everton on Saturday, he led from the front despite collecting an early booking — completing 85 touches, making 15 defensive contributions, covering 11km, and threading 11 passes into the final third. His goal just before half-time was a study in composure and precision.

Manager Marco Rose declared himself "120 per cent" certain that Scott would remain at the club beyond Deadline Day, pointing to a contract with two years still to run. Manchester City and Chelsea have been linked, but Bournemouth insist he is not for sale. If Scott continues to perform at this level, however, that stance will face an ever-sterner test.

Hull City flying the flag for promoted sides

Coventry City arrived in the Premier League as Championship winners with all the fanfare that status commands. Yet after two rounds of fixtures, it is Hull City who have emerged as the banner carriers for the promoted clubs.

The Tigers barely squeezed into last season's play-offs on the final day, yet they have since beaten Manchester United and Coventry to sit second in the table with six points from six. Their win over Coventry was a disciplined, calculated performance — sitting deep, absorbing pressure, and striking at the right moment through Liam Millar. Oli McBurnie's insistence that these early results matter deeply could prove prophetic by May.

Manager Jakirovic has deflected the title chants from supporters with admirable composure. With two wins from two, though, Hull City are giving the rest of the division every reason to take notice.