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Five things we learnt from the Premier League: Van Gaal close to a crisis, Sanchez is Arsenal's Suarez, and Pardew really is 'back from the dead'

It has been an eventful weekend in the Premier League

James Orr
Monday 03 November 2014 12:12 EST
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Newcastle fans hold an Alan Pardew sign
Newcastle fans hold an Alan Pardew sign (GETTY IMAGES)

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Van Gaal could soon be in crisis

Will Louis van Gaal last longer in charge at United than David Moyes? United have made their worst start to a season in 28 years, and he has four points fewer than Moyes at this stage, having spent £120m more in the summer. Moyes was sacked after 10 months in charge. How badly Van Gaal needs a win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Saints marching on

Southampton kept matching on after their 1-0 win over Hull City at the weekend, maintaining their second place. However, the acid test for Ronald Koeman’s side is approaching. Within their next five Premier League matches they face both Manchester City and Arsenal.

Sanchez is Arsenal’s Suarez

Last year Arsenal tried to buy Luis Suarez, but what were they smoking with the £40m plus £1 bid? Luckily for Gunners’ manager Arsene Wenger he now has Alexis Sanchez, who scored twice in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley, and Wenger has happily seen the comparison, saying they both have "huge desire".

Pardew really is ‘back from the dead’

At the end of September, Alan Pardew's days appeared numbered as Newcastle manager. After four wins on the bounce including the League Cup scalp of Manchester City, it is a different scenario altogether, with Pardew even saying after the 1-0 win over Liverpool he might well head into Newcastle's town centre for a night out. Unthinkable a couple of weeks ago.

Kane has earned his Spurs

Harry Kane's deflected free-kick against Aston Villa on Sunday took his total for the season to nine - that's more than Roberto Soldado, Emmanuel Adebayor, Erik Lamela and Andros Townsend combined this season.

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