I've watched all 50 Premier League games this season. Here's what I learnt

After a three-week international break, The Athletic returned to Premier League analysis by reviewing every match from the first 50 games of the season. Through its “Who won the weekend?” series, the outlet watched all games in full, then ranked teams from 1 to 20 based on performance. Several patterns stood out: a physically imposing striker profile and growing questions about whether defending has fallen out of coaching emphasis. The review highlighted Brighton’s 34-year-old midfielder as a major value signing for £1.7 million (£4.7m including an earlier fee). It also spotlighted Sunderland’s back-to-goal throwback style and Brian Brobbey’s standout long-passing numbers: 21 under pressure, seven more than the next top striker.