Viktor Gyökeres’ determination and character indicate he has the potential to remain at the elite level of football. The Sporting forward is currently enjoying a prolific scoring streak for both his club and national team, making him a likely target for Rúben Amorim at Manchester United. Following a tumultuous period for Sporting Clube de Portugal, the upcoming international break should provide a brief respite as the club transitions into the post-Rúben Amorim era. The emotional farewell during the coach’s last match at the Estádio José Alvalade, where they triumphed over Manchester City, will soon feel like a distant memory. However, recent international performances suggest that the situation may not be as calm as anticipated. Clubs often worry about their star players expressing themselves too openly in their native languages, especially when surrounded by familiar faces. In this case, it is Gyökeres’ upcoming performances on the pitch that could spark the next wave of transfer speculation in European football.

**Premier League: Key Takeaways from the Weekend's Matches** Aston Villa are thankful for their standout goalkeeper, West Ham face challenges, and Eddie Howe finds himself under pressure. Curtis Jones delivered an impressive performance against Chelsea, especially considering the Liverpool midfielder had a newborn daughter at home and opted to sleep in the spare room before the match. Stepping in for Alexis Mac Allister, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained while on international duty, Jones brought a vibrant energy to Arne Slot’s midfield. His box-to-box display was crucial, as he effectively neutralized Cole Palmer, and he was involved in two potential penalty situations—one of which was overturned by VAR. Jones also scored the decisive goal in the second half, showcasing his ability to be in the right place at the right time. His recent form is a significant boost for Slot, especially with a challenging schedule ahead that will test the squad's depth. At just 23 years old, Jones is due for an England senior debut, having been included in the recent Nations League squad. His dynamic playing style could be exactly what Thomas Tuchel is seeking, and increased playing time at Liverpool may encourage interim manager Lee Carsley to integrate him into the national team, as he has previously praised Jones as “one of the most talented” players he has worked with. In other matches, Aston Villa triumphed over Fulham, Manchester United secured a win against Brentford, and Bournemouth pulled off a surprising victory against Arsenal. Meanwhile, Manchester City edged past Wolves in a closely contested match. As the season progresses, the performances of players like Curtis Jones will be pivotal for their teams, and the pressure mounts for managers like Eddie Howe as they navigate the challenges ahead.