Rogers and Palmer helping each other thrive
· Sky-PL
It helps that in Xabi Alonso's system, the width is provided by the wing-backs. This gives Rogers and Palmer freedom to come inside, putting them in close proximity to each other and giving them more opportunities to combine in central areas.
It helps that in Xabi Alonso's system, the width is provided by the wing-backs. This gives Rogers and Palmer freedom to come inside, putting them in close proximity to each other and giving them more opportunities to combine in central areas.
With Rogers and Palmer playing off each other centrally, Chelsea have directed a higher percentage of attacks through the middle third of the pitch than any other Premier League side.
Hull, visitors to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, are the next side tasked with stopping them. Recent evidence suggests their run of three straight clean sheets may be at risk.
Scott excelling
While Chelsea were able to strengthen their attack with the signing of Rogers, their efforts to bolster their midfield were less successful. One of the players who got away from them in the summer continues to go from strength to strength at Bournemouth.
Alex Scott was valued highly by Andoni Iraola and the same is true for Marco Rose. "I love him," he said after their 2-2 draw with Newcastle last weekend. It was the third game in a row in which they have lost a lead late on and it felt particularly harsh on Scott.
The 23-year-old, scorer of Bournemouth's opener in their previous game against Everton, was the best player on the pitch at St James' Park. In addition to having a hand in both Bournemouth goals, he had more touches, made more final-third passes and contested more duels than any of his team-mates.
It was a continuation of a strong start to the season. Scott has showcased his blend of physical and technical qualities, working tirelessly and eating up ground as he shuttles between both boxes. There is a sense that he is taking more responsibility too.
It all bodes well for his future. Carry on like this and the clubs who coveted him during the summer will likely return in January. But for now Bournemouth will just hope for more of the same from him when they face Brentford at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Tough-tackling Khalaili
Anan Khalaili has big shoes to fill at Crystal Palace having replaced Daniel Munoz in the right wing-back position. He provided evidence of his attacking threat with the driving run to set up Ben Chilwell's winning goal against Fulham last weekend.
But it's at the other end that he's been busiest. Khalaili has had some awkward moments defensively but he clearly relishes his one-vs-one battles and he has come out on top more often than not.
In fact, in addition to winning the second-most duels in the division so far, the 21-year-old, a summer signing from Union Saint-Gilloise, ranks top for tackles. His total of 17 puts him five clear of any other player. It's some going given he has only started twice.
Live Radar: What's on Sky this weekend?
Four Premier League games will be shown live on Sky Sports this weekend, starting with Tottenham vs Everton on Saturday evening.
Sunday's action sees Coventry host Brighton at 2pm, followed by the Manchester derby as Man Utd face Man City at 4.30pm.
The weekend's live coverage concludes with Monday Night Football, when Leeds host Newcastle in the 8pm kick-off, with coverage starting at 6.30pm.