Mbeumo's technique and work ethic need celebrating.

Ten thoughts from the weekend…

1.Impressive life of Bryan. Mbeumo has six goals in seven games for Brentford this season, has one of the most clinical penalty techniques around (six in six) and yet rarely gets linked with other clubs. Yet. He’s only 25, can play on the right as well as at centre-forward, and can play on his own upfront or in a partnership (as with Ivan Toney). As well as his technique, the Cameroon international’s work ethic is immense. When Brentford eventually sell, as they invariably do, Mbeumo will go to a Champions League side for a huge profit on the £5.8m they paid Troyes. And Mbeumo will go with gratitude-filled applause and more than a few tears amongst Brentford fans.

Bryan Mbeumo. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.

2.Rutter in the groove. I watched some of Georginio Rutter’s first games at Leeds United and he struggled with the pace and physicality of the game. He obviously picked up the pace, developed at Elland Road, and Brighton’s analytics and recruitment boffins clearly looked at the data and believed he would kick on again. And he has, a credit to the club’s scouting and the coaching. As so many do at Brighton, and he’s still only 22. Rutter showed his determination and skill to force his way through to score against Spurs, and then beat Destiny Udogie to reach the byeline, beat Rodrigo Bentacur for sheer will and crossed for Danny Welbeck’s winner. Welbeck nicknamed Rutter “Velcro” because the ball sticks to his feet. Some compliment. Some transformation.

3.Lord Ouseley RIP. The distinguished anti-racism campaigner sadly passed away last week aged 79. In his tireless work for Kick It Out, Ouseley did so much to tackle discrimination. News that the assistant ref Bhupinder Singh Gill was allegedly racially abused at Fratton Park on Saturday highlights there is still work to be done. Ouseley’s inspiring memory will guide those continuing his work.

4.Pickford delivers. Jordan Pickford drew on his familiarity with Anthony Gordon’s penalty-taking from the attacker’s time at Everton and also on England duty. Pickford’s celebration was ecstatic, and rooted in the importance of the save in the game against Newcastle United, possibly in the season. There must also have been an element of joy in getting one over on a former team-mate who infuriated Everton fans by leaving for Newcastle in such controversial circumstances. Pickford’s celebration was understandable. So was the gloating of the Everton fans angered by Gordon’s exit, and the manner of it, including refusing to train. Less understandable was the tweet from the club’s official feed revelling in Gordon’s miss. Everton should really be above that, whatever the emotions still flowing through the corridors of power. Leave the tribalism and point-scoring to those on the terraces.

5.Summit to talk about. Manchester United’s board meet in London on Tuesday, and the team’s struggling form and Erik ten Hag’s future will surely be discussed. Even after a welcome point and a clean sheet in a game against Aston Villa that was billed as his last stand in some quarters, Ten Hag looked drained and again unconvincing in his responses. There has to be some sympathy with him over more injuries, now Harry Maguire. And sympathy that his attackers are so mercurial. Having kicked Matty Cash, Marcus Rashford was fortunate to stay on after fouling Leon Bailey. Is it Ten Hag’s fault that Rashford behaves like that?

Is it also Ten Hag’s fault that Alejandro Garnacho doesn’t close down with the persistent determination of a Bukayo Saka and then didn’t make the pass to Bruno Fernandes on a breakaway that could have brought United a transformative victory? Ten Hag’s time is probably running out, tactics, recruitment and body language signal that, but when he goes, some players need to look at themselves in the mirror. Some players need to look at the inspiring Jonny Evans, see how he plays with that intelligence and commitment, and then listen to him talk afterwards of the need for more individual responsibility. 

6.Thrown to the Wolves? Wolves fans rightly question Gary O’Neil’s tactics and subs following a horrendous run of form dating back to February but they cannot question his work ethic, and his desire to do the best for the club. They also cannot question the reality that O’Neil keeps having his best players sold. Pedro Neto and Max Kilman left this summer. O’Neil still has some talent to draw on and Wolves should really be doing better. Next up are Man City at home, Brighton away, and it would be little surprise if Wolves remained on one point after that. November brings Palace and Southampton at home, games Wolves have to win. Anything less than six points and the November international break will be a nervous time for O’Neil.

7.Success by the sea. Pascal Gross was given a wonderful welcome at Brighton when he returned briefly from Borussia Dortmund to say a proper goodbye. The reception he got said much about the commitment he showed in seven seasons for Brighton and also much about the club itself. The treat players as people, cherish them when they have left. Any players considering going to Brighton need only look at the clip of Gross walking out on the pitch to know how well they treat players at Brighton.

8.Royal Raul. Jimenez’s back-heel assist to Andreas Pereira was the moment of the weekend, a reminder of what the game should be about, technique and invention. Fulham lost to Manchester City but it was so good to see that skill, and also Jimenez gradually getting back to top form.

9.Wanderers on right path. After a difficult start to the League One season, admittedly when they played Wrexham and Birmingham, Wycombe Wanderers are flying under Matt Bloomfield. A club he knows and loves deeply, he really has Wycombe punching above their weight. They’ve won five and drawn two of their last seven, have risen to fifth, only three points off Wrexham, who occupy the second automatic promotion spot.

10.Carroll on song again. It may still take a while before headlines stop referring to Andy Carroll as “old Liverpool flop” and instead herald him as “vintage Bordeaux ace”. But Carroll’s commitment at 35, and goalscoring, needs proper recognition. He scored two more as Bordeaux beat Olympique Saumur in the fourth tier of French football. Carroll’s rapidly become a cult figure amongst Bordeaux’s followers. He’s losing money playing for Bordeaux but gaining many friends.

Enjoy the week…