Premier League hits and misses: Man City's lucky escape, Isak's struggles and Aston Villa's crisis

Sunday's Premier League action delivered plenty of talking points, from Manchester City's dramatic comeback against Bournemouth to Alexander Isak's subdued return to Newcastle and Aston Villa's extraordinary collapse at Brighton.

Man City still searching for the right formula

Enzo Maresca secured an important first Premier League victory as Manchester City boss, but the 2-1 win over Bournemouth exposed just how much work remains to be done. City were forced to come from behind after Marcus Tavernier's opener before Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol struck late to complete the comeback.

Maresca's willingness to experiment was particularly notable. Guehi was deployed in central midfield while Rico Lewis operated at right-back, highlighting City's shortage of natural options in certain positions. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden also failed to make their usual impact, while Elliot Anderson struggled in midfield.

The victory nevertheless gives Maresca valuable breathing room. His second-half changes helped City turn a frustrating afternoon into three points, while further reinforcements are expected before the transfer window closes. City are still clearly a work in progress, but winning while solving those problems could prove crucial.

Isak's Newcastle return raises questions

Alexander Isak's emotional return to St James' Park with Liverpool was expected to be one of the weekend's biggest storylines, but his performance was surprisingly quiet. The Swedish striker struggled to reproduce the movement, explosiveness and confidence that made him such a fan favourite during his Newcastle spell.

There are understandable reasons for his difficulties. Injuries have disrupted his rhythm since his move to Liverpool, while returning to a hostile St James' Park was never going to be straightforward. Nevertheless, his lack of influence in the 2-2 draw will raise questions about how quickly he can reach his best level at his new club.

While Isak struggled, Yoane Wissa emerged as one of Newcastle's most impressive performers. Operating in a deeper role, Wissa combined relentless pressing with intelligent movement and quality in possession. His powerful run and pass created Joe Willock's goal, suggesting new manager Matthias Jaissle may have found a role capable of maximising his strengths.

Aston Villa's problems laid bare

Few teams suffered a more damaging weekend than Aston Villa. Unai Emery's side were dismantled 4-0 by Brighton, conceding all four goals during a disastrous first half before Joao Gomes was sent off.

Villa's problems were evident before kick-off. Ollie Watkins was absent amid transfer speculation, while several important players have departed during a turbulent summer. The lack of a recognised striker left Villa without a natural focal point in attack, while their defensive options also looked vulnerable.

The defeat puts further pressure on the club to strengthen before the transfer window closes. Emery has built Villa into a European-level side, but the squad currently looks significantly weaker than the one that achieved success last season. Brighton ruthlessly exposed those shortcomings.

Brighton send an early warning

Brighton's 4-0 victory was more than just a heavy win over a struggling opponent. Fabian Hurzeler's side displayed remarkable intensity and ruthlessness, scoring four times in 31 first-half minutes despite undergoing significant changes themselves during the summer.

Brighton have also lost important players, with further departures potentially still to come. Yet their performance suggested Hurzeler has built a side capable of adapting quickly.

The Seagulls' ability to cope with their own squad changes while producing such an emphatic opening-day statement could make them one of the Premier League's most intriguing teams this season.

The early season picture

Sunday's results highlighted how quickly Premier League fortunes can change. City escaped with three points but still have obvious tactical and squad issues, Liverpool remain capable of grinding out results despite Isak's slow start, while Villa face major questions after their collapse.

For Brighton, meanwhile, the message could hardly have been clearer: despite their own summer upheaval, they look ready to compete.