Talking Points of the Weekend

Ivan Toney pushing for World Cup place

Ivan Toney continued his strong start to the season with a double in Brentford's 2-0 win over Brighton Friday night which took his total for the season up to 8 goals. Only Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have scored more goals than him this season and with the form he's currently in, he's definitely pushing for a place in England's World Cup squad.

Toney was called up for the last round of international games last month but was never given the chance to impress. He's using that as motivation to score more goals and show Gareth Southgate that he should've been given the chance.

With Tammy Abraham yet to fire for Roma this season, Toney has certainly made a case for himself to be included in that World Cup with the form he's been in this season. He's third on the goal scoring charts this season and if he carries on delivering between now and the World Cup, he has a very good chance of making that final 26 man squad.

Will win over City kick start Liverpool's season?

Liverpool have had a stuttering start to the season this year where they have struggled to find consistency in both their results and performances. But against Man City on Sunday they looked more like the team we know they are with all aspects of their performance being promising. The question now will be whether this results will kick start their season.

The reds looked up for the game from the very first whistle as they started on the front foot and pressed City high up the pitch. They did this for most of the match as they looked more like their old selves with their work rate off the ball being much better than it has been all season. They've been known for their pressing game for the last few seasons but haven't shown it enough throughout this season. They brought it back against City as they went after them whenever they were out of possession and Jurgen Klopp will know that they need to play more like that in order to get their season properly back on track.

The result itself will give them a lot of confidence as it was one they desperately needed. They stepped up to the mark with their performance and if they play like they did in their next few games and get wins from those games, their season could be turning a corner.

How long does Steven Gerrard have at Aston Villa?

After just two wins all season and the club just a point off the relegation zone in 16th, Steven Gerrard finds himself under a lot of pressure at Aston Villa after a tough start to the season. With the fans beginning to turn on him; How long does he have at Aston Villa?

Their performance against Chelsea at the weekend was encouraging as they created a lot of chances and gave them a good game. But the game ended in a defeat and they failed to score. They'll no doubt feel encouraged by the performance on the day but given how unconvincing their other performances have been this season, Gerrard is still under a lot of pressure.

He's still looking for his best team and formation as he's been flicking between a 4-3-3 and a diamond formation throughout his time at the club. This has not helped them at all as they've struggled to find some consistency in their performances. This has frustrated the fans who are not happy with the football they're seeing from their team as the reactions at full time can tell. Gerrard needs to find his best system and best team fast because his team needs results. If not, his days at the club will be numbered.