9 Key Takeaways from the Latest Pre-Season Games

Manchester United claimed the 2025 Premier League Summer Series title, while Son Heung-min appeared to make his final outing for Tottenham Hotspur.

Here are nine major lessons we learned from the weekend’s pre-season action.

Mbeumo and Cunha Impress in Fluid Attack

The anticipation surrounding Manchester United’s upcoming season centres largely on high-profile arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

In a 2-2 Premier League Summer Series draw against Everton, the duo were selected to start together for the first time, offering a glimpse into their potential partnership. Despite neither finding the back of the net, both players impressed with their attacking presence.

Mbeumo operated from the right flank, while Cunha was utilised in a false nine role. The attacking trio, including Bruno Fernandes, showcased positional fluidity throughout the encounter.

Both Mbeumo and Cunha stood out with their aggressive runs at Everton’s back line. Mbeumo, in particular, highlighted his ability to exploit space in the channels.

Their future deployment will likely depend on further transfer activity, but their influence in United’s attack appears already pivotal.

Arias Scores on Wolves Debut

Nicknamed the “Colombian Pele”, Jhon Arias has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers with high expectations following a standout performance at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he earned three Player-of-the-Match awards and a place in the tournament’s best XI.

Despite only arriving at Molineux days earlier, Arias made an immediate impact, scoring in a 2-1 defeat to Girona.

Coming off the bench, he used his physical strength to hold off two defenders and finished confidently.

“It’s amazing,” said the 27-year-old, experiencing European football for the first time following spells in Colombia and Brazil. “The group received me good, and the coach. I’m really happy to be here. It was an amazing feeling, this moment, my first goal with the shirt of Wolves.”

Maddison’s Injury Overshadows Son’s Emotional Farewell

What was expected to be a celebratory farewell for Son Heung-min turned bittersweet for Tottenham Hotspur as James Maddison sustained a potentially serious injury during their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in Seoul.

Late in the match, Maddison went down unchallenged and had to be stretchered off. Brentford manager Thomas Frank confirmed it affected the same knee that had troubled the England international before last season’s UEFA Europa League final.

“I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal – that’s what we got today,” said Frank. “It looks like with Madders a bad injury, and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle players.”

Son, who confirmed his impending departure last week, received a standing ovation and guard of honour during his substitution.

“It was a perfect moment,” he stated. “Sharing these beautiful moments are something that I will never forget and I will always appreciate it. Spurs will always be in my heart.”

Forest’s Goal Drought Raises Concerns

Nottingham Forest, last season’s surprise package, made headlines by securing Morgan Gibbs-White on a long-term deal. However, their on-pitch form has left much to be desired.

They have failed to win any of their five pre-season matches, scoring only once – a late goal in a 3-1 defeat to Fulham. Their most recent loss came against Birmingham City.

Despite trying various attacking combinations, including Chris Wood alone, Igor Jesus as a replacement, and both together, manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remains toothless.

They failed to register a meaningful attempt until the 30th minute in their 1-0 loss to Birmingham. Nevertheless, Wood is not sounding alarm bells just yet.

“I wouldn’t be too worried about it,” he said. “We’re trying to work on other things we can add to our armoury throughout the season. We don’t want to be one-dimensional and play the same way every single time.”

Mateta Keeps Up Scoring Streak

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s journey to the Premier League has not been straightforward, but the 28-year-old has flourished under Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

The French forward netted 30 goals across the past two league campaigns and has continued his form during pre-season.

A brace in a 3-1 victory over Augsburg increased his tally to four, having also scored against Crawley Town and Mainz.

Mateta demonstrated excellent control to turn his marker for his first, before smashing home a second from close range. With interest reportedly growing across Europe, Palace fans will hope he remains at Selhurst Park.

Xhaka Brings Leadership to Sunderland

Sunderland made headlines by securing the services of former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 32-year-old brings a wealth of Premier League experience and played in the UEFA Champions League last season.

Xhaka captained the team in his debut against Real Betis and immediately made his presence felt. He led the pre-match huddle and controlled the tempo on and off the ball.

The Swiss international was instrumental throughout, linking play and displaying his well-known tenacity in midfield. He also delivered a sublime floated pass which might have earned him an assist, but Simon Adingra’s finish was ruled offside.

Xhaka appears set to play a key role in Sunderland’s top-flight return.

Piroe Strengthens Case for Starting Role

Leeds United’s ongoing search for a top-tier striker has dominated headlines, but Joel Piroe continues to make his case.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Villarreal, manager Daniel Farke remarked: “You could tell that in the offence we need a bit more quality. In all offensive positions, we need reinforcements to be ready for the Premier League. It’s not about the numbers. It’s about the quality of the players.”

Nonetheless, Piroe – last season’s top scorer in the Championship with 19 goals – netted again to bring his pre-season tally to four. Though a tap-in, it further boosts his confidence heading into the new campaign.

Brighton Bide Time with Greek Striker Pair

Brighton & Hove Albion spent close to £50 million on teenage Greek forwards Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas, yet neither has featured in pre-season.

The Seagulls played a pair of matches against Southampton on Saturday, with Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter leading the line in each respective fixture.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler explained: “We don’t want to take any risks with the Greek guys. They are still in an adapting phase, but they are already in team training, which is a positive thing.

“We don’t want to risk an injury in that early phase of the season. We are very patient with them. We give them time that they can adapt to our training intensity.”

Diouf’s Deliveries a Danger for West Ham

Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf has quickly made an impression at West Ham United since joining from Slavia Prague.

“He has only been here a few weeks but you would think he has been here years,” said Jarrod Bowen after the 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

Diouf’s pinpoint crosses set up both goals – one for Niclas Fullkrug and the other for Bowen himself.

“It’s my power,” said Diouf. “Because we have good strikers, so every time I’m ready to get this kind of ball, so I just continue to give them this kind of cross. I think they will be happy to score goals like that. I think they’ll be happy, and I’ll be happy.”

Having scored seven and assisted three in the Czech league last season, Diouf looks set to become a vital outlet on the left.