Ismaila Sarr played a decisive role in ending Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season, scoring in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park. Elsewhere, Antoine Semenyo continued his prolific run for Bournemouth, while standout performances from Yankuba Minteh, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Akor Adams underlined the impact of African talent across Europe’s top leagues.
Here’s a round-up of the continent’s top performers this week:
Next fixture: Everton (a)
Crystal Palace extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 18 matches with a superb win over Premier League leaders Liverpool. Sarr was once again at the heart of their success, scoring in a third consecutive league game.
The Senegalese winger capitalised on Liverpool’s failure to clear a corner, finishing from close range to give Palace an early advantage. The hosts could have been four goals ahead by half-time with their dominant first-half display. Although they left it late to secure the winner, their victory was fully deserved — and Sarr’s rediscovered sharpness in front of goal has been pivotal to their excellent form.
Next fixture: Fulham (h)
Antoine Semenyo maintained his outstanding start to the season with another spectacular goal for Bournemouth in a 2-2 draw at Leeds United. The Ghanaian forward opened the scoring with a stunning 30-yard free-kick, which looked set to seal all three points before Leeds’ late fightback.
Semenyo now has six goal contributions in six games — including four goals — and continues to be the focal point of Bournemouth’s attack. His influence grows with every match as the team increasingly builds around his dynamic presence in the final third.
Next fixture: Wolves (a)
Brighton claimed an impressive 3-1 away win over Chelsea, with Yankuba Minteh once again instrumental in their attacking play. Trailing until the 77th minute, Brighton turned the game around thanks to Minteh’s pinpoint cross for Danny Welbeck, who scored the first of his two goals.
The Gambian winger now boasts two assists and a goal in six appearances, all recorded in his last three matches — evidence of a player hitting top form and becoming increasingly influential in Roberto De Zerbi’s system.
Next fixture: Hellas Verona (a)
Kamaldeen Sulemana continued his fine run of form by scoring in Atalanta’s 1-1 draw with Juventus in Turin. The Ghanaian winger has now scored in back-to-back fixtures, bringing his tally to two goals and one assist in three starts this season.
Sulemana’s goal showcased his flair and directness: collecting the ball just outside the box, he weaved through the Juventus defence before finishing low into the bottom corner. The 23-year-old, formerly of Southampton, is quickly proving his worth as one of Atalanta’s key attacking weapons.
Next fixture: Barcelona (h)
Akor Adams opened his account for Sevilla with a late winner in their 1-0 victory at Rayo Vallecano. The Nigerian striker, who joined the club in January, converted a low cross at the back post, steering the ball in off the underside of the bar to seal all three points.
Adams now has one goal and one assist in three starts, and his first strike for the club lifts Sevilla to ninth place in La Liga. A tougher test awaits next as they prepare to face Barcelona at home.
African players continue to make decisive contributions across Europe’s top leagues, with Sarr’s match-winning display against Liverpool leading a standout week. From Semenyo’s long-range brilliance to Sulemana’s solo strike and Adams’ clinical finishing, the continent’s stars are shaping the storylines of the season.
