Ruud Van Nistelrooy sees scale of Leicester task as Newcastle miss spark to launch top-four challenge – Premier League hits and misses

The high notes of Schade show Van Nistelrooy what he is doing

A win for Thomas Frank's men helped Brentford return to victory after last week's goalless draw with Everton, with four goals on Saturday taking their season's total to 26 after thirteen games.

Conversely, Leicester appear to need a big lift. Some supporters turned on their club towards the end with chants against football director Jon Rudkin and shouts of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' at the players. Many of those crumpled faces kept their distance from the away section at the final whistle.

What Ruud van Nistelrooy would do for a player with Kevin Schade's ability in front of goal. The former Manchester United forward was on hand in West London but the Dutchman will now be under no illusions about the magnitude of his task in keeping the Foxes afloat as he steps into the dugout for the first time at home to West on Tuesday Ham.

Brentford have had a relatively good run of opening games, but the way most teams have been sent here is testament to the work Thomas Frank continues to do.

There is a unity and strength – as the Bees boss led the round of appreciation at full-time – that is sorely lacking in Leicester's fragmented ranks as they spread down the tunnel into the night.

Van Nistelrooy did not enter the dressing room in the aftermath, but he will have few choice words for his new group of players when they meet on the training ground on Sunday morning as they take on the challenge of somehow retaining their Premier League title. status.Ben Grounds

Does dancing Damsgaard deserve more praise?

Injury may grab the headlines, but Mikkel Damsgaard played a key role in Brentford's sixth home win of the season.

“I thought he was incredible today,” said Thomas Frank afterwards. “I am so happy that he is shining. His two passes for the first goal and the third goal are of the highest international standard.

“He's in a really good place and is a big reason why we're creating so many chances. He just has to keep pushing and keep adding layers.”

Asked whether he thinks his compatriot is among the best performers in the Premier League this season, Frank paused before adding: “That's a big decision. I want to see more.

“He danced very beautifully one summer and now he shows that he can actually do that in more than one summer. But I would like to see it all season long.”

You wouldn't expect anything less from the Brentford manager as he sets the bar even higher. The injuries and setbacks have made Damsgaard a dangerous opponent because of his tough mentality, and not just his ballet feet.

Frank was 'hit in the Danish heart' when it was stated that Damsgaard would get more praise if he were Spanish, but he won't be under the radar for much longer as he continues to pull the strings at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Munoz goes from zero to hero

How could Munoz fail to convert from close range at the end of that slick, sweeping Crystal Palace counter-attack in the first half? He's probably still asking himself the same question. He looked painfully at the sky after Dan Burn somehow blocked his shot at an unguarded goal in the second half as well. But what a way to finally get your first Palace goal.

The header was the most difficult chance of all, but was executed superbly by the defender, who rose high and slotted the ball home at Nick Pope's near post.

Munoz has rightly received plaudits for his performances in a Palace shirt since joining the club in January, but this was his standout and most important moment yet. Palace celebrated it as a win – and it could be a hugely valuable point, psychologically or otherwise, as they try to dig themselves out of this situation. Pete Smith

Newcastle lack the spark to launch the top-four challenge

Three wins for Newcastle before the international break suggested they were back on track for a good season, but since the Premier League suffered a shock defeat at home to struggling West Ham and this latest draw against Palace their optimism has dulled .

The win over Selhurst would have moved them closer to the top four, but instead they are back in mid-table. The table is tight, but with Liverpool next, Newcastle don't look like a side ready to challenge for the Champions League places.

They managed just one shot against relegation-threatened Palace and were fortunate not to concede more than that late, late equalizer. Isak's injury adds to the problems for Howe, whose team is currently lacking a spark. Pete Smith

No Solanke? No problem!

“He doesn't speak the language but he understands football,” Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said of Evanilson after his side's 4-2 win over Wolves.

Evanilson wasn't on the scoresheet against Wolves, but his fingerprints were all over this win.

The Brazilian forward raced between the lines to win the first penalty and used the same acceleration to beat Jose Sa to the ball twice and win two more.

Three fines. Three goals for Justin Kluivert. Three points.

Iraola continued: “I want to give credit to Evanilson, he was the difference maker today. He created chances and made them difficult. His work rate without the ball gives us a lot.”

It wasn't just his work rate that impressed on the afternoon. His footwork looked sharp, the runs were intelligent and he was a threat in front of goal too.

Any questions about whether or not he could succeed Dominic Solanke are now answered. Bournemouth have the striker of the future and exciting talent around him. Patrick Rowe

The wolves' misery continues

It was a disastrous afternoon for Wolves and Gary O'Neil against his former side.

Four unbeaten games and back-to-back wins provided a promising foundation for the home side to build on in this match, but their defensive problems reared their ugly head again.

Wolves have now been involved in 54 goals – both for and against – which is the most of any side in the Premier League.

Attacking is not the problem. They have scored more than Arsenal and Aston Villa and the same amount of Manchester City, but the defense is paralyzing this team.

They have now conceded 32 goals, seven more than Southampton at the bottom of the table, and their weaknesses were once again exploited today.

Evanilson wreaked havoc between Toti and makeshift centre-back Mario Lemina, and the horses had already bolted by the time Craig Dawson climbed off the bench.

Sa gave away three penalties in this performance, but even if he hadn't, it felt like Bournemouth could cut through their opponents at will today.

Wolves need to address their defensive issues quickly or they will be in big trouble at the end of the season.Patrick Rowe

Aina impresses as Forest returns to their steely selves

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo urged his team to go “back to basics” before the game against Ipswich – and they certainly did so in the 1-0 home win over Tractor Boys.

Forest returned to their rock-solid self, putting the previous two leaky defeats in which they conceded six goals behind them.

The key to the win over Ipswich was right back Ola Aina. He made a crucial goal-line clearance in the first half, while no Forest player made more tackles, won more tackles or made more interceptions than the Nigeria international in the win.

The 28-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and Forest will be even more desperate to extend his stay at the City Ground.

Aina's strong showing was matched by his fellow defenders as Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo were centre-backs, while left-back Neco Williams dealt well with the dangerous Omari Hutchinson.

Behind them, goalkeeper Matz Sels made a great save for Hutchinson.

The clean sheet against Ipswich is their fifth in the Premier League this season – only leaders Liverpool have more (6).

Forest have also rediscovered their solidity at a perfect time, with a tough run of games coming up as they travel to Manchester City and Manchester United before hosting Aston Villa.

The basics are back, much to Nuno's delight. Declan Olley