EFL Five Talking Points: Burnley off the mark, Leicester City in trouble and Salford City set the pace

Hello and welcome to this week’s EFL round-up, where we look at the key talking points across all three divisions.

Burnley have finally ended their long wait for a win, while Russell Martin faces growing pressure at Leicester City after another disappointing result.

In League Two, Barnet, Crewe Alexandra and Walsall remain unbeaten, while Salford City continue to set the pace at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, can Oxford United secure an immediate return to the Championship under Aaron Ramsey?

Let’s take a closer look.

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Burnley finally break their losing streak

Burnley have finally won their first game in over 240 days, with the Clarets putting in a phenomenal performance away at struggling Watford last weekend.

Jacob Bruun Larsen, Zeki Amdouni, Reo Hatate and Marcus Edwards were all on target for Nicky Hayen’s side as they romped to a 4-0 win.

It could have been even worse for the Hornets, but Jamie Vardy had a late goal ruled out, leaving the former England international still waiting for his first goal for the Clarets.

Burnley then earned a draw at home to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening.

Ivan Mesik scored in the dying moments to rescue a 2-2 draw and a point for the Addicks.

Vardy made his full debut for the club, while Bruun Larsen scored his second goal in as many games.

Largie Ramazani scored the other goal as Hayen’s side began to edge away from the relegation zone, picking up four points from a possible six in their last two games.

How long does Russell Martin have left? 

The problems at Leicester have persisted after the international break. The Foxes suffered a 3-1 defeat to Robbie Savage’s Peterborough United last time out.

Martin’s side have won just two of their opening eight matches, with their only convincing victory coming in a 2-0 home win against Plymouth Argyle at the start of September.

The concern for the hierarchy at the King Power Stadium is that, having only been appointed in the summer on a three-year contract, the 40-year-old could command a sizeable payout if they decide to part ways with him.

However, football is a results-driven business, and Martin needs to start picking up wins if he is to ease the pressure on his position.

Up next for Leicester is a clash against Doncaster Rovers at home. With the fanbase already turning on the manager, another defeat could lead to more unsavoury scenes at full time.

League Two trio remain unbeaten 

Barnet, Crewe and Walsall remain the only sides outside the Premier League in the top four tiers of English football yet to taste defeat.

The Bees sit second and impressed with a 3-1 victory away at Bristol Rovers last weekend, keeping the pressure on leaders Salford, with just a point separating the two clubs.

The Railwaymen added to the pressure on Swindon Town boss Ian Holloway as they ran out 1-0 winners.

Saddlers, meanwhile, had to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Fleetwood Town.

All three sides will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten records by Saturday evening.

Can Aaron Ramsey lead Oxford United back to the Championship?

Ramsey was appointed as manager of the League One outfit back in June, with the former Arsenal midfielder taking over the reins from Matt Bloomfield following their relegation from the second tier. 

The U’s have started well as they look to secure an immediate return to the Championship at the first time of asking. 

Ramsey’s side sit just outside the play-offs with games in hand on their nearest rivals, as the Welshman makes an impressive start as one of the youngest managers in the EFL.

Four wins and two draws from seven games represents a strong start for the 35-year-old.

Oxford have suffered defeat just once, a 3-1 loss at Huddersfield Town at the beginning of September.

It was a massive plus for the U’s to keep forward Mark Harris despite relegation and the 27-year-old has already hit the back of the net four times this campaign. 

Oxford face Mansfield Town this evening as they look to continue their momentum.

Can Salford City remain at the top of the table? 

Peter Cklamovski is another fresh face in the EFL, having taken charge ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 47-year-old has overseen six wins in just 10 games as Salford climbed to the top of League Two. 

League Two is proving highly competitive, with unbeaten Barnet and Crewe ready to capitalise on any slip-up from the league-leading Ammies.

Salford host bottom side Crawley Town this weekend in a fixture that could prove a banana skin for Cklamovski’s side.

Joe Powell has been in fine form and has scored three times already this season, while Luke Molyneux has matched that tally with his assists.

I’ll be back next week with five more talking points from across the EFL. Until then, enjoy the weekend’s action!

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