Five things we learned from this weekend's Premier League & EFL football

1 Leicester showing top-six potential

The top six has been a closed shop since Leicester won the Premier League title in 2015-16 but the Foxes may be ready to challenge the big boys again.

Leicester are unbeaten after three games and were hugely impressive when drawing 1-1 at Chelsea last weekend.

They followed up with a 2-1 success at Sheffield United on Saturday, showing battling qualities and sheer class to inflict the Blades' first defeat of the season.

Jamie Vardy was back to his best with a sharp finish for the opening goal but Harvey Barnes stole the show with a stunning half volley which ripped past the despairing dive of goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Two of Leicester's next three league games are away to Manchester United and at home to Tottenham.

If they come through those unscathed they will fancy their chances of having a very strong season.

2 Dodgy defence causing Watford wobble

Watford's losing run was extended to seven games with Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to West Ham placing early pressure on Javi Gracia.

It is early days but there are worrying signs for the Hornets, who have not kept a clean sheet in 18 matches.

Poor defending was evident against West Ham, who did not have to do anything special to register their first win of the season.

Gracia likes full-backs Kiko Femenia and Jose Holebas to push forward but there was far too much space left for West Ham to exploit.

Offensively Watford played well despite the absence of Troy Deeney, who has undergone a knee operation and faces two months on the sidelines.

But Deeney has been a key player for Watford for several years and his leadership will be missed as they battle to climb away from the danger zone.

3 Impressive QPR look a top-half team

QPR fans have endured some lean times but they are beginning to get excited after watching their team play some good stuff at the start of the season.

In the last three seasons the Londoners have finished 18th, 16th and 19th in the Sky Bet Championship although substantial progress has been made in reducing the wage bill and getting the club on a more sustainable footing.

This summer they have had a bit more leeway to bring players in and have used it well.

QPR manager Mark Warburton waited a long time to sign a centre-forward but his patience was repaid when Jordan Hugill arrived on a season-long loan from West Ham.

Hugill has netted three times in five appearances but brings much more than just goals to the side.

His hold-up play has been exemplary, providing the platform for talented youngsters Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ilias Chair and Ebere Eze to influence games.

QPR's defending has been a little suspect but they look good going forward and have a decent chance of securing a top-half finish for the first time since 2015-16.

4 Tough times ahead for Middlesbrough

Jonathan Woodgate was welcomed with open arms this summer when signing a three-year contract as Middlesbrough's new manager but his honeymoon period may not last much longer unless performances and results improve.

In fairness to Woodgate he has taken on a tough job at a difficult time. Supporters are desperate to witness a more attacking style of play but funds are tight and the spine of the team has been weakened by the departures of key players Aden Flint and Mo Besic.

Boro are trying to play a more possession-based style but have won just one of their five league games and were lucky to escape with a point from Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Millwall.

Last season Boro were disappointed to miss out on the playoffs. This time they will do well to finish in the top half.

5 Posh primed for promotion

Darren Ferguson has won three promotions for Peterborough and another will be a real possibility if they can build on Saturday's impressive 4-0 Sky Bet League One success at MK Dons.

Attacking midfielder Marcus Maddison set them on their way at Stadium MK a with a stunning goal and a superb assist.

At his best Maddison is among the most talented players in the third tier but there are plenty of other facets to Peterborough's attacking play.

Their first-choice front two Ivan Toney and Mo Eisa have bags of pace and potential and could also play key roles for Ferguson's side, who look genuine contenders for automatic promotion.

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