Manchester City 5-0 Arsenal
Arsenal’s torrid start to the Premier League season continued as they fell to their third consecutive defeat at the hands of current champions, Manchester City.
Within just 12 minutes, Manchester City found themselves 2-0 up, courtesy of goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres – both seizing on some suspect defending from Arsenal’s backline.
To make matters worse, Granit Xhaka was sent off 10 minutes before the interval after a reckless challenge on Joao Cancelo, leaving referee Martin Atkinson no choice but to show him his marching orders.
Gabriel Jesus then rounded off a dominant first half for the hosts by sliding the ball home following good work from City’s new £100m man, Jack Grealish.
Soon after the break, Rodri made it four with a precise effort from 25 yards after a brilliant team move, before Ferran Torres added to his earlier strike by heading in a Riyad Mahrez cross six minutes from time.
This crushing defeat confirmed the Gunners’ worst start to a Premier League season since 1954, whilst Pep Guardiola’s side have now scored five goals at home for the third match in a row.
The defeat brings more woes on Arteta, as his side have yet to score a goal in the league and find themselves bottom of the table, their worst start to a season since 1954.
The pressure is on the Spaniard, who needs a win against Norwich in the first match after the break.
Brighton & Hove Albion 0-2 Everton
Brighton’s impressive start to the season was ended as Rafa Benitez’s Everton comfortably brushed them aside with goals from Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The hosts started the brightest with Neal Maupay going close from range and Yves Bissouma, who has attracted interest from Manchester Utd and Arsenal, impressing.
However, the Toffees went ahead five minutes before the break after a swift counter attack and direct running from Demarai Gray who fired the ball low into the far corner inside the box.
Midway through the second half, defender Seamus Coleman ventured forward, managing to break into Brighton’s penalty area before being tripped by Brighton’s Joel Veltman forcing referee John Moss to point to the penalty spot.
After a scuffle for the ball with fellow teammate Richarlison, Everton and England striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin confidently dispatched the spot kick to send the away fans back home to Merseyside delighted.
The visitors had further chances to extend the lead through Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucoure, however their two earlier goals proved enough to earn the three points and continue Benitez’s unbeaten start.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Two of the league’s title contenders went head-to-head in the late kick-off on Saturday to serve up an exciting encounter as ten-man Chelsea managed to hold on to a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
All eyes were on the battle between Virgil Van Dijk and Romelu Lukaku but it was Kai Havertz who made headlines as he headed Chelsea into the lead following a Reece James corner.
James went from hero to villain within the first half as he conceded a penalty and was shown red by Anthony Taylor after he was adjudged to handle the ball on the line following a VAR review.
Mohamed Salah fired the ball past Edouard Mendy to equalise, four minutes into added time at the end of the first half.
After the break, the hosts were unable to capitalise on the man advantage following a resolute defensive display from Thomas Tuchel’s Blues to ensure a share of the spoils, despite Liverpool having 24 efforts on goal.
Wolves 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United moved to 28 games unbeaten away from home, overtaking the previous record held by Arsenal, after beating Wolves 1-0.
Despite the excitement of Cristiano Ronaldo re-joining the club on Friday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side offered up a tepid display as they were fortunate to steal all three points at Molineux on Sunday.
Wolves could’ve and should’ve found themselves comfortably ahead in the first half after going close with efforts from Raul Jimenez, Trincao and Joao Moutinho.
Adama Traore was a constant threat for the Midlands side, with his blistering pace and strength causing United’s defence problems.
In the second half, David De Gea somehow kept it at 0-0 with a double save from Romain Saiss following a goalmouth scramble.
But it was United who would have the last laugh as new signing from Real Madrid, Raphael Varane, found Mason Greenwood who lashed a fierce shot past Jose Sa to win the match, ten minutes from time. It was the teenager’s third goal in three games.
The goal was met with controversy however, as replays showed Paul Pogba caught Ruben Neves in the build-up, but was not given as a foul.
Spurs go top of the table; Another for Antonio in draw; Newcastle denied in added time
Harry Kane’s first league start of the season for Spurs ended with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side recording their third 1-0 victory of the season, following a first-half free kick from Son, to move back to the top of the table.
It is the first time in the club’s history they have won each of their opening three league games without conceding a goal.
West Ham’s new Premier League record goal scorer, Michail Antonio, continued his fine start to the season with a goal and an assist.
However, it was not enough to beat Crystal Palace, who came back from a goal down on two occasions to earn a point on the road with Conor Gallagher scoring two fine goals.
Elsewhere, Southampton equalised in stoppage time to deny Newcastle a win, who thought they won the game themselves in added time.
Allan Saint-Maximin celebrated wildly after he scored in the 91st minute to put Newcastle 2-1 up, but a VAR review for a late tackle on Adam Armstrong allowed James Ward-Prowse to salvage a second point of the season for Southampton.
Ivan Toney scored his first Premier League goal as Brentford drew 1-1 against Aston Villa, while Leicester City edged past Norwich City 2-1 with Marc Albrighton netting the winner.
Burnley vs Leeds also ended level following a late equaliser from Patrick Bamford.
