In an astounding move, Arsenal netted two goals during extra time to secure an impressive 4-2 win against Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, had previously cautioned Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to brace themselves for intense competition, fuelling the rivalry between these top teams ahead of the weekend’s Premier League match.
With Newcastle managing to hold City to a stalemate at St James’ Park, Arsenal was aware that a victory in this match could put them on equal footing with the reigning champions. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard seemed to put Arsenal on the right track. However, a redirected header from James Justin and a striking volley after halftime, alongside Mads Hermansen’s sterling performance as goalkeeper, unbalanced the hosts.
Despite the setback, Arsenal managed a last-minute win when Trossard’s volley from a corner kick ricocheted off Wilfred Ndidi, securing the match during the added time’s fourth minute. An additional goal from Kai Havertz sealed the win, positioning Arsenal on par with City, both teams boasting 14 points after six games.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea secured a 4-2 win against Brighton. Cole Palmer who scored his incredible four goals in the match’s first half marking a maiden event in Premier League history. Palmer maintained his terrific performance with the Blues, marked by a spectacular free kick in the 31st minute.
Despite these victories, Chelsea’s performance was subpar at the match’s outset in west London, even conceding an early goal due to lacklustre goalkeeping. A swift counterattack from Brighton left them in a vulnerable position; Robert Sanchez, indecisive in his defensive play, allowed Georginio Rutter to outplay him and deliver the first goal for Brighton.
In a subpar performance, the Blues had been lagging and deficient in passing accuracy before a one-on-one opportunity for Palmer surfaced. His initial 22-years old striker’s attempt hit the post and was a mere unintentional rehearsal for his later brilliant play.
Though a misplaced pass meant for their goalkeeper from Adam Webster was quickly seized by Nicolas Jackson, he passed it to in-form striker Palmer. The latter was set up in the six-yard box for a straightforward tap-in goal.
The Blues found their footing after weathering challenging conditions and promptly won a penalty after the break. When the ball was switched across the field to Jadon Sancho, his rapid bypass of Carlos Baleba resulted in a foul and a confidently taken penalty by Palmer to the bottom left corner of the goal.
Following this, Palmer’s already impressive day elevated with him scoring an exceptional hat-trick from a set-piece. He expertly sent a free-kick into the top left corner, bringing the result to 3-1.
However, mirroring Chelsea’s less than smooth performance, yet another sloppy pass from Sanchez was picked off by Brighton’s Baleba and resulted in a goal for the opposing team. Undeterred, Palmer, an ex-Manchester City player, persistently found openings behind Brighton’s defence. After another successful cooperation with Sancho, he didn’t hesitate and dispatched his shot to the near post beating Bart Verbruggen for the fourth time.
Despite showing signs of being human by squandering a one-on-one chance and clipping the bar with an audacious half-volley, last season’s Premier League young player of the year did not let it dampen his spirits. The Blues retreated strategically with Maresca sending in replacements which helped slow the tempo of the game, ultimately leading to three consecutive league victories.
In another surprising match at Goodison Park, Everton managed to make a stunning comeback against Crystal Palace, winning 2-1. Dwight McNeil’s two successful attempts secured the coveted victory, a first for the season. Overcoming a deficit to win had been an issue for the team since October 2022, and the triumph was warmly welcomed by manager Sean Dyche, especially given the team’s prior struggles with maintaining leads.
In an intense match, an opening score by Marc Guehi was quickly overturned early in the second half. A crucial interception within Crystal Palace’s domain by Ashley Young allowed McNeil to score from 25 yards out, just over a minute into the second half. This was followed by another impressive goal, facilitated by Jack Harrison, leading to a successful week for the Friedkin Group who also ensured a deal to purchase majority shares from Farhad Moshiri.
Fulham claimed a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest thanks to a contentious penalty converted by Raul Jimenez. After scrutinising through VAR, the penalty became Jimenez’s 50th goal in the top-tier English football. Forest, despite having their largest audience in ten years, couldn’t secure a home league win for the first time since April. Forest fans were left devastated as another VAR decision ruled against them, while Fulham now haven’t lost in their last five league encounters.
Brentford made Premier League history but only managed a draw against West Ham. Bryan Mbeumo’s goal 37 seconds into the game etched the Bees into the record books as the first team to score within the initial minute of three successive matches. However, they couldn’t maintain their momentum and West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, managed to level the score in the second half. Brentford had notably scored within the first 23 seconds against Manchester City and Tottenham, so West Ham were no strangers to their tactic. Yet, it took Brentford only 14 more seconds to score from their kick-off.
Despite a feeble clearance from Jean-Clair Todibo in the Hammers’ penalty area, Fabio Carvalho was able to direct the ball towards Mbeumo. Although the pass was slightly behind Mbeumo, he showed superb control with a left-footed volley that found its mark in the top corner.