By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester City go top
- Arsenal drop points
- Nunez shocks Newcastle
England – The defending champions Manchester City claimed their familiar place at the top of the table after defeating Sheffield United 2-1.
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Man City back on top
Manchester City made it hard for themselves against Sheffield United but ultimately they took all three points away from Bramall Lane to go top of the league. City was without Pep Guardiola who is recovering from a back operation. Juanma Lillo took his place in the dugout but the team did look like they were missing Guardiola.
Erling Haaland who has been so prolific for City was appearing to have a bit of an off day. The Norwegian missed some guilt-edged chances and saw his penalty kick come back off the post. However, he finally got his goal with a header in the second half to give City the lead.
Kyle Walker who started his career at Sheffield United almost became an accidental hero for his old side as his back-heal mistake led to Jayden Bogle‘s equaliser in the 85th minute. It did not take Walker long to make amends as he was involved in the build-up to Rodri‘s winning strike just three minutes later.
This was not City’s best performance, although, seeing a team win when it is playing badly is a great sign for the defending champions. They will need to improve but they will likely remain on top of the division for the foreseeable.
Arsenal drop points
Arsenal were Manchester City’s main rival for the league last season. However, they have now already dropped points as they played out a 2-2 draw with Fulham at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka gifted the visitors an early lead as his uncharacteristic misplaced pass fell to Andreas Pereira who swept the ball into the net. Their advantage stood until the 70th minute when Saka redeemed himself with an equaliser from the penalty spot.
The Gunners then took the lead as Eddie Nketiah finished from Fabio Vieira‘s cross. The home side’s position strengthened when Fulham’s Calvin Bassey was sent off for a second bookable offence. However, with 10 men they managed to claim a point as Joao Palhinha fired in from Harrison Reed‘s corner.
It was a very disappointing result for Mikel Arteta‘s side especially as they were leading at home with a player advantage. They cannot afford to slip up like this if they are to challenge City for the title again in this campaign.
Nunez shocks Newcastle
Darwin Nunez has had a mixed time at Liverpool since his £64 million move to the club last summer. However, the Uruguayan provided an inspired performance off the bench to win the game for a 10-man Reds side at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon had given Newcastle an early lead as the former Everton player took advantage of Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s mistake and slotted the ball through Alisson‘s legs and into the net. The Magpies then received another boost as Liverpool’s captain Virgil Van-Dijk was sent off after bringing down Alexander Isak.
Nunez was introduced in the 77th minute to turn the tie around, in what was a positive substation by Jurgen Klopp. The forward fired in an equaliser just four minutes later. He then claimed a 2-1 win for the Reds with a similar finish to his first strike.
It was a fantastic win for Klopp’s side, whose side had been up against it all game. Newcastle would rue missed chances and after a fantastic start to the season in thrashing Aston Villa, they have now lost back-to-back games.
Best of the rest
Manchester United came from two goals down to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-2. Bruno Fernandes scored the winner from the penalty spot. However, United’s fans then staged a sit-in protest against the Glazer family’s ownership after the game.
Mauricio Pochettino claimed his first Premier League win as Chelsea boss as his side beat Luton Town 3-0 with Raheem Sterling scoring a brace. Tottenham Hotspur continued their impressive start to the season under Ange Postecoglou as they defeated Bournemouth 2-0.
It is not looking good for Everton fans whose side lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Toffees are bottom of the division having played three and lost three.
Predictions vs. actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool | Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool |
| Arsenal 3-0 Fulham | Arsenal 2-2 Fulham |
| Brighton 2-1 West Ham | Brighton 1-3 West Ham |
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