By Robert Wheeler
- Arsenal defeat Manchester City
- Man United need late winner
- Spurs go top of the division
England – Arsenal defeated Manchester City to make a huge early statement in this season’s title race.
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Late drama at the Emirates
Arsenal exorcised some of the demons of the last campaign as they defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates. This win was remarkable the Gunners’ first over City in 12 games.
The biggest talking point in the first half was whether Mateo Kovacic should have been sent off after the City player made rash challenges on Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. It looked like the game was destined to finish goalless but in the 86th minute, Gabriel Martinelli‘s strike was deflected in off Nathan Ake.
The result moves Mikel Arteta‘s side above City in the league, where they are now second only to their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on goals scored.
McTominay rescues United
Scott McTominay rescued Manchester United from three successive home defeats after he came off the bench to score twice to claim a 2-1 win over Brentford. Eric ten Hag‘s side was trailing the Bees by a goal after Andre Onana had let Mathias Jensen‘s strike go through him in the first half.
However, McTominay was introduced in the 87th minute and made an instant impact. The Scotland international scored twice in added time to win it for the Red Devils. After losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, ten Hag needed this result and he has to thank a player that he has used sparingly recently. McTominay -who has been in excellent form when playing for his country- can look forward to meeting up with his Scotland teammates in the international break.
Tottenham go top
Not many would have predicted that Tottenham Hotspur would be top of the league at this stage, especially after they lost Harry Kane this summer. However, Ange Postecoglou has done a terrific job in the short time he has had at the club.
Even with his side a man down after Yves Bissouma had been sent off for two bookable offences against Luton Town, Spurs still managed to claim a 1-0 victory. James Maddison played in Micky van de Ven to tap in Spurs’ winner at Kenilworth Road.
Going into the international break on top of the division is huge for Postecoglou’s side. It is still early days but his side could be title contenders.
Best of the rest
Chelsea defeated Burnley 4-1 with Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer both getting on the scoresheet. Sterling was left out of England’s latest squad but is still showing that he can perform at the highest level.
Brighton and Liverpool played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Amex. Lewis Dunk who earned a recall to the Three Lions squad got the late equaliser for the Seagulls.
West Ham United and Newcastle United also drew 2-2. Mohammed Kudus came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal to equalise in the 89th minute.
Predictions vs. actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City | Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City |
| Manchester United 2-0 Brentford | Manchester United 2-1 Brentford |
| West Ham 2-2 Newcastle | West Ham 2-2 Newcastle |
The Premier League returns after the international break on Saturday, October 21.
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