Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal was billed as the standout fixture of the weekend, and it did not disappoint in terms of intensity, if not in goals. In a tightly contested encounter at Anfield, it was Dominik Szoboszlai—deployed unusually at right-back due to injury absences—who produced the moment of quality that separated the two sides. With just seven minutes left, Szoboszlai unleashed a thunderous free-kick from long range that curled past David Raya and left the Arsenal bench stunned. His strike sealed a third straight win for Liverpool and pushed them to the top of the table with maximum points.
The game itself was a chess match. Liverpool struggled to assert themselves in the first half, with their only two shots failing to test Arsenal’s stand-in defensive pairing. Arsenal, missing key men like Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Ødegaard, sat deep and sought to frustrate the hosts while countering through Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard. For long spells it worked, with Arsenal’s midfield grinding out duels and restricting Liverpool’s creativity. But as so often at Anfield, one spark of individual brilliance changed the narrative.
Post-match, Arne Slot praised Szoboszlai for his adaptability, hailing his ability to both defend and decide matches from an unfamiliar position. Arteta, meanwhile, admitted his side gave everything but lacked a cutting edge. For Arsenal, this loss is a setback but not a crisis. For Liverpool, it is a statement win that underscores their resilience and hints that they are ready to mount a serious title charge.
Brighton 2–1 Manchester City: Champions Exposed at the Amex
If Liverpool’s win felt like a message to their rivals, Manchester City’s defeat at Brighton sounded an alarm. Pep Guardiola’s men took the lead through Erling Haaland—marking his 100th Premier League appearance with his 88th goal—but they could not hold on. Brighton, fearless and relentless, clawed back with a James Milner penalty before Brajan Gruda struck late to complete a famous comeback.
This was no smash-and-grab. Brighton matched City stride for stride, pressing high, moving the ball quickly, and exploiting spaces left by City’s adventurous full-backs. Guardiola cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines, lamenting his side’s lack of composure and hinting at deeper issues with cohesion and focus. For City, two defeats in three games suggest the aura of invincibility may be fading. For Brighton, it was a night to remember—proof once again that they are not intimidated by the league’s elite.
Manchester United 3–2 Burnley: Drama Until the Final Whistle
At Old Trafford, Manchester United’s rollercoaster start to the season continued with a nerve-shredding 3–2 win over newly promoted Burnley. United twice took the lead, only to be pegged back each time by Burnley’s spirited attack. Just when it seemed the visitors might leave with a point, VAR intervened deep into stoppage time, awarding United a penalty for a foul on Amad Diallo. Captain Bruno Fernandes stepped up and coolly slotted home, sparking relief around the stadium.
The match summed up United’s current state: flashes of quality in attack mixed with alarming defensive lapses. Burnley, on the other hand, showed plenty of fight and will take heart from pushing a Champions League side all the way. But for Erik ten Hag, the focus will be on tightening his back line and ensuring that United don’t need late miracles to secure wins.
Tottenham 0–1 Bournemouth: Spurs Stunned at Home
Tottenham, who started the season brightly under Thomas Frank, suffered their first major setback with a shock home defeat to Bournemouth. The Cherries struck early through Evanilson and then defended doggedly for the remainder of the game. Spurs pushed forward with urgency in the second half, but their efforts were either repelled by Bournemouth’s back line or wasted through poor finishing.
The result raises questions about Tottenham’s consistency. Their high-pressing style looked disjointed, and without a cutting edge in attack, they seemed short of ideas. For Bournemouth, this was a statement victory—proof that they can upset the established order and grind out results against bigger clubs.
Everton 3–2 Wolves: Grealish the Difference Maker
Everton’s revival under Sean Dyche continued with a thrilling 3–2 win away at Wolves. Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, was the standout performer, registering two assists and dictating play with flair and composure. Wolves fought hard and twice pulled themselves back into contention, but Everton always found an extra gear.
For the Toffees, this marks consecutive wins and growing belief that their struggles of past seasons may be behind them. Grealish’s presence has added creativity and unpredictability to their midfield, while their attack is showing signs of sharpness that has been missing for years. Wolves, meanwhile, remain winless and will need to quickly find answers to avoid being dragged into an early relegation fight.
Chelsea 2–0 Fulham: Derby Win Overshadowed by VAR
Chelsea secured a comfortable 2–0 win over Fulham in the West London derby, but once again VAR took center stage. Fulham had a goal ruled out after a contentious offside call, and later a handball decision went Chelsea’s way, infuriating Marco Silva and his players. The controversy grew so heated that the Premier League later admitted errors had been made, and the VAR official was pulled from duty for Liverpool’s game the next day.
On the pitch, Chelsea looked solid, with goals from Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling ensuring the points stayed at Stamford Bridge. But the post-match conversation revolved almost entirely around officiating—highlighting once again how VAR remains a lightning rod for frustration and debate.
West Ham and Palace Bounce Back
Elsewhere, West Ham recorded their first win of the season in emphatic style, dismantling Nottingham Forest 3–0 away from home. Goals from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, and Callum Wilson lifted spirits after a shaky start to the campaign. Crystal Palace also impressed, sweeping aside Aston Villa 3–0 with a performance full of attacking verve. Both teams look set to be dark horses for European places if they can maintain such form.
Leeds 0–0 Newcastle: A Stalemate of Missed Chances
At Elland Road, Leeds and Newcastle played out a goalless draw that highlighted both sides’ current limitations. Leeds looked well-organized and difficult to break down, while Newcastle struggled to find rhythm in attack despite enjoying spells of possession. For Eddie Howe’s side, injuries and lack of sharpness are beginning to tell. Leeds, though, will take confidence from another point earned against a top-half rival.
The Bigger Picture
The third weekend of the Premier League season has already thrown narratives into sharp focus. Liverpool sit top, showing resilience and discipline even when not at their sparkling best. Manchester City look vulnerable, struggling to adapt after years of dominance. Arsenal, Chelsea, and United all remain in the mix but with clear weaknesses exposed. Meanwhile, Brighton, Palace, and West Ham are proving that the league’s middle tier is as competitive as ever.
As the international break arrives, managers will be eager to regroup, reinforce through transfers if possible, and sharpen tactics ahead of September’s return. But the storylines are already writing themselves: Liverpool’s determination, City’s fragility, VAR’s controversy, and the chasing pack’s unpredictability. If this weekend was any indication, the 2025/26 season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory.
