Arsenal passed an early test of their Premier League title credentials with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Aston Villa, while Manchester City continued their dominant form, breezing past newly-promoted Ipswich Town with a 4-1 victory, courtesy of another Erling Haaland hat-trick. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s struggles continued as they suffered a last-minute 2-1 defeat at Brighton, further compounding the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
Arsenal Overcome Villa Hurdle
Last season, Arsenal’s title challenge faltered with two costly defeats to Aston Villa. However, this time, the Gunners managed to secure revenge with a disciplined performance in Birmingham. Despite a resilient display from Villa, Arsenal’s persistence paid off in the second half.
Leandro Trossard, introduced as a substitute, broke the deadlock in the 67th minute with a composed finish after a tight opening hour. Thomas Partey then doubled the lead with a low strike that slipped past Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, securing the win for the visitors. The result keeps Arsenal firmly in the title race, setting up another potential season-long battle with reigning champions Manchester City.
However, Arsenal’s victory wasn’t without drama. David Raya, Arsenal’s new signing in goal, pulled off a stunning save to deny Ollie Watkins’ header, ensuring Villa didn’t snatch a crucial lead. This defensive resilience, coupled with clinical finishing, showcased Arsenal’s growing maturity as they aim to dethrone City after finishing runners-up for two consecutive seasons.
Haaland’s Hat-Trick Propels City to the Summit
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City faced an early scare against Ipswich Town when Sammie Szmodics squeezed a shot through Ederson’s legs, giving the visitors an unexpected lead. However, City, under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, responded swiftly and emphatically.
Erling Haaland, City’s goal machine, levelled the score from the penalty spot before Ipswich’s goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, in a moment of horror, lost possession to Savinho, allowing Kevin De Bruyne to slot home into an empty net. Haaland then showcased his lethal finishing, flicking De Bruyne’s pass past Muric for City’s third goal.
Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute, bringing his tally to four goals in just two games this season. The Norwegian striker has now scored an astounding 94 goals in 96 starts for City, leading Guardiola to compare him to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “The numbers are ridiculous. He can compete in terms of goals with Ronaldo and Messi,” Guardiola said, highlighting Haaland’s extraordinary impact since joining the club.
United’s Misery Continues with Last-Gasp Defeat
Manchester United’s early-season woes continued with a devastating 2-1 loss to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. United fell behind in the 32nd minute when former Red Devil Danny Welbeck struck against his old club. United responded through Amad Diallo, whose deflected shot brought them level after an hour.
However, United’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in stoppage time. Brazilian striker Joao Pedro headed home Simon Adingra’s cross, sealing Brighton’s victory and maintaining new Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s perfect start to the season. The defeat leaves United languishing in the bottom half of the table, with questions mounting over Ten Hag’s tenure.
Tottenham Thrash Everton
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 4-0 victory over Everton, with Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min, and Cristian Romero all getting on the scoresheet. Bissouma, back in favor after serving a suspension, opened the scoring with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Son doubled the lead, capitalizing on a mistake from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Romero added a third with a towering header before Son completed the rout with his second goal, capping off a dominant display from Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Other Results
West Ham United secured their first win under Julen Lopetegui with a 2-0 triumph at Crystal Palace, thanks to goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen. Fulham edged Leicester City 2-1, with Alex Iwobi scoring the decisive goal, while Nottingham Forest earned a 1-0 win at Southampton, courtesy of Morgan Gibbs-White’s second-half strike.
As the Premier League season heats up, Arsenal and Manchester City continue to set the pace, while Manchester United face a tough road ahead if they hope to challenge for a top-four finish.
