Manchester City strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland, coupled with Arsenal’s shock 3-0 defeat at Brighton.
The champions now hold a three-point lead heading into the international break despite Brian Brobbey’s hat-trick for Sunderland.
Enzo Maresca’s side showed their attacking quality, with Erling Haaland among the scorers, to capitalise on Arsenal’s first defeat of the season.
Arsenal, who had won all seven of their matches in all competitions before the weekend, struggled to cope with Brighton’s intensity as Fabian Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas, and Chema Andres sealed an emphatic victory for the Seagulls.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side must learn from the setback, describing it as an important lesson despite their impressive start to the campaign.
Arteta said: “The way we have competed, the way we have played, the way we have dominated. It’s been really good.
“But today we need to take this lesson very, very seriously because it’s going to happen.”
Manchester United’s poor start to the season continued after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage.
United needed a late equaliser from Matheus Cunha to rescue a point after Lisandro Martinez’s own goal had handed Fulham the lead in a match that exposed United’s defensive frailties.
The result means Michael Carrick’s side have managed just one win in their opening five Premier League matches, matching the club’s worst start in the competition’s history.
Former United captain Gary Neville delivered a scathing assessment of the team’s performance, describing their display early in the second half as the worst he had witnessed since following the club.
Man City top EPL after Sunderland thriller as Liverpool beat Bournemouth
Neville said: “I’ve watched Man United since the age of five and that’s the worst 15 minutes I’ve ever seen.
“Absolutely pathetic. I’ve never seen such a lack of effort. What must Carrick be thinking?”
Carrick, however, defended his players, insisting they remain capable of turning their season around despite growing scrutiny.
Chelsea’s difficult start under Xabi Alonso suffered another setback after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Brentford.
Despite the impressive attacking form shown by Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers earlier in the campaign, the Blues were once again undone by defensive lapses.
Chelsea have now gone three consecutive league matches without a victory and have failed to keep a Premier League clean sheet in 21 matches – the club’s longest such run since 1965.
Defender Levi Colwill admitted Chelsea were outmuscled in key moments against Brentford, saying the team had been “bullied” in their own penalty area and must improve defensively if they are to challenge this season.
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