Premier League Gameweeks 2-3

After an opening weekend of debuting players, managers and long awaited club return in the Premier League, Gameweek's two and three saw the League begin to take shape with surprises in the top and bottom four. 

City Cruise Past Eagles

Friday night saw Manchester City ease to a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The visitors opened the scoring on 17 minutes as Antoine Semenyo crossed for Erling Haaland to head in for 1-0 and the lead remained until the 53rd minute as Rayan Cherki sashayed through the Eagles defence to slot in for a 2-0 advantage. Palace cut the gap in style as Yeremy Pino's free-kick cannoned off Gianluigi Donnarumma for 2-1 but their joy was short lived as Cherki claimed his second goal of the evening for 3-1 and the rout was rounded off six minutes from the end as Phil Foden who picked out Haaland for his second of the evening with the 4-1 win sending City to the top of the table. 

Reds Deny Forest Joy

Liverpool extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Saturday lunchtime game. Morgan Gibbs-White picked out Dan Ndoye who slotted in for the opener on 24 minutes and a 1-0 lead that was almost levelled on 32 minutes by Florian Wirtz but his effort was chalked off due an offside in the build-up. The leveller did come on the hour mark as Cody Gakpo's cross found Alexander Isak who send it into the net for 1-1. The visitors regained the lead in the 70th minute as Gibbs-White fired a penalty past Allison Becker for 2-1. Alike the opening weekend, it was to be a 2-2 draw for Liverpool and it was sealed in style by a superb effort from Victor Munoz on 82 minutes. 

Magpies March Past Spurs

Newcastle United secured their first win of the season with 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The two sides played out a closely fought goalless first half before the opening finally came on 62 minutes with a clever turn and shoot move from Anthony Elanga which put the visitors 1-0 ahead. The lead was doubled just 10 minutes later courtesy of an acrobatic effort from Yoane Wissa after collecting Nick Woltemade's header for 2-0 and they held firm to extend Spurs' woes. 

Tigers Topple Sky Blues 

A first ever Premier League meeting between Coventry City and Hull City at the CBS Arena saw the Tigers secure a 2-0 win. A closely fought first half saw the sides remain level until the opener on 82 minutes as Liam Millar raced clear on goal and slotted in for the crucial goal and 1-0 lead that ensured Hull maintain their perfect start to the season.

Cherries Held By Toffees

Everton left it late to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they sealed a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring with four minutes left of the first half as Evanilson found Alex Scott who fired in for 1-0. The Cherries looked to be on course for their first win of the season but were denied in the 91st minute as James Tarkowski made the most of the hosts failure to clear a corner to fire in for 1-1 and ensure a share of the points.

Blues Edge Seagulls

Chelsea extended their perfect start with a seven goal thriller at Stamford Bridge as they edged past Brighton & Hove Albion. The hosts made a rapid start with Romeo Lavia tapped in after a fumble from Bart Verbruggen for 1-0. The lead was doubled on 14 minutes as Morgan Rogers' cross found the path of Pedro Neto who slotted in for 2-0. Chelsea went three goals clear on 32 minutes with Joao Pedro firing in for 3-0 but the visitors cut the gap just three minutes later as Malick Yalcouye benefitted from a parry from Emi Martinez to make it 3-1 into the interval. The visitors made it 3-2 thanks to a Joao Pedro own goal on 63 minutes but they went 4-2 behind after Cole Palmer's 74th minute effort. There was a frantic finish though as Pascal Gross headed in for 4-3 in added time but the hosts held on for the win. 

Bees Held By Whites

Leeds United shared the points with Brentford in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road. The Bees controlled the first half and found their reward in the 41st minute as Kevin Schade opened the scoring with a clever flick for 1-0. Leeds battled back though with Dominic Calvert-Lewin levelling in the 79th minute for 1-1 and a share of the points.

Black Cats Extend Cottagers Woes

Sunderland claimed their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at the Stadium of Light. Both clubs lost their opening game of the season and in a close scrappy game, the crucial strike went to the hosts in the 74th minute as Wilson Isidor converted after Bernt Leno parried a cross from Habib Diarra for the 1-0 lead that gave the Black Cats their first points of the season. 

Red Devils Thrash Tractor Boys

Manchester United bounced back from their opening loss with a 5-2 hammering of Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. The visitors opened the scoring in the 29th minute as Leif Davis fired in a superb volley but the sides went into the interval level after a 40th minute equaliser from Bruno Fernandes after he was picked out by Matheus Cunha. United raced into a 4-1 lead with thanks to a Jacob Greaves own goal and a double from Fernandes who completed his hat-trick with a 68th minute effort following a penalty on the hour. The rout was complete on 82 minutes as Fernandes turned provider for Bryan Mbeumo who made it 5-1. The visitors had the final say on the score line as Julio Enciso cut back for Chuba Akpom to slot in for 5-2. 

Gunners Glory Against Villa

Arsenal continued their title defence with a narrow 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday evening. The sides played out a goalless first half with the crucial strike coming in the 59th minute from Bukayo Saka after a cut back from Riccardo Calafiori as the visitors secured the three points. 

Rapid Reds Topple Tractor Boys 

Gameweek three opened on Friday evening with Liverpool sealing a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. A rapid start for the visitors saw Alexander Isak fire them ahead inside six minutes before he was found by Cody Gakpo for a tap in for a 2-0 lead after just nine minutes. The lead remained intact as the Reds claimed their first win of the season. 

Magpies Hold Cherries

Newcastle United and Bournemouth shared the points in Saturday's early game at St James's Park in a 2-2 draw. The Cherries struck first with a Marcus Tavernier flicking in for a 1-0 lead inside nine minutes and they opened up a 2-0 advantage with a gift of an own goal from Malick Thiaw on 35 minutes. Newcastle cut the gap just two minutes later with curled effort from Harvey Barnes finding the top corner for 2-1 and looked to be falling short until the 88th minute when Jacob Ramsey levelled from close range to make it 2-2 and ensure a share of the points. 

Black Cats Deny Bees

Brentford were held to a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium by Sunderland. After a closely fought first half, the hosts opened the scoring on 57 minutes as Vitaly Janelt fired them ahead and they looked to be on course for a victory but gifted the visitors a chance to level in the 82nd minute with Enzo Le Fee slotting in a penalty to seal a point in the 1-1 draw. 

Whites Held By Seagulls

Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the AMEX stadium. The visitors opened the scoring with a Jayden Bogle strike inside 15 minutes before being pegged back by a Luka Vuskovic effort on 71 minutes to make it 1-1 and seal a share of the points. 

Eagles Edge Past Cottagers

Crystal Palace came out on top in a five goal thriller as they won 3-2 against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The hosts struck first with a deflected effort from Josh King making it 1-0 on 11 minutes before Tyrick Mitchell levelled from a tight angle for 1-1 on 35 minutes. Fulham did lead into the interval though as Cesar Palacios capitalised on a rebound for 2-1. Mitchell levelled for a second time on 54 minutes as he made the most of a Fulham defensive melee and it was to be joy for the visitors with Ben Chilwell putting them 3-2 ahead on 77 minutes with a thumping effort that secured the win. 

Winless Spurs Hold Forest

Tottenham Hotspur are still in search of their first win of the season as they claimed a point in a 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground. Spurs were lucky to avoid defeat as Forest had a Nico Williams effort chalked off due to a handball in the build-up in the second half.

City Edge Sky Blues

Manchester City maintained their perfect start with a 1-0 win over Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium, The crucial strike came in the 26th minute as Antoine Semenyo crossing for Erling Haaland to head in for 1-0 and it was enough to secure the win. 

Villa Hold Tigers

Aston Villa remain winless but managed to secure a point against high-flying Hull City at MKM Stadium. The Tigers had the best chance of the game in the 65th minute with Mohamed Belloumi beating the Villa keeper but not the frame of the goal. 

Gunners Comeback Against Blues

Arsenal continued their perfect start with a 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The visitors made a rapid start as Morgan Rogers capitalized on a defensive melee from ths hosts to fire the Blues ahead inside two minutes. Arsenal levelled on 25 minutes as Kai Havertz looped an effort into the bottom corner for 1-1. The comeback was completed on 50 minutes as Martin Odegaard slipped through the Chelsea defence to slot in for 2-1. 

Last Gasp Toffees Deny Red Devils

Everton left it late to salvage a 2-2 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Manchester United. The visitors opened the scoring with superb solo goal from Bryan Mbeumo sashay through the Everton defence before slotting in for 1-0. The hosts levelled with a stunning equaliser from Tyrique George rifling in from a tight angle for 1-1. United regained the lead on 88 minutes as Benjamin Sesko headed in for a 2-1 lead that saw a last gasp screamer from Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the sixth minute of added time to seal the 2-2 draw and stun the visitors. 

Tigers Topple United While Seagulls Stun Villa

After the blogging had to take a back seat last season, the writing resumes with the new Premier League season. 

Gunners Ease Past Sky Blues

The season opened on Friday night as defending Champions Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts took just 15 minutes to open the scoring as Kai Havertz collected from Riccardo Calafiori to slot in for 1-0 and the lead was doubled just eight minutes later as Bukayo Saka made it 2-0. The Gunners wrapped up the three points and extended their stay atop the league across the seasons with a clipped effort from Martin Odegaard on 49 minutes. 

Bees Sting Spurs

Saturday evening saw Brentford ease to a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Gtech Community Stadium. The hosts went ahead inside 12 minutes as Keane-Lewis Potter tapped in from a Mamadou Sangare cross for 1-0 and the Bees doubled their advantage to 2-0 on 33 minutes with Vitaly Janelt slotting in after Antonin Kinsky had parried Mathias Jensen's effort. Spurs' day only got worse as Michael Kayode reacted rapidly to tap in a rebound for 3-0 just four minutes after the half-time interval and their woes were saved further blows when Igor Thiago hit the post with a penalty in the 53rd minute. The hosts held firm on their three goal lead to celebrate the win while Spurs' summer spending spree seems to have early issues. 

United Defeat Forest

Nottingham Forest's woes from last season extended into the new season as they lost out 1-0 late on to Leeds United at The City Ground. The visitors struck the crucial winner in style on 88 minutes as Anton Stach superbly curled in a free-kick to seal the 1-0 win and a first win away at Forest in 55 years. 

Tractor Boys Edge Black Cats

Ipswich Town left it late to claim 2-1 opening day win over Sunderland at Portman Road. The hosts struck first as Emmerson slotted in after a lay-off from Julio Enciso after a pacy counter-attack on 24 minutes for 1-0 before the visitors levelled on 39 minutes as Nilson Angulo made his impact on the game with a stunning lofted free kick ensuring the sides went into the half-time interval at 1-1. Ipswich sealed an opening weekend victory late on with Jack Clarke haunting his former club in added time as he curled the ball into the far corner for the 2-1 win.

Toffees Double Joy Against Eagles

Everton opened their season at the Hill Dickenson Stadium with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace though the visitors had the best chances to open the scoring with efforts hitting the post then later the bar but it was the Toffees who struck first. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall rifled in a cross-goal shot on 42 minutes to make it 1-0 and their home fans' joy was doubled on 53 minutes when Thierno Barry headed in from Iliman Ndiaye's cross for 2-0 and they held on to the two goal advantage for their first opening weekend win in five seasons.

Tigers Topple United 

Hull City made the perfect start on their return to the top flight as they stunned Manchester United with a 2-0 at the MKM Stadium on in Saturday's early kick-off. The hosts opened the scoring on 17 minutes as Semi Ajaji tapped in to the empty net after Senne Lammens saved Ollie McBurnie's effort. Hull extended their lead on 38 minutes as Nobel Mendy headed in a long range free kick from Regan Slater and held on to secure a famous win.

Seagulls Stun Villa

Brighton & Hove Albion stormed to the top of the league with a comfortable 4-0 hammering of Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium. A rapid start from the hosts saw them race into a 2-0 lead, firstly the opener on eight minutes via a Victor Lindelof own goal before the lead was doubled on 18 minutes as Georginio Rutter picked out Maxim De Cuyper who tapped in for 2-0. The contest was over before half time as Jack Hinshelwood struck twice in the space of two minutes , the second goal within seconds of the kick off to open up a huge 4-0 lead inside 31 minutes.

 A woeful first half got worse for Villa as they saw Joao Gomes dismissed on 40 minutes. The second half was a closer affair as lacking in the action from the first as the Seagulls held their four goal advantage to celebrate an opening weekend rout that sent them to the top of the league.

City Comeback Denies Cherries 

Bournemouth's epic 18 match unbeaten run from last season ended at the first hurdle this season in a 2-1 loss to Manchester City who staged a late turnaround at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Cherries opened the scoring on 26 minutes as Evanilson swept a low cross for Marcus Tavernier to slot in for 1-0. The lead lasted until six minutes from the end when City drew level through Marc Guehi's headed effort from a corner for 1-1 before their comeback was completed on 88 minutes as Josko Gvardiol slotted in from close range to secure the 2-1 win. 

Last Gasp Reds Halt Magpies

Liverpool levelled with literally the final kick of the match to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James' Park which saw a shared tribute to the legendary Kevin Keegan. The hosts opened the scoring inside five minutes as a counter-attack saw William Osula find Anthony Elanga who slotted in for 1-0. The Reds found a leveller on 55 minutes as Cody Gakpo fired a low shot for 1-1. However the equality was short lived as substitute Joe Willock restored the Magpies' lead after being picked out by Yoann Wissa. Newcastle looked to have sealed the win and the opening weekend win but were denied deep in added time as Victor Munoz was fouled and Dominik Szoboszlai fired in the resulting penalty to secure the 2-2 draw. 

Blues Edge Cottagers

Chelsea held off a fightback from Fulham take a 3-2 win away from Craven Cottage on Monday night and the Blues made the perfect start as Joao Pedro opened the scoring inside 31 seconds with a clever finish between the legs of Bernd Leno for 1-0. The hosts levelled on 23 minutes via through Josh King for 1-1 from a tight angle. Chelsea regained the lead on 41 minutes as Morgan Rogers slotted in from a Maxence Lacroix cutback for 2-1. The lead became 3-1 just four minutes after the restart as Cole Palmer collected from Joao Pedro to slot the ball in the far corner. Fulham cut the gap to 3-2 on 54 minutes with a header from Gonzalo Garcia 3-2 but were unable to force a leveller as the visitors secure a first opening win since 2022-23.

Villa Victorious Against Forest While Seagulls Defeat Clarets

Villa Victorious Against Forest

Aston Villa returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the early kick-off at Villa Park. The hosts opened the scoring with a superb flicked effort from Ollie Watkins on 45 minutes before John McGinn doubled the lead three minutes after the restart as he flicked in from a cross for 2-0. Morgan Gibbs-White cut the gap to 2-1 with a cross-goal shot on 61 minutes but it was to be only a consolation as McGinn scored his second and Villa's third as he fired into an open goal from long range for the 3-1 win. 

Seagulls Defeat Clarets

Brighton & Hove Albion continued their good form with a 2-0 win over Burnley at the AMEX Stadium.The hosts opened the scoring as Georginio Rutter slotted in from close range on 29 minutes and the lead was doubled on 47 minutes as Yasin Ayari arrowed into the far corner for 2-0.  

 Hammers Humbled As Wolves Finally Win

Wolverhampton Wanderers finally ended their season-long winless streak with a 3-0 win over West Ham United at Molineux. The hosts made a rapid start with Jhon Arias slotting in for 1-0 inside four minutes and the lead was doubled on 31 minutes by Hwang Hee-Chan's penalty for 2-0. The win was wrapped up before the interval as Mateus Mané curled in a low effort for 3-0 after just 41 minutes. The hosts pushed for more in the second half but held firm with the 3-0 lead to record a much needed victory. 

Gunners Edge Cherries 

Arsenal extended their lead at the top with a narrow 3-2 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The hosts were gifted the opening goal as Evanilson took advantage of a defensive error to slot into an open goal for 1-0. The visitors drew level on 16 minutes as Gabriel went from villain to hero with a low strike for 1-1. The turnaround was complete on 54 minutes as Declan Rice fired in from the edge of the area for 2-1 and he doubled his tally from close range on 71 minutes for 3-1. The hosts cut the gap to 3-2 in style as Eli Kroupi swept in a superb strike on 76 minutes but they were unable to draw level as the visitors celebrated the win. 

MIDWEEK

Forest Edge Past Hammers

The midweek gameweek began on Tuesday night as Nottingham Forest claimed a narrow 2-1 win over West Ham United at London Stadium. The hosts were gifted the lead on 13 minutes as Murillo hit into his own net but they levelled with a flicked headed effort from Nicolas Dominguez on 55 minutes for 1-1 and the comeback was completed with a minute left of the 90 as Morgan Gibbs-White slotted in a penalty to wrap up a much needed 2-1 win for Forest. 

Cherries Edge Spurs In Thriller

Bournemouth left it late to secure a narrow 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium. Matthys Tel drove a low shot across goal which rolled into the bottom corner for 1-0 and the hosts were level on 22 minutes as Evanilson headed in for 1-1. Eli Kroupi put the hosts 2-1 ahead on  36 minutes as he flicked in from close range. Spurs drew level at 2-2 with a superb overhead kick from Joao Palhinha on 78 minutes but the joy was to go to the hosts as Antoine Semenyo sealed the win in added time with a superb strike for the 3-2 victory. 

Bees Sting Black Cats

Brentford eased to a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the GTECH Stadium to continue their good form. The hosts opened the scoring on the half hour mark as Igor Thiago raced towards goal and rounded the 'keeper to slot in for 1-0 and the visitors had the chance to level on the hour mark but a truly woeful penalty from Enzo Le Fee was caught by Caoimhin Kelleher and that proved costly as Thiago doubled the lead with a 65th minute header. The win was wrapped up on 73 minutes as Ehor Yarmoliuk fired in from close range to complete the 3-0 victory. 

Eagles Hold Villa

Crystal Palace and Aston Villa shared the points in a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park in a game where both sides had good chances but were unable to find the net and Villa will be the more unhappy in the result as they missed the chance to close up at on league leaders Arsenal. 

Wolves Deny Toffees

Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Hill Dickenson Stadium that saw the hosts end the game with nine men on the pitch. The hosts opened the scoring with a Michael Keane effort on 17 minutes and were pegged back by a superb equaliser from Mateus Mané on 69 minutes. Everton suffered a double blow with the dismissal of Keane on 83 minutes for hair pulling with Jack Grealish sent off in the 90th minute after two bookings in the space of two minutes as the sides shared the points in the 1-1 draw. 

Cottagers Celebrate Beating Blues

Fulham claimed the local bragging rights with a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Craven Cottage. The visitors suffered a blow as Marc Cucurella was dismissed in the 22nd minutes, Fulham used their advantage in taking the lead as Raul Jimenez flicked in the opener on 55 minutes for 1-0. Chelsea drew level on 72 minutes with Liam Delap firing in a rebound for 1-1 but their joy lasted just nine minutes as Harry Wilson sealed the win for the Cottagers on 81 minutes as he fired into the far corner to claim the 2-1 victory. 

City Held By Seagulls

Manchester City's challenge at the top suffered a blow in a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring with an Erling Haaland penalty in the 41st minute which was his 150th goal for the club and also an historic 35,000th in the Premier League itself. The Seagulls drew level on the hour mark with Kaoru Mitoma firing in from the edge of the area for 1-1 which is how the match finished with a share of the points. 

Clarets Deny Red Devils

Burnley and Manchester United shared the points in a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor. The hosts were gifted the lead as a cross was deflected into his own net by Ayden Heaven for 1-0 inside 13 minutes. United did draw level with Benjamin Sesko's effort after collecting a through pass on 50 minutes and he completed the turnaround with his second goal on the hour mark as he flicked in from a cross to give United a 2-1 lead. However, they were to be denied the win as Burnley secured a share of the points with Jaiden Anthony's stunning top corner strike just six minutes later and neither side was able to score a third as they finished level at 2-2. 

Magpies Marvel In Late Leeds Win 

Newcastle United left it late to seal a 4-3 win over Leeds United at St James' Park. The visitors opened the scoring on 32 minutes as Brenden Aaronson fired in to the bottom corner for 1-0 before Harvey Barnes levelled for the hosts as he slotted in from close range in the 36th minute. Leeds regained the lead as Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted in a penalty for 2-1 deep into first half added time. Newcastle levelled at 2-2 in the 54th minute via a clever flick header from Joelinton.

The visitors took a 3-2 lead on 79 minutes with Aaronson slotted across goal for his second goal of the game. However, Newcastle were not to be denied as they struck twice in added time, firstly a Bruno Guimaraes penalty in the first minute of added time for 3-3 then a stunning winner in the 12th minute of added time as Barnes scored his second goal of the evening tapping in from close range to claim the 4-3 win. 

Gunners Top While City/Villa Stay In The Hunt

Gameweek 18 saw the Premier League resume after Christmas with action across the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Red Devils Defeat Magpies

Manchester United secured a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Friday night at Old Trafford. The crucial strike came in style on 24 minutes as Patrick Dorgu fired in a superb volley for 1-0 and the hosts held on to the lead to secure the narrow win. 

City Edge Past Forest

The Saturday lunchtime clash saw Manchester City edge a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The visitors opened the scoring in the 48th minute after a close first half as Tijiani Reijnders slotted in from close range for 1-0. Forest replied as Omari Hutchinson levelled in the 54th minute by finishing off a rapid counter attack for 1-1. City sealed the win with seven minutes left of the 90 as Rayan Cherki fired in from outside of the area to make it 2-1 and seal the win. 

Gunners Overcome Seagulls 

Arsenal regained top spot with a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring in style on 14 minutes as Martin Odegaard fired into the bottom corner from outside of the area. The lead was doubled via a gift as Georginio Rutter flicked a corner into his own net on 52 minutes. The visitors did gain some consolation though with Diego Gomez firing in a rebound for 2-1 but were unable to level as Arsenal held on for the victory.

Bees Crush Cherries 

Brentford eased to a 4-1 win over Bournemouth at the GTECH Community Stadium and they went ahead inside seven minutes with Kevin Schade slotting in for 1-0 before an own goal from Djordje Petrovic doubled the lead on 39 minutes. A stunning second of the afternoon for Schade from close range made it 3-0 on 51 minutes. Bournemouth cut the gap to 3-1 on 75 minutes with Antoine Semenyo flicking in superbly from close range for 3-1 but it proved to be only a consolation as Schade wrapped up the win as he completed his hat-trick in added time with a header for a perfect hat-trick in the 4-1 win. 

Clarets And Toffees Share Points

Burnley and Everton shared the points in a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor. The hosts came achingly close to stealing a win at the end as Zian Flemming hit the post with an open goal in his sight but the sides ended at 0-0.

Reds Extend Wolves Woes

Liverpool continued their good form with a 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. The hosts opened the scoring with two goals in as many minutes before the interval as Ryan Gravenberch slotted in after a pullback pass and he was joined on the scoresheet within a minute by Florian Wirtz who opened his scoring account for Liverpool after collecting a through pass for 2-0. Wolves did cut the gap with 51 minutes on the clock as Santiago Bueno tapped in from a rebound for 2-1 but they were unable to draw level and extended their losing run in the 2-1 defeat. 

Cottagers Edge Past Hammers

Fulham moved into the top half of the table as they secured a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham United at London Stadium. The crucial strike came in the 85th minute as Raul Jimenez connected to a cross to head in superbly for the winning goal as the Cottagers took the 1-0 victory. 

Villa Comeback Stuns Blues 

Aston Villa came from behind to extend their winning streak in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The hosts opened the scoring as Joao Pedro connected to a cross for 1-0 on 37 minutes. Villa drew level on 63 minutes as substitute Ollie Watkins slotted in for 1-1 after a great through pass. Watkins stunned the home fans with six minutes left of the 90 as he put Villa 2-1 ahead and they held on for the win. 

Black Cats and Whites Score Draw

Super Sunday began with the 1-1 draw between Sunderland and Leeds United at the Stadium of Light. The hosts opened the scoring with Simon Adingra slotting in after collecting a through pass in the 28th minute. The visitors levelled just two minutes after the interval as Dominic Calvert-Lewin connected to a cross to tap in from close range and seal a point in the 1-1 draw. 

Spurs Soar Against Eagles 

The final game of the weekend saw an all-London clash as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The crucial strike came in the 42nd minute as Archie Gray opened his Spurs account with a close range strike to seal the three points. 

 

City And Villa Close on Gunners

Gameweeks 16 and 17 saw the final push before the busy festive period.

Blues Beat Toffees

Everton's long wait for a first win at Stamford Bridge since the 1994/95 season continued as they lost out 2-0 to Chelsea. The hosts opened the scoring on 27 minutes as Cole Palmer slotted in for a 1-0 lead and the win was wrapped up just before the interval as Malo Gusto finished off a cutback pass to tap in for 2-0. The visitors pushed to cut the gap in the second half but to no avail as the hosts held on for the win. 

Rapid Reds Beat Seagulls 

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. A rapid start from the hosts saw Hugo Ekitike strike inside 47 seconds after he collected a Joe Gomez header to fire in for 1-0. The lead was doubled on the hour as Mohamed Salah's corner found the head of Ekitike at the far post and he headed in for 2-0. The visitors pushed to mount a comeback to no luck as the hosts claimed all three points. 

Cottagers Extends Clarets Woes

Fulham ended a long wait since 1951 to win at Turf Moor as they sealed a 3-2 win over Burnley. The visitors opened the scoring in the ninth minute as Emile Smith-Rowe tapped in from a corner but they were pegged back by a Lesley Ugochukwu slotted in on 21 minutes for 1-1. Fulham regained the lead on 31 minutes as Calvin Bassey headed in for 2-1 and they went 3-1 ahead on 58 minutes as Harry Wilson finished off a counter-attacking move. The hosts setup a tense finish though as Oliver Sonne collected a flick on to slot in on 86 minutes but they were unable to level as the Cottagers celebrated the historic victory. 

Gunners Glory Against Winless Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers are still awaiting their first win of the season after a 2-1 loss to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening. The hosts opened the scoring as a corner swung in and deflected off the Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone in the 70th minute for 1-0. Wolves drew level in the 90th minute as  Tolu Arokodare flicked a header in for 1-1. Their joy of a potential point was soured though as Yerson Mosquera headed into his own net deep in added time to gift the hosts the 2-1 win. 

City Ease Past Eagles

Manchester City eased to a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. The visitors opened the scoring on 41 minutes as Erling Haaland connected to a cross to head in for 1-0 and the lead was doubled by a fine finish from Phil Foden on 69 minutes. The win was wrapped up as Haaland scored his second and City's third of the afternoon via a penalty in the 89th minute to confirm the 3-0 victory.

Fabulous Forest Stun Spurs 

Nottingham Forest boosted their mixed form with a superb 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur  at The City Ground. The hosts opened the scoring as they capitalised on a defensive error with Callum Hudson-Odoi tapping in for 1-0. The lead was doubled as Hudson-Odoi curled in a superb effort for 2-0 and the win was wrapped up in the 79th minute by a stunning long range strike from which nestled into the top corner.

Derby Delight for Black Cats

Sunderland claimed the bragging rights in the Wear-Tyne derby with a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. The crucial strike was a truly bizarre one as Magpies striker Nick Woltemade swept a superb header on to the bar which cannoned over the line but unfortunately it was into his own net just a minute into the second half. 

Valiant Villa Overcome Hammers

Aston Villa came from behind to seal a 3-2 win over West Ham United at London Stadium.  The hosts opened the scoring inside 30 seconds as Mateus Fernandes fired in but they gifted the visitors a leveller as Konstantinos Mavropanos  deflected into his own net inside nine minutes.  West Ham regained the lead as Jarrod Bowen flicked in from close range and Villa did the same in as Morgan Rogers tapped in from close range for 2-2. The winning goal went to Villa as Rogers completed the turnaround with a looping effort from distance to secure the 3-2 victory. 

Bees Held By Whites 

Brentford and Leeds United shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the GTech Community Stadium. 

The hosts opened the scoring as Jordan Henderson finished off a cutback pass to fire in for 1-0 in the 70th minute but they were pegged back by a leveller from Dominic Calvert-Lewin who headed in a cross in the 82nd minute to secure a point.

Cherries Hold Red Devils In Thriller

Monday night saw Manchester United and Bournemouth shared the points in an eight goal thriller as they drew 4-4 at Old Trafford. The hosts struck first with Amad Diallo heading in for 1-0 on 13 minutes but they were pegged back by Antoine Semenyo's 40th minute leveller. United though held the lead into the interval as they went 2-1 ahead as Casemiro capitalised on a defensive error. The Cherries turned the game around with two goals in six minutes as Evanilson (46) and Marcus Tavernier (52) out them 3-2 ahead. A similar double from Bruno Fernandes (77) and Matheus Cunha (79) saw United lead 4-3 but their joy was to be soured with six minutes to go as Eli Kroupi drove home a leveller for the 4-4 draw. 

Battling Blues Deny Magpies

The weekend began with the early game as Chelsea came from behind to seal a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at St James' Park. The hosts opened the scoring as Nick Woltemade flicked in a rebound from close range and he doubled the lead on 20 minutes with a clever flick from a cross. Chelsea hit back superbly with a Reece James free-kick nestling in the top corner on 49 minutes before Joao Pedro (66) slotted in for 2-2 after a clever run to ensure a share of the points. 

Cherries and Clarets Draw

Burnley claimed their first point since October in a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. A close game saw the side remain level for the first hour and the deadlock was broken in the 67th minute as Antoine Semenyo curled an effort into the net. Their joy was dented though with the win insight as Armando Broja headed in added time to secure a point in the 1-1 draw. 

Seagulls Hold Black Cats

Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion shared the points in a 0-0 draw at the AMEX stadium. In what was the first ever PL meeting between the two sides it wasnt one to remember as they played out a goalless draw. 

City Cruise Past Hammers 

Manchester City moved to the top of the table with a 3-0 win over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland fired in from close range inside five minutes before Tijani Reijnders doubled the lead on 38 minutes with a powerful near post strike for 2-0. The hosts wrapped up the win in the 69th minute as Haaland scored his second of the afternoon after benefitting from defensive deflections to tap in for 3-0. 

Bees Brace Keep Wolves Winless

Wolverhampton Wanderers will enter the festive period still awaiting their first win after a 2-0 loss to Brentford at Molineux. The visitors opened the scoring just after the hour mark after a tight first hour between the teams as Keane Lewis-Potter struck and he wrapped up the 2-0 win with his second goal of the game in the 83rd minute. 

Reds Edge Nine Man Spurs

Liverpool edged a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the mid-evening game at Tottenham Hotspur. The hosts suffered a blow on 33 minutes as Xavi Simons was dismissed for a reckless challenge and it took the until the 56th minute for the Reds to use their advantage as substitute Alexander Isak slotted in from close range for 1-0 but went off injured as a result. The lead was doubled with a 66th minute header from Hugo Ekitiké as he connected to a cross. Spurs pulled a goal back on 82 minutes as substitute Richarlison capitalised on defensive chaos to tap in for 2-1. However, their joy was soured by a second dismissal as Cristian Romero was given a second yellow card and then red for a dangerous foul play in added time. 

Gunners Edge Past Toffees

Saturday's final game saw Arsenal regain top spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Everton at the Hill Dickenson Stadium. The crucial strike saw Viktor Gyokeres converted a 27th minute penalty for a 1-0 lead that they held on to and secured the 1-0 win that puts them top of the tree at Christmas. 

Wonderful Whites Thrash Eagles

Leeds United boosted their form with a superb 4-1 win against Crystal Palace at Elland Road. The hosts opened the scoring on 38 minutes as Dominic Calvert-Lewin tapped in his rebounded effort for 1-0 before Calvert-Lewin headed in a flick on for 2-0 into the interval. Ethan Ampadu extended the lead on the hour with a close range strike. Palace ended the hosts' spree as Justin Devenney converted a penalty two minutes into added time before the win was wrapped up by a stunning free-kick from Anton Stach in the 11th minute of added time for a 4-1 final score. 

Rogers At The Double For Villa

Aston Villa continued their stellar form with a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. The hosts opened the scoring just before half time as Morgan Rogers curled in a superb effort from just inside the area but they went into the interval level at 1-1 as United levelled with a low cross-goal shot from Matheus Cunha. Villa regained the lead in similar style to their opener as Rogers curled in his second goal from close range for 2-1 and the hosts held on for a superb win. 

Cottagers Cut Down Forest

The final game of the gameweek saw Fulham secure a narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on Monday evening. The crucial strike came in added time at the end of the first half as Raul Jimenez slotted in a penalty to move the Cottagers up the table to 13th. 

Gunners Pegged Back At The Top

A double gameweek of 14 and 15 saw the traditional December midweek programme before a full weekend schedule. 

Toffees Topple Cherries 

Tuesday night began with Everton securing a narrow 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The crucial strike came in the 78th minute as Jack Grealish saw his effort on goal deflected in to seal the three points in the 1-0 win. 

City Edge Cottagers In Thriller

Manchester City came out on top in a nine-goal thriller at Craven Cottage as they won 5-4 against Fulham. The visitors opened up a 3-0 lead with Erling Haaland (17), Tijani Reijnders (37) & Phil Foden (44) all getting in on the act before Emile Smith-Rowe cutting the gap in first half added time for 3-1. Foden struck for a second time to regain the three goal lead at 4-1 on 48 minute before City were gifted their fifth via a Sander Berge own goal for 5-1. Fulham fought back superbly with Alex Iwobi's 57th minute effort making it 5-2 before a six minute brace in the 72nd and 78th minutes from Samuel Chukwueze setup a tense finish with City holding on for the 5-4 victory. 

Magpies Held By Spurs 

Newcastle United were denied a win as they were held by Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park in a 2-2 draw. A close game saw the sides still deadlocked long into the second half when the hosts opened the scoring with a Bruno Guimaraes strike but the visitors soon drew level with a 78th minute leveller from Cristian Romero for 1-1. Newcastle regained the lead in the 86th minute with an Anthony Gordon penalty but were denied the victory as Romero scored a stunning overhead-kick in added time for a 2-2 final score. 

Gunners Beat Bees

Arsenal extended their good run at the top with a 2-0 win over Brentford at Emirates Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring through Mikel Merino after just 11 minutes and wrapped up the win in added time as Bukayo Saka struck for 2-0. 

Villa Comeback Stuns Seagulls

Aston Villa came out on top in a seven-goal thriller with a 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. The hosts opened up a 2-0 lead with Jan Paul van Hecke scoring in the ninth minute before a Pau Torres own goal in the 29th minute. Villa fought back to go into the half-time interval level at 2-2 after Ollie Watkins scored in both the 37th minute and seventh minute of added time.  Villa then went ahead with Amadou Onana striking on the hour before Donyell Malen made it 4-2 on 78 minutes. The hosts cut the gap with a second goal from van Hecke in the 83rd minute but could level as Villa held on for the win. 

Eagles Defeat Clarets

Crystal Palace continued their good form with a narrow 1-0 win against Burnley at Turf Moor. The crucial strike came in the 44th minute as Daniel Munoz struck to seal the win for Palace that saw them rise to fifth in the table. 

Forest Extend Wolves Woes

Nottingham Forest extended Wolverhampton Wanderers winless run with a narrow 1-0 win at Molineux. The crucial strike came in the 72nd minute as Igor Jesus opened his account for the visitors as they secured all three points. 

Wonderful Whites Stun Blues 

Leeds United moved out of the bottom three with a comfortable 3-1 win over Chelsea at Elland Road. The hosts opened the scoring with a sixth minute strike from Jaka Bijol and then doubled the lead on 43 minutes as Ao Tanaka made it 2-0. Chelsea cut the gap to 2-1 with a 50th minute effort from Pedro Neto but their hopes of a leveller were dashed when Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck for a 3-1 lead in the 72nd minute which is how it ended. 

Reds Deny Black Cats

Liverpool secured a share of the points in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield. A close fought first hour saw the sides remain level as the deadlock was broken on 67 minutes as Chemsdine Talbi's shot deflected off Virgil van Dijk and into the net for 1-0. The hosts levelled in similar style on 81 minutes as Florian Wirtz's strike went in off Nordi Mukiele to make it 1-1 and ensure the points were shared. 

Red Devils Held By Hammers

The midweek action concluded at Old Trafford on Thursday night as Manchester United drew 1-1 with West Ham United. The hosts opened the scoring on 58 minutes with a Diego Dalot effort but their joy was soured with seven minutes left as Soungoutou Magassa levelled to make it 1-1 and salvage a point for the visitors. 

Victorious Villa Stun Gunners

Aston Villa continued their great form with a last-gasp 2-1 win over leaders Arsenal at Villa Park. The hosts opened the scoring in style on 36 minutes as Matty Cash swept in a back post volley for 1-0. Arsenal levelled on 53 minutes as Leandro Trossard tapped in at the far post for 1-1. The points looked set to be shared but Villa took all three thanks to a close range flick from Emi Buendia who sealed the 2-1 win in added time. 

Cherries and Blues Drab Draw

Bournemouth and Chelsea shared the points at the Vitality Stadium in a 0-0 draw that almost had a perfect start for the Cherries but the strike from Antoine Semenyo in the fifth minute was chalked off by VAR due to offside. 

Toffees Trounce Forest

Everton moved up the table with a comfortable 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Hill Dickenson Stadium. The opener came inside two minutes as a gift as Nikola Mienkoiic deflected in for 1-0 before a superb counter attack was finished off by Thierno Barry in first half added time to double the lead. The gloss on the win came on 80 minutes as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fired in for a 3-0 final score. 

City Cruise Past Black Cats

Manchester City eased to a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. The hosts opened up a 2-0 lead with two strikes in four minutes as Ruben Dias fired in from distance on 31 minutes and Josko Gvardiol headed in on 35 minutes. The win was wrapped up on 65 minutes as Phil Foden flicked in a header and the miserable afternoon for the visitors only got worse as Luke O'Nien was dismissed in added time of the 3-0 loss. 

Magpies Edge Clarets

Newcastle United survived a late scare to seal a 2-1 win over Burnley at St James' Park. The hosts opened the scoring in stellar style as Bruno Guimaraes scored directly from a corner before the visitors day got worse with the sending off of Lucas Pires in the 43rd minute and an Anthony Gordon penalty in first half added time for a 2-0 lead. Burnley cut the gap late on as Zian Flemming slotted in a penalty in the fourth minute of added time but the hosts managed to hold on for the win. 

Spurs Sting Bees

Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-0 win over fellow London rivals Brentford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The hosts opened the scoring as Richarlison clipped in at the back post in the before Xavi Simons raced from inside his own half to fire in for a 2-0 lead that secured all three points. 

Leeds Luck Denies Reds

Leeds United left it late to seal a 3-3 draw with Liverpool in a thriller at Elland Road. The visitors opened up a 2-0 lead with two goals in as many minutes from Hugo Ekitiké in the 48th and 50th minutes but they were pegged back by two goals in as many minutes from the hosts as Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck a 73rd minute penalty and Anton Stach levelled on 75 minutes with a curling effort. The Reds regained the lead with a Dominik Szoboszlai effort but the drama came in the final seconds of added time as Ao Tanaka flicked in a cross to seal a point in the 3-3 draw. 

Hammers Held By Seagulls 

West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the AMEX Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Both sides had chances to open the scoring but the deadlock was broken on 73 minutes as Jarrod Bowen's sliding effort nestled in the far corner for 1-0 but their joy was soured in the 90th minute as Georginio Rutter slotted in the equaliser for 1-1. 

Eagles Edge Past Cottagers

Crystal Palace edged a 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Super Sunday. The hosts struck first as Eddie Nketiah slotted in the bottom corner for a 1-0 lead and they were pegged back on 38 minutes by a superb equaliser from Harry Wilson for 1-1.Palace regained the lead with 87 minutes on the clock as Marc Guehi headed in to send the Eagles into the top four with the 2-1 win. 

Red Devils Rout Winless Wolves

The final game of the week saw Manchester United ease to a 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Monday night. The visitors struck first with Bruno Fernandes scoring in the 25th minute for a 1-0 lead that was levelled on the half-time interval by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde for 1-1. United restored the lead with a 51st minute strike from Bryan Mbeumo and the score became 3-1 just after the hour with Mason Mount's effort. The gloss on the win came with eight minutes remaining as Fernandes scored his second of the game with a penalty to round off the 4-1 rout.