This weekend in the Premier League: Man City & Arsenal draw, Chelsea win at London Stadium & more
Matchday five of the Premier League came with scintillating action, delivering all the excitement we have come to expect from the English top flight.
From thrilling comebacks to stunning upsets, the weekend delivered everything a football fan could ask for. Join us as we dive into the key moments, analyse the league’s current standings, and explore the emerging narratives shaping the 2023/24 season.
Premier League Matchday 5 Recap
West Ham 0-3 Chelsea
West Ham United welcomed Chelsea to the London Stadium for the early kick-off game on Saturday and received a resounding 3-0 thrashing following a gutless display in front of their home crowd.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson ripped the hapless West Ham defence apart, bagging a brace and providing the assist for Cole Palmer’s goal.
The result piled more pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui, whose tenure in east London has been atrocious. Another loss could get the Spaniard the boot after failing to get a beat out of this talented squad.
Meanwhile, Chelsea climbed to fifth place and continued to show steady improvement under new boss Enzo Maresca. The Blues created five big chances and prevented the Hammers from creating clear-cut opportunities.
Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth
Elsewhere, Liverpool were desperate to return to winning ways when they took on AFC Bournemouth over the weekend after slipping up against Nottingham Forest.
Luis Diaz bagged a brace against the Cherries before Darwin Nunez ensured the win with a gorgeous strike. The Reds have the best defensive record in the league, conceding only once this term. They also boast the third most potent attack.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has gotten off to an exciting start in Merseyside. The Reds sit second on the Premier League table and opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over AC Milan.
Slot is adeptly filling the massive boots of former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp and the demand for Liverpool tickets on Seatsnet.com has increased considerably since his arrival.
Bournemouth have struggled this term but will take courage from their slow start last season.
The Cherries looked lost in the early days under manager Andoni Iraola but levelled up on their way to registering their best point tally in the top flight. They need that magic this term.
Aston Villa 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Later, Aston Villa took on Wolverhampton Wanderers, looking to continue their stellar first few games of the new campaign. The Villains did not get off to the start they wanted, with manager Unai Emery describing the first 45 as the worst of his tenure.
Wolves led through Matheus Cunha, but a reinvigorated Villa side found their way to turn the tide.
Villa striker Ollie Watkins netted the equaliser before Ezri Konsa scored at the back post to give the Villains the lead. And then Jhon Duran scored to ensure the victory.
Villa rose to third place on the Premier League log, with that loss to Arsenal the only blemish on their record.
However, Wolves sit rock bottom at the foot of the standings. They must find a way out soon or risk being drawn into a relegation dogfight.
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur were another team desperate for a positive result after a loss to their arch-rivals Arsenal. The north Londoners took on Brentford and stuttered in the first minute.
Brentford rattled Tottenham when Bryan Mbeumo applied an excellent finish and gave his side the lead after only a minute.
Tottenham would weather the storm with goals from Brennan Johnson and new signing Dominic Solanke before James Maddison put the gloss on the win.
For the first time this season, Spurs’ attack seemed to click with the frontline combining well, and Ange Postecoglou will hope they continue to show this fluidity.
As for Brentford, they will look to end their run of two successive losses in the Premier League when they face Manchester City this coming weekend.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United inexplicably played out a goalless draw with Crystal Palace in a match that saw both sides register excellent chances to claim the win.
The Red Devils continue to rot in 11th place after winning only two of their opening five league fixtures (D1, L2).
The match was also marred by a contentious refereeing decision that saw Man United defender Lisandro Martinez escape a red card despite a deliberate stamp attempt.
Erik ten Hag’s side are showing improvements from last season, but the results are not forthcoming.
Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
The most high-profile match of the weekend was the meeting between title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal.
Reigning Premier League champions Man City welcomed the depleted Gunners to the Emirates Stadium for a showdown that lived up to the billing.
Savinho veered away from Ricardo Calafiori before sending Erling Haaland through on goal in the ninth minute. The Norwegian buried the effort to give the Cityzens the early lead.
However, Arsenal showed their title credentials, equalising minutes later through a stunning hit by Calafiori.
In the dying moments of the first half, Arsenal flexed their set-piece muscle as Gabriel Magalhaes snuck away from Kyle Walker to power in a header via a Bukayo Saka corner.
The Gunners had the ascendancy, but Leandro Trossard headlessly fouled Bernardo Silva before booting the ball away, much to the irritation of referee Michael Oliver.
Trossard received marching orders weeks after teammate Declan Rice got a red for kicking the ball away. The league is clamping down on time-wasting, and the Belgian did not make the smartest choice in that situation.
Trossard left the team handicapped against a spirited Manchester City.
The Gunners had to play most of the second half with ten men, and while their defence stood strong for most of the game, they were eventually breached by John Stones, who earned City a point with his 90+8 strike.
Leicester City 1-1 Everton
Everton remain winless after drawing Leicester City 1-1. They sit 19th in the table. The Toffees will take consolation from at least registering their first point of the campaign.
Iliman Ndiaye netted a fine goal, showing fancy footwork to set up the chance, which he dispatched with aplomb, but Stephy Mavididi equalised as they shared the spoils.
Southampton 1-1 Ipswich Town
Like Everton, Southampton scored their first point of the new season following a draw with fellow Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.
Manchester United target Tyler Dibling opened the scoring with a delightful finish, but Sam Morsy levelled proceedings to keep the Saints stuck in the relegation zone.
